“Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John 12:13c).
The crowds that gathered on what we call “Palm Sunday,” were openly announcing + proclaiming that Jesus was King, not Caesar + the entire city was shaken by what was happening!
Some of the religious leaders were completely frustrated by the celebration. They challenged Jesus, “Don’t you hear what these people are saying? This is so inappropriate. I mean, the kids are beside themselves. Tell them to stop!”
But Jesus just smiled + said, “I hear them! Haven’t you read the Scripture that says, ‘You have taught children + infants to give you praise’ + ‘If they keep quiet, the very rocks + stones would break into praise for them’?” (Matthew 21:15-17; Luke 19:39-40)
The leading priests + the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles + heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children + infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight. —Matthew 21:15-17 NLT
But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” —Luke 19:39-40 NLT
In other words, “I’m not about to tell them to stop!”
On the surface, this appears to be the positive “peak of the week.” But what went down on Palm Sunday, would set in motion a series of events that would either result in the overthrow of Rome + the religious establishment of that day, or in Jesus’ arrest + ultimate execution.
That was Sunday.
The very next day—Monday—Jesus would turn up the heat on the religious system of that day, by walking into the primary worship center in that era + cleaning house.
More on that later.
Today’s Verse: But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” —Luke 19:39-40 NLT
Today’s Prompt: Do you believe Jesus longs to hear your voice + actually hears your praise?
Today’s Gratitude: I am grateful that my praise, prayers + petitions are a sweet sound to Jesus.
Today’s Prayer: Father, help me to not remain quiet in my praise + love for Jesus. I don’t want to forfeit my gift of cheers to Him to the stones who would cry out in my stead. Help me see my praise offering as a pleasure to Him + a privilege for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
