Our Lord Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday knowing that He was the Lamb which takes away the sin of the world. He knew that He would suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law" (Luke 9:22), that He would be put to death. But He also knew how He would be raised to life on the third day.
With all the cheering and palm waving, and support Jesus receives that day, He is really looking forward to something better. He is looking forward to the time when every knee would bow. When the people of Jerusalem exalt Jesus, it lasts a few hours, and includes a few people, a pin-point on the map of the Roman Empire. But when God exalts Jesus, it is total exaltation. All power is His in heaven and on earth. Every knee has to bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Everyone must acknowledge His lordship, even His enemies. As John writes: "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen."
How much better it is when the LORD exalts someone! When we try to salvage our way of life, it is still tainted. But the life given in Christ’s resurrection is complete. It is His resurrection that reaches into the present and causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, those who are called according to his purpose. |
