Who Is This?

Who Is This?

     Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he read from Matthew 21:1-11 regarding the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.   

 Jerusalem was full of crowds of people because it was the celebration of the Pass Over.

    Jesus instructed his disciples where to find a donkey and her colt, but they said, what shall we say if they ask?  Jesus said, tell them that your Lord has need of them.

Matthew 21:9-11  And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.  

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?   And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Pastor asked, “Was Jesus a Celebrity?”  When we think of present day celebrities, we think of movie stars, award winners, politicians with much pomp and ceremony.

The first century image of Jesus as a celebrity was of him entering Jerusalem riding a donkey and along side was her colt.  It was customary to honor a celebrity by throwing down clothing and hoping to retrieve it for a souvenir. 

Little children danced and the people shouted as they recognized Jesus for his reputation of being a Prophet and Healer.

Some wondered, was He coming into the city as a King?  Or as a troublemaker, and a blasphemer?   The crowd asked and then came to their own conclusion, this is a prophet.

A crowd can turn quickly from one minute to the next.  Hosanna’s were cried on this day, but soon the multitude would shout crucify Him.  Then after a few more days, they would ask, “What must we do to be saved?”

How do you perceive Jesus?  Who is this person to you?

The common people loved a prophet, but the powerful leaders recognized prophets as troublemakers and they were tough on rebels.  John the Baptist was a prophet and you may remember what King Herod did to him.

Many so called prophets were merely “yes men.”   Modern day prophets often get fired for their speeches and scolding rants.  The average person does not enjoy rebuke and admonishments.  There were so many laws that were difficult to fulfill, and Jesus knew that.

That is why you are here in church today, for you do not need scolding, because you have come to see Jesus for He is here.

Speaking the truth is one thing and “Being the Truth” is another thing.  Jesus is the Truth.

There was a shaking up as Jesus entered Jerusalem, an earth shattering moment.

On the cross a few days later there was an earth quake as God turned his back and the temple veil was rent in two from the top to the bottom, allowing us entrance to God’s presence.  Three days later another earthquake opened the tomb releasing the living Christ Jesus

God has become within reach of us.  May we shout Hosanna Save us NOW. 

Then Pastor asked the congregation to join with him in a shout of “Hosanna.”

Can you join with us and shout today,  Hosanna Jesus is Lord!