Read Matthew 21.1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/
It's interesting to be reading this passage during the Advent season - it's one of the Gospel accounts that is assignedfor the Liturgy of the Palms on Palm Sunday. In fact, it's the passage we read at St. John's this past April as we opened our observance of Holy Week.
In this liturgical season, we prepare to mark again the Incarnation - the first Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. Near the end of his earthly life, Jesus encounters in Jerusalem the cheering crowds who wish to hail him as king who would conquer the occupying Romans and restore the Davidic monarchy. Of course we know that just a week later, these same people who shout "Hosanna!" are crying "Crucify!" The kingship of Jesus, while absolutely real, is not modeled on the flawed systems of power which predominate in our world - then as well as now.
Were Jesus to show up today (which is of course possible!), those who would acclaim him as king would just as likely expect the wrong things of him. The kingship of Jesus is one of servanthood - he came not to be served but to serve. This reality goes against our fallen human instincts, and it still leads people to say "Who is this?" The person of Jesus is so compelling that his presence compels people to take stock of who he is - and we who follow Him are called to witness with our lives as to His identity as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Today, as you contemplate how you will prepare the way for the Lord this Advent season, answer for yourself the question of the crowds: Who is this? When have I turned my "hosanna" into "crucify"?
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