And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
-- Matthew 21:9
Crowds are safe... as long as you don't stand out.
Wearing a Raiders Jersey at Arrowhead Stadium, for instance, is not a great idea. Wearing Chiefs' red in Oakland (soon Vegas) is inviting bodily harm.
On the day we now call The Triumphal Entry crowds surrounded Jesus and his small band. All were wearing Jesus jerseys (if you'll allow me). All were cheering crazily for the new hero.
It is safe to cheer when the crowd cheers. A few days after this parade the cheers would stop. The crowd would disperse. Jerseys would be burned or hidden away.
It is easy to follow Jesus when it is easy to follow Jesus. (A redundant, but true statement.) The test of faith comes however, when the crowd is not wearing the same jersey. There come times when circumstances, obstacles, people or storms would make it easier to sport different colors.
It is at these times we truly discover the depth of our faith.
The celebration of a Triumphant Entry through the city gate will eventually lead to a lonely bloody cross-carrying march out the back. Jesus is no longer popular. And following him can become costly.
It is at these times we discover who we really are - and are becoming; who this Jesus really is; and the power of true faith that overwhelms the onslaught. (Maybe better - true faith that, although knocked down 99 times, finds the wobbly strength to get up the 100th.)
Holy week begins with a celebration. It grows stunningly somber. Then quiet (dead).
But I will wear the jersey. I will stumble, fall and get up to follow this Savior. Though the crowds will go away and Jesus will grow unpopular.
Because I know what Sunday holds!
God, my jersey is torn and stained, but I will wear it until the celebration begins.
For now...
D
