Mar. 24, 2024

"Why Did the Cheering Stop?"

Luke 19:29

 Today is Palm Sunday, and we are reminded once again of the fickle nature of the crowd that at once so willingly embraced Jesus and then rejected Him. Jesus Christ on that original Palm Sunday rode into Jerusalem on a donkey’s foal, a hero, being proclaimed by the adoring crowds as Messiah. A week later that would all change. Luke, gives us great insight into people, hopes, dreams, and anger and hatred. Why Did the Cheering Stop? Because they Didn’t Recognize Jesus’ Purpose. The Distractions of Daily Life Forced the People to Miss out on Christ’ Purpose. They knew His claims as the Son of God. They had witnessed His miracle working power. Yet, they could not get their focus off their current conditions. Why Did the Cheering Stop? Because they Refused to Accept His Terms. Jesus clearly stated in the Bible that He offered the only way that leads to salvation, but it was rejected.  The people of Jerusalem desired peace, but wanted it to come though conflict. Jesus was offering them peace in conflict.  Even today we often refuse to accept Christ’s Terms. Why Did The Cheering Stop? They Did Not Believe it would Bring Judgment. Christ Specifically warns of a coming day of Judgment upon Jerusalem for its rejection of Messiah. Why did the cheering of Palm Sunday end by Good Friday? Because they didn’t understand the purpose of Christ’s coming, because they refused to accept his terms, because they really didn’t believe their actions would incur judgment. 

 Questions:

1. How was the Palm Sunday crowd fickle?
2. What did the crowd not understand about Jesus’ purpose?
3. What kind of peace were the people looking for?