Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-9

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

How far would you go for a stranger? It’s a question that we all answer quickly in theory, but in reality, it’s a different story. When presented this scenario of a stranger needing help, many people stand up and like to say they would help them because it’s the right thing to do. However, when faced with the exact scenario in real life, we tend to fall woefully short.

We always have reasons for it also. “It’s for my safety.” “I don’t have enough money to help.” “I’m too busy and don’t have time.” Indeed, you might react differently if it’s someone who is homeless versus a friend you know. For we must understand that what we call “selfless” help isn’t always so selfless.

But look at Jesus this week. This Sunday we celebrate his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. While there is much fanfare and celebration for his coming, everyone is completely oblivious to the real reason Jesus rides into the city. Just as Matthew cites, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden,” Matthew 21:5 (cf. Zechariah 9:9). This “parade” is to celebrate the king who comes. Jesus is that king. He’s returning to his people to take care of them like no other king has done in their history.

Lest we get lost in the events that are about to unfold, we should understand the importance of this journey. When Jesus rides into Jerusalem, he does it for you. For Jesus is going to the place where he knows there’s danger for him. He goes to the place that has been against him at every turn. He goes into the midst of wolves who seek his life, just so he can come to you! Hence, the crowds shout, “Hosanna!” which means, “Save us, Lord!” For there is nothing more joyous to them than deliverance from the ones who have held them captive.

Jesus didn’t have to go to Jerusalem. He didn’t have to come to the place he would be killed. But Jesus knowing all of this still came… for you. Indeed, Palm Sunday is just the beginning of all that was about to happen. But it was also the statement from Jesus that you are worth every bit of suffering he would endure. For Jesus would go to Jerusalem knowing he would be arrested, by being betrayed by one of his own disciples. He would go to Jerusalem knowing he would be mocked and spit on by soldiers and crowds. Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing that they were going to nail him to the cross, just so he could be with you… a stranger to him. Jesus went all the way to the cross to die for those who never knew him, never talked with him, to those who were alienated from him by their sin, so that he could know you! He went to the cross to turn strangers into brothers and sisters that we may spend eternity with him!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.