21 November 2010
Psalm 118; Zech 9.9-16; 1 Peter 3.13-22; Matt 21.1-13

We tend to read this passage from Zechariah’s prophecy at Palm Sunday as we see Jesus fulfilling the word by riding into town on a donkey colt. The imagery is that of peace, the horse is an animal associated with war and the donkey with peace and Jesus brings a peaceable kingdom to a world that is at war with peace itself. In our worship we celebrate the establishment of peace with God through the confession of our sins and Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross. We acknowledge that if he has forgiven us and established that peace that we then are bound to forgive one another and make peace with one another in the body of Christ. We are no longer prisoners of hope, we have a hope that is steadfast and certain.

Here is the fulfillment of the prophecy as Jesus enters the city and the people proclaim Him as the king, the Son of David, for whom they have been waiting. The cry of Hosanna, Lord save us, goes up as He rides through the streets. As it is a festival time, there are people there from all over, some of whom are unfamiliar with Jesus so it is necessary that someone give an explanation of who is this person so acclaimed, the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee. Those words are interesting since they beg the question Nathanael asked when first told of Jesus, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” His first visit upon entering is the temple, and His purpose is to clear it of all that prohibits all nations from coming to God. The sellers had taken up the outer courts where the Gentiles could ordinarily be allowed to hear what went on in the inner court. There was much to hear in the next few days and they couldn’t be kept away.

Peter tells us to be always prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. When was the last time anyone asked you to defend the hope that is in you? As Christians we are to live for a hope that is apart from any hope the world can give or can know apart from Jesus. It is that hope that is to shine forth in our lives. When the world has no hope they need to see the hope of Christians and be drawn to that light that shines within us. Jesus has established a lasting peace with God and has given us the sure hope of our eternal security. Can we have any greater hope that that?

I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the LORD.
The LORD has disciplined me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!