Today’s scripture: John 12:12-19 (NRSV) (The Message)

As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.

My thoughts (Kay Olry):

“Did you hear the rumor about that Jesus of Nazareth? They say he was in Bethany the other day, and raised some guy from the dead!”

“No way!”

“It’s incredible, the things He’s been doing. I was there with around 5,000 others one day when he was speaking. We were in the middle of nowhere, and everyone was getting hungry. He borrowed some kid’s lunch basket, and changed a few fish and loaves of bread into enough to feed all of us! How’s he doing these things?”

“No idea… I’m hearing some say He could be the Messiah! The Scribes and Pharisees are trying to shut that kind of talk down real quick! Oh look — He’s coming! Quick, grab some of those palms and hand them out! Maybe today’s the day the revolution begins!”

It’s hard to know exactly what people were thinking when they welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem with an impromptu parade. It was the Sunday before Passover; the scene had to of been pandemonium with thousands of people there for the celebration. Families with kids, Roman soldiers trying to keep order, religious Jews of all stripes, merchants selling their wares — a crazy scene made even crazier by Jesus riding in on a donkey, and people waving palms in the air and celebrating his arrival. What a triumphant moment!

The disciples of Jesus were probably convinced that this was when Jesus was going to show His great power, raise an army, and send the Roman soldiers packing all the way back to Rome! If it were happening today it might have looked a little bit like this:

I find it incredible that in one short week, we humans went from recognizing Jesus as God and King to crucifying Him on a cross. I know that once upon a time I would have told you that I wasn’t alive then, and I didn’t crucify anybody! Surely, if I had been alive, I would have been one of the ones who recognized Jesus for who He was, and would have tried to stop it!

I’m sure of it!

Uhhmm, I think!?

Uhmm, I don’t know for sure…

Time and again we humans go back and forth with God. We praise him as Savior and Lord; then we turn around and crucify him all over again. We act selfishly, or hurt each other, or ignore the least among us. We find numerous ways to deny each other love and forgiveness.

The Good News is that God knew we were never going to be able to save ourselves, and so out of His love, mercy, compassion, and grace, He did it for us. Now that’s a miracle.

Thought for the day: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Today, let’s join together in prayer during this Lent, and ask Christ to prepare our hearts to receive Him anew.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.