From Pain to Praise

Imagine a small colt - pure, lovely, and innocent in every way, one that had yet to be ridden, tied to a fence waiting its claim. Was it set aside for a moment like this? Was this it's purpose from the beginning?

Jesus said to his disciples, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (Luke 19: 30-31 NIV)

The disciples obeyed, found the young colt, and brought it back to Jesus. The disciples threw their garments on top of the colt and for the first time in its life, someone was about to ride it.

What a reflection of beauty. Suddenly this stunning young creature carried on his back something so important to the entire world. Can you see the scene unfold?

Jesus gently rode along, floating with the steps of the foal. Crowds of people followed after and lined the streets. They too threw their cloaks down. The young colt gently stepped upon the cloaks others threw down in front of Jesus. What a majestic moment! Would you have liked to have been the foal? Bearing the weight of Jesus – carrying Jesus - holding Jesus- for even a moment? For the first time in scripture we see something carrying Jesus. We wouldn’t see it again until His death when his body is taken from the cross and carried to his burial.

Jesus entered the city as a Conquering King and the people received him as such. They spread their cloaks as an act of respect for His royalty.  

And then – a sound burst forth resonating throughout the entire town. Music, singing, and voices shouted:

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” (vv. 38-39)

But no longer was Jesus going to keep quiet about anything. This was His time to tell the people He was their King and Messiah. He said to the Pharisees, “I tell you,” he replied, “If they keep quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers.” (v. 40)

One way or another Jesus would be praised! He didn’t need the people to bless Him – the stones themselves would burst into worship.

Right after this moment, devastation struck the city.  

 
But one way or another Jesus would be praised!

 
A group of men formed a plot to kill an innocent man.  


But Jesus would be praised!

A riot broke out before Pilot as the people basically shouted, “Kill Him!”


They had no idea Jesus would be praised!

 
Deep groans resonated through the crowd, while others cheered the soldiers on.

 

But one way or another Jesus would be praised!

“Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads . . .”

But Jesus would be praised!

“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.”

But Jesus would be praised!

“The rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”

But Jesus would be praised!

Though the world seems to fall apart and crumble at our feet,

there is one thing we can stand firm in - - 

Jesus will be praised!