I never really noticed that Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem came so closely on the heals of his miracle of raising Lazarus' from the dead. Verses 17-18 explain a lot: 12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. Just as previously at Lazarus' home, many people were coming to see the man who had performed this miracle. The term "hosanna" was originally a cry used to appeal to God for deliverance. Because of all Jesus' had done, the people believed that he could free them from their oppression from Rome or from the struggles of their lives.
They credited Jesus as coming from God, but in the context of a political or social deliverer, not a spiritual Savior. 12:13 ... Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. This response is similar to the blind man that was healed when he said, "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (John 9:33 NIV)
No one knew Christ's true purpose because it had not yet been fully revealed. Even the disciples struggled: 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.
People flocked to Jesus because of what he could do for them. The disciples, caught up in the excitement, missed the meaning and the fast turn of events that was about to come upon them.
As we put Christ on display or present Him to others, some will want to know more. Most will be attracted because of what he has done or can do for them. That's okay. It's been that way since the beginning of time. We believe it's always about us! As followers of Christ, when people do come to investigate Christ, we need to come alongside to present the "why." We can't become so caught up in the excitement of our programs, or events that we lose the opportunity to share Christ not as a social deliverer, but as a Savior. |
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