They brought the donkey to Jesus, put their coats on it, and he sat on it. Many spread their coats on the road. Others cut leafy branches in the fields and spread them on the road.
Those who went ahead and those who followed him were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is our ancestor David’s kingdom that is coming! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:7-10 GW)
Many Christians are familiar with this scene as Palm Sunday. Many looked to Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited Jewish leader who would restore Israel into a strong kingdom again.
But the kingdom they expected was different from the true Kingdom of God. The one expected was based on power and might, but God's kingdom was founded on God's mercy and grace. Ironically, many of those who shouted "Hosanna" later joined the crowd who shouted, "Crucify Him!" Why the switch? Human persuasion and influence.
What moves you? The human spirit or God's Spirit? ©Word-Strong_2014