As Jesus entered Jerusalem, what was the reason for praising Jesus? Luke tells us that His followers began to praise God for all the miracles that Jesus had done. The people rejoicing over Jesus were most likely Jewish pilgrims on their way to the Temple for the Passover celebration.
Much of Jesus’ ministry had been outside of Jerusalem, and the common people loved how Jesus taught and were awed by His miracles. Much of the prophecy about Messiah contained intertwined information about both Jesus’ first and second coming. The scholars of the day did not foresee Messiah coming twice. Thus, they assumed Messiah would rule like King David as a political king.
Entering Jerusalem Amid Praise
Jesus had walked on the journey to Jerusalem until He was almost there. A mile or so outside of Jerusalem, He rode an unbroken donkey to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9: 9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt. [1]
The Jewish people despised the rule of Rome and desperately wanted a king of their own. They could see Him fulfilling prophecy and praised Him as King. They threw their cloaks on the ground to honor Him, something they did for the day’s heroes and kings. Many may have been anticipating that Jesus would liberate them from Roman rule. But their mindset kept them from hearing what Jesus had taught.
Luke 18: 31 Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus said, “Listen, we’re going up to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. 32 He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. 33 They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.”
34 But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.[2] When it became apparent that Jesus would not fulfill their hopes, many would turn against Him.
Why Do We Praise Jesus?
As we look at this story, we must ask ourselves why we praise Jesus. Are we praising Him in hopes that we can manipulate Him to do what we want? What will be our reaction when Jesus does something we don’t expect? Jesus did deserve praise because He was on the way to the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins. Many of those shouting Hosanna on Sunday were not willing to follow Jesus into the trouble of trials and crucifixion.
Yet, it was there that Jesus would win the greatest victory. The cross and resurrection was a greater victory than any political victory. Political wins are temporary; Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and the devil is eternal. Jesus deserves our praise for what He did out of love for us.
What is your reason for praising Jesus? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/weeping-amid-rejoicing
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Zec 9:9). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 18:31–34). Tyndale House Publishers.