Triumph

The Story

The phrase is not lost on us. The red carpet suggests the presence of a celebrity. Used to welcome one who is revered, the red carpet is rolled out on special occasions. Most of us probably think of the red carpet as being used at Hollywood Film Premiers. But may I remind you that the Red Carpet is also used for the ducks at the Peabody. Celebrity is in the eye of the beholder. Celebrities are made and forgotten within moments. The American appetite for the glitter of the famous never gets filled. This fascination with the famous is not new.

John tells us that such a scene took place with Jesus as the focus. Jesus enters Jerusalem on the Sunday at the beginning of the Passover Week. This triumphant entrance would have rivaled our Hollywood Red Carpet events. It is believed that Jerusalem swelled to as many as 1 million people during the Passover time. We don’t know how many of these gathered to watch Jesus come into the city. John tells us it was a great crowd that knew about his entrance and then he tells us something else in verse 18—it isn’t the eyewitnesses to Lazarus’ resurrection that lines the street, but those who want to see a celebrity. They want to see the man who has been identified as the one who did this miracle.

This crowd lines the street. They shout “Hosanna” which is a term of praise and means “Save.” How do you see Jesus as he sits atop a young donkey? Is he smiling? Waving? Nodding his head? Somber? For those who want to pick up on the signals the fact that Jesus is riding a donkey fulfills prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. John tells us that his own disciples did not pick up on the hints so there is little reason for us to assume that others did. Such a display of popularity and celebrity produces anger, jealousy, and envy among the religious leaders.

But Jesus is not deterred. He knows that his new found fame will not last. He knows that this same crowd will call for his death in a few short days. Instead of basking in the warmth of loud applause, Jesus calls the crowd to follow him in service for others. He calls for sacrifice. He calls for true discipleship to be revealed. He calls for commitment. What do people do when the celebrity calls for such dedication? They question Jesus’ motives. Why would he want to ruin such a special moment? Instead of taking advantage of photo opportunities; instead of kissing the babies and shaking hands; Jesus ruins the moment by speaking to the hearts of the people. And the people want to celebrate Jesus but they don’t want to change.

Application

There are two brief things I want us to notice from this text. First, verses 19-22. In a statement intended to reflect their disgust with this display of popularity, the religious leaders announce, “the whole world has gone after him!” and to verify that truth John quickly follows with the story of the Greeks coming to see Jesus. What was intended to be a statement exaggerating Jesus’ popularity finds its fulfillment in foreigners wanting to see Jesus. The reality is clear. There is none like Jesus.

Dwight and I have spent weeks proclaiming that same message. We have said it in different ways, but the message has not changed. There is no one like Jesus.

Do you want to see Jesus? It seems that more people are interested in seeing what Brad and Angelina’s baby looks like than in seeing Jesus. But Jesus understands and calls his disciples to understand an important truth—a seed must die to produce fruit.

Jesus was going to die in order to produce many more seeds. Jesus’ true disciples understand that death is the key to life. If we want to see Jesus we must die. We die in our baptism. We die to our selfishness. We die to our comfort. We will be where Jesus was. Where was Jesus? With people. Talking. Teaching. Encouraging. Refusing to allow the discomfort of the moment keep him from trying to help another to truly see him. Will we do the same? Will we die?

Second, verse 34. Jesus speaks of his death and the people reject the idea of the crucifixion. They have heard the promise that the seed of David is coming. The Messiah will reign forever. How can Jesus speak of death and reign? He cannot be the Messiah. Jesus didn’t fit their ideas about Messiah. Jesus’ response is simple: Trust me.

Invariably we have all been where these people are. We have all had the experience that things didn’t fit the way we thought things should fit. We have all experienced doubts and misgivings. The answer remains the same.

Trust Jesus. Whatever the event that unfolds and destroys our “shoulds,” “oughts,” and idea of fairness, the response is the same. Trust Jesus. Life is supposed to be predictable, but it isn’t always—trust. Our marriage was supposed to be made in heaven but it seems more like hell—trust. My kids don’t love Jesus—trust. There’s never enough money—trust. Why am I so lonely?—trust.

God’s children trust him. Do you want to see Jesus? Do you trust him?

Follow Jesus

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