The story of Palm Sunday is one of my favorites. Christ’s triumphant entry is a story about how God is greater than our expectations. The people of Jerusalem expected one thing, but God had a better plan in store.
As Jesus rode through the city, the crowds chanted “Hosanna” which means “Save us.” Right then and there, the people of Jerusalem were expecting Jesus to gloriously lead a battle to rescue them from the Romans. Except, that is not at all what Jesus or God had planned. Not long after, some of these same people shouted, “Crucify him!” Sadly, they did not see what was right in front of their noses. That Jesus was saving them. Just not in the way they had wanted or thought. They limited God. They put the Messiah in their own little box of expectations.
We are no different.
So many times do we allow our expectations to limit God. I’ve done it. I’m guilty of telling God how He can fix a problem. Throughout my young adult life, I was constantly giving God suggestions on how to give me a boyfriend. It was ridiculous, I know. The God of the Universe did not need me to offer advice on how to write my love story and thank goodness He did write it! I will be happily married six months come Friday. The man God had chosen for me was certainly worth the wait – even if it all came about in a way I wouldn’t have expected or chosen.
I’ve also found myself limiting God. In college I suffered from hip alignment issues that caused intense nerve damage. Due to this, I wasn’t able to dance like I used to do (I was trained in classical ballet for ten years). During this time, I never really relied on God for healing. Sure, I prayed about it, but I didn’t ever actually believe anything would come of it. Somewhere during the early months of my diagnosis, I had just decided that God wasn’t going to heal me. It was not that I believed he couldn’t, but rather, I thought he had bigger issues to deal with than me. I was not dying of cancer nor was I paralyzed. There were people worse off than me that needed God’s healing. I knew that wasn’t the way God operated, that He is big enough to care about all His children, but, I had allowed my bitterness to blind me of the truth. After about three years of this, a woman from church took me aside to remind me that God can heal me. I started to put in the work, got back into doing my physical therapy. I began dancing again – even if it wasn’t to the same extent as before. The following summer, I took my first dance teaching job. Since then I have worked for three different dance studios, taught countless classes, and helped produce four Nutcracker performances. I nearly lost out on the chance to do any of this because I had put God into a box. I limited His power with my own expectations.
It is amazing what can happen when we open our eyes to the vast power God has. He is an incredibly creative problem solver. Instead of having Jesus vanquish the Romans on the day of his triumphant entry, God had him enter the city on a lowly donkey. Since it wasn’t what people were expecting, they were easily led into believing that Jesus was not the promised one after all. It wasn’t what they wanted at the time they wanted it, and so, they turned away.
This week I encourage you to open your eyes, to look for the ways God is working in your life – outside the box.
Questions:
Are you limiting God?
Is there an area of your life where you’ve allowed your expectations to prevent you from seeing God’s answers?
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for being bigger and greater than I can imagine. Thank you for sending your son, not just to save the people of Jerusalem, but all people, including me. Open my eyes and help me see your work in my life. I don’t want to be blinded by expectations that I miss something amazing. In Jesus’ name,
One of the things taught in most of Christianity is that Jesus came into Jerusalem only one time and it was a great celebration of his kingship and carried out by all who were so glad to see him. It is commonly called “Palm Sunday”. The people calling him the “Son of David” is the same as calling him “king” by the people there. They wanted him to come to the capital there and throw out the Romans and Greeks and then set up his kingdom on earth right then and there. This record in Mark 11 is about the first day before Passover that Jesus comes into the city. I took the reading from the Revised English Bible (REV) on the Spirit and Truth’s website.
Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem on this day is one of rejoicing and great celebrations by the people. “Hosanna” is literally “God save us”. They are saying “God save us by the one who comes in the name of Yahweh”. Heady stuff and sure to make both the secular leaders of the Jews (mostly Sadducees) and the Romans soldiers and administrators very unhappy. The Jews didn’t want to upset the cozy formula they had worked out to go along and get along. Also to keep the money train going in the Temple and with the tourists coming there. They had the money-changing tables where whatever money the people had would be exchanged for the official money to be used in the Temple, with a large profit margin going to the changers. The other commerce area set up was to sell sacrificial animals and was also in the outer court. The outer court was called the court of the Gentiles where all nations could come into the Temple area. This is why Jesus says to them that the Temple was designed to be a blessing for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves.
Jesus on this entrance to Jerusalem comes into the Temple and looks around and then leaves and goes back to where he is staying in Bethany (probably at the house of Mary, Martha and Lazurus).
Mark 11:1-26 THE MINISTRY OF JESUS IN JERUSALEM (REV) The Triumphal Entry
The next day he gets up early in morning and for the second time goes on the road going to Jerusalem. On the way he sees a fig tree and because he is hungry goes to the tree expecting to find figs. The record says that when he gets to the tree it has no figs, but Mark also says curiously that the time of figs is not yet. He then curses the tree, and it dries up from the roots, also not the way that trees normally die. This is a picture of how Israel has failed in God’s purpose at this time. See this explanation from the REV commentary attached here.
(REV Commentary ) “seeing a fig tree.” The fig tree was one of the trees in the Bible that symbolized Israel. This particular fig tree was a fitting parable of Israel. It was in full leaf and looked very promising, even ahead of the rest of the trees. It should have been a source of great blessing for those who looked for early sustenance coming out of the winter months. Instead, it was a liar, promising much but delivering little, deceiving weary travelers and giving them false hope. Jesus cursed it, foreshadowing the curse and destruction that would come upon Israel.
“it was not the season for figs.”The question this verse poses to the average reader is, “Why would Jesus curse the fig tree for not having figs if it was not the season for figs?” The answer to that question lies in understanding that, although there were a couple varieties of fig trees in Israel, the common variety produces two crops of figs per year. An early fig grows on the old branch stock that grew the preceding year. This early fig often begins to grow even before there are leaves on the fig tree, although sometimes these early figs and the leaves start to grow at the same time. These early figs usually start developing in March, but may be a little earlier or later depending on the climate, and the circumstances of any given tree (Israel has many different climates, usually somewhat depending on elevation). These early figs mature in June, and the leaves grow and mature along with them. A second crop of figs starts on the new tree growth that sprouts that year, and they generally ripen in August.
Since Mark is recording events around Passover, Jesus would have approached the fig tree in April. Although it was not yet the season for figs, Jesus noticed that this particular tree was in full leaf. If the leaves were fully formed, that meant he could expect the figs of this particular tree to be early too, or at least be far enough along to be somewhat satisfying to eat. This should not surprise us. It often happens in horticulture that a plant is a few weeks earlier than the “regular season.” However, when Jesus got to the tree, the situation was not just that the figs it had were not yet ripe, it did not have any figs at all!
Jesus then cursed this tree and it died overnight. Jesus would ordinarily never curse a tree of any kind for not having fruit or buds. Often, trees go through hardships that keep them from bearing fruit in a given year. Jesus said he did what he heard from his Father, God, and this is an example of that. God gave Jesus the revelation to curse the tree, so Jesus cursed it and it died overnight, which was a miracle. Thus, this tree became a twofold teaching example: it showed that Israel was going to be cursed (which it was for rejecting its Messiah), and it also taught the apostles that when God gave you revelation, no matter how unlikely it seemed, if you trust God and believe and act on what He says, the revelation will come to pass (this is the manifestation of trust, 1 Cor. 12:9). (REV Commentary on Mark 11)
The withering of the fig tree is a symbol of the judgement of Israel and its leadership. The fig tree and olive tree are used in scripture as symbols of the nation of Israel in several places.
What a lesson in believing and faith for us to learn. We need to have “faith” which is our believing in accord with the Word and Will of God. When we confess the Word, believe it and act on it God is able to help us accomplish His purposes in life. What are the important elements of miraculous deliverance and help? We see here God’s will for us to operate as His agents here in the world today. Don’t discount His help and direction that He willingly gives us when we ask by faint heart or disbelief in spiritual help. Have a great day today in Christ.
QUESTIONS:
What do you learn about Jesus in Mark 11?
What does your faith look like today? What have you seen that has increased your faith? What have you heard that has increased your faith?
Where would you like to have more faith?
Prayer:
Father, we look to you today to give us understanding and wisdom in Your Word and intentions. We thank you for being part of the “God Story” you have made each of us. Give us today the bread we need daily and help us in our times of need. Heal our minds, hearts, and bodies in accordance with Your will. We thank you for the sacrifice of Christ that gives us life today and in the future. We pray in the Name above all Names, Jesus Christ.
As we just celebrated the triumphal entry it got me thinking about 1 aspect of Palm Sunday. The hosannas that the people yelled out to Jesus. What does that mean?
Hosanna is a word used in some songs of praise, especially on Palm Sunday. It is of Hebrew origin: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11).
Hosanna is often thought of as a declaration of praise, similar to hallelujah, but it is actually a plea for salvation. The Hebrew root words are found in Psalm 118:25, which says, “Save us, we pray, O LORD!”. The Hebrew words yasha (“deliver, save”) and anna (“beg, beseech”) combine to form the word that, in English, is “hosanna.” Hosanna means “I beg you to save!” or “please deliver us!”
So, as Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, the crowds were perfectly right to shout “Hosanna!” They were acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah, as shown in their address “Son of David.” Theirs was a cry for salvation and a recognition that Jesus is able to save.
When is the last time that you have yelled out to Jesus to save you? It’s an important question, and one that needs to be on our lips all the time.
There is nothing more satisfying in all the world than to be followers of a king like Jesus. Picture him riding toward Jerusalem, the rebellious city. A multitude praising him: “Hosanna, blessed, is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” He knows the praise is shallow. In a few days it will fade away. But does he rebuke them? No. He defends them against the criticism of the Pharisees: “‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ . . . ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.'” He knew his days were numbered. He knew their cries were not completely sincere.
The praise the people gave was not because they recognized Him as their Savior from sin. They welcomed Him out of their desire for a messianic deliverer, someone who would lead them in a revolt against Rome. These are the ones who hailed Him as King with their many hosannas, recognizing Him as the Son of David who came in the name of the Lord. But when He failed their expectations, when He refused to lead them in a massive revolt against Rome, the crowds quickly turned on Him.
Within just a few days, their hosannas would change to Crucify Him.
Those who hailed Him as a hero would soon reject and abandon Him.
The story of the triumphal entry is one of contrasts, and those contrasts contain applications to us. It is the story of the King who came as a:
servant on a donkey, not on a white horse.
not in royal robes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble.
Jesus Christ comes not to conquer by force but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people.
His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor but of lowliness and servanthood.
He doesn’t conquer nations but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God.
If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As His followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us.
If he lives in us today, we sing Hosanna. With a true and right heart. We don’t crucify him again and again with our sin.
We cry out to save us, not we can save ourselves. What do you cry out to Jesus for? Is it sincere? Is it true? Ask God to give you a sincere heart, so that your worship to God through Jesus is a saving worship.
-Andy Cisneros
Reflection Questions
What can you learn from the King who came on a donkey?
Where else in Scripture do you find humility honored? Are you more known for your humility or pride?
In what ways, at what times, have you tried saving yourself? When have you cried out for Jesus to save you?
Chapter 11 of Mark is so saturated in beautiful parables and stories that it can be difficult to draw one single lesson from each separate part. The chapter contains Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the colt, him cursing a fig tree, driving heretics out of the temple, and providing a puzzling dilemma to those who wish to destroy him. From this, however, we’ll try to draw something coherent.
The story begins with Jesus and the disciples entering the city of Jerusalem. Like the confusing things Jesus asked the disciples to do that we were discussing yesterday, He asks several of the disciples to go into town and mysteriously grab a tied-up colt. What could the meaning of this possibly be? Why would Jesus have them specifically say that the Lord needs it, and it will be back shortly? My best assumption is that this was partially meant to draw the attention of the townspeople that the Christ was coming. Additionally, simply because he called for it to happen, it was so. This is a very similar archetype to what Jesus does with a fig tree the next morning. But just keep in mind, Jesus said for it to be so, and it was.
The next morning “Jesus was hungry” (Mark 11:12) and went to find figs on a fig tree he had seen. As it wasn’t the season for the fruit to bear, there were no figs. Because of this, Jesus curses the tree itself: “[May] no one ever eat fruit from you again.” Mark 11:14. This made me audibly laugh out loud when I read it because it seemed so out of place and random for Jesus to get mad that he was hungry and then curse a tree. It is not explained at first but keep this in the back of your mind for later; it’s foreshadowing.
Jesus then entered the temple and saw that people were committing heathenish and blasphemous acts in the temple of God. “He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.’” Mark 11:15-17. This is one of the few instances that makes me believe that anger as an emotion is not a sin, but unrightfully acting upon your anger trespasses into the bounds of sin. It has been referenced as ‘righteous anger.’ In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes “In your anger do not sin.” Ephesians 4:26. In this circumstance, Jesus became rightfully angry at the desecration of his Father’s home and rightfully drove the sinners out who were blaspheming the house of God.
After doing this, as they were leaving the city, they saw that the fig tree Jesus had cursed the day before had wilted and effectively died. They were astonished by this, and Jesus replied, “Have faith in God, I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:22-24. I’m sure it would be hard to believe at first when Jesus cursed the tree that anything would happen so suddenly, but because Jesus said so in total belief and had patience, the tree wilted as He commanded. When you are praying for something that God would ordain to happen, do you believe in your heart without doubt that it will be given to you? If not, you have not the faith that is required for any reward to be manifested. Have faith that God wants the best for you and be ready to see the answer that God gives you.
Just as Jesus had faith in what he ordered and committed himself to an effort to do what is right (protect the house of God), he was rewarded. It is our goal to emulate this pattern of faith, prayer, and work to glorify God in the belief that He will reward us for our good efforts.
-Mason Kiel
Application Questions
As Jesus entered Jerusalem what did the people expect? The disciples? Jesus? Have you ever misunderstood God’s plan or Jesus’ purpose? What were you focusing on? What is Jesus focused on?
Have you ever been angry enough about sin and unrighteousness to do something about it? Did you sin while doing it? How do we ensure that in our anger we do not sin?
Not having enough faith is indeed one reason your prayers may not be answered. How would you go about boosting your faith? What are other Biblical reasons for prayer not being answered?
Seek Grow Love 