Do you ever wonder what Jesus was thinking when he rode into Jerusalem?
I know that I do.
I mean, we know the circumstances and the details. Jesus, knowing that His time of death was coming, asked His disciples to bring Him a young donkey that had never been ridden, so His disciples do just that. As He makes His way into Jerusalem He’s met with a throng of adoring people, shouting and praising His name, waving palm branches, laying these, and their coats, on the road before Him as a token of their love and worship.
What a sight to behold! Can you imagine it? Close your eyes for a moment and picture that vibrant scene. The entire city is out for one purpose…to worship the Son of God, the Messiah, the One who brings hope for their future. Can you hear their voices? Can you hear the love and adoration so rightfully poured out upon Him, Jesus, the Christ, the only Son of the Living God? The energy…the emotion…the worship…what an awesome thing to behold!
And yet, I wonder, what was Jesus thinking at that moment, as the people surrounded Him, cheering for Him, praising His name?
As they poured out their adoration…He knew that in just a few days they would spit on Him and revile His name.
As they worshiped Him…He knew that soon they would turn their backs on Him and curse His very existence.
As they honored Him…He knew that they would demand the release of Barabbas, a known murderer, and cry ‘Crucify Him’ with the very same lips that had just recently praised His name.
He knew…Jesus knew every shadow that underlined their praise. He knew…every heart, then and now, that would turn their back on Him even while they proclaimed Him king. He knew…that He would have to pay the terrible price for every person’s selfish ambition and desire.
He knew…that one day I would do the same. He knew…that I would praise Him on Sunday and forget He exists the rest of the week. He knew…that I would tell Him that I love Him but still choose my own way. He knew…that in order for me to live that He would have to die.
So what was Jesus thinking?
He knew.
And He rode into Jerusalem anyway.