LIKES
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” Matthew 21:8-9, ESV
Theme: Jesus’ legacy was obedience, regardless of the crowd’s positive or negative response.
THUMBS UP OR THUMBS DOWN
When I receive a text message, I often acknowledge receipt with a thumbs up. If a message is bad news from a friend, occasionally I’ll send a thumbs down in agreement that the message is disappointing or that I’m sorry to hear that. It’s amazing how a thumbs up (or heart) can brighten my day, affirm my statement, or encourage me. If I send a thumbs down by accident, I quickly explain, lest the error be misinterpreted as unkind. Social media has created an empire on “likes.” “Likes” matter to us. They affect us and change our behavior in many cases. Not so with Jesus. Thumbs up or thumbs down, Jesus did what His Father directed.
UNAPPRECIATED AT HOME
One of the places Jesus was rejected was in His hometown. In Nazareth he got a solid thumbs down. When I have been out of town on mission (to repair an orphanage, lead a Bible camp for kids, or serve the underprivileged) it is different than doing those same things at home. People have different expectations of us when we are “home.” When Jesus went to Nazareth, we read that those who knew of Him and His family of origin “...took offense at him (Mark 6:3b).” Jesus obeyed God at home. He did a bit of teaching, and some were impressed by that. But they didn’t have faith. He didn’t take the opportunity to show off, ask for a big miracle to clear His name, or lecture them. When He found the people didn’t believe Him, Jesus followed the Father and left. He let the people of Nazareth remain in their doubt.
MOST OF THE CROWD
On Palm Sunday, did an adoring crowd welcome Jesus to town? Was it a celebration, like a homecoming football game for “Team Jesus”? The Bible says, "most of the crowd” present for Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem spread cloaks, cut branches, and shouted “Hosanna.” Most...but not all. Even those who did cheer misunderstood Jesus’ intentions as God’s Son, the Messiah. Some welcomed Him, assuming He would free them from the oppressive Roman government. Some approved of the healings. Some wanted to see Him because they had heard stories about miracles, like feeding crowds of thousands. Some were part of the happy procession...but not all.
Within a few days, Jesus was on trial, convicted, and sentenced to death. Were some of the people along the road the same ones casting angry stares or whispering about Jesus? Were some concerned about the rumors, reinterpreted rules, or suspected blasphemy? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that not everyone celebrated Jesus. Did Jesus parade into Jerusalem because He needed affirmation, “likes,” or cheers? No, although I know I would have been tempted to do that. Jesus went where God sent Him, regardless of approval from his friends, enemies, or the crowds.
Make It Personal: What legacy might I leave if I didn’t concern myself so much with “likes” or approval from my friends, enemies, or crowds? In what ways do I allow myself to be more influenced by “likes” than I am by Jesus?
Pray: Dear God, thank You for providing direction and approval. I’m thankful that You see the whole picture, even when my focus is narrow. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and away from approval or disapproval. I want to leave a legacy, but that’s only possible if I look away from the crowds and look to You. Thank You for letting me return and return again, even when I make mistakes. Help me to love others and refrain from forcing my own opinions or way on others. You are so kind to me, and Your approval is not like the world’s fickle version. Like a mother loves her child, You love me...just because. I’m so grateful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Galatians 1:10; Matthew 21:42; Mark 6:1-6
Weekly Memory Verse:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9, ESV