GLORY AND ANGER

GLORY – MATTHEW 21:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. …..”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-part of 2, 10-11

We all know this part of the Easter Story.  Every year the children wave palm branches and we hear the word Hosanna.  BUT – today I want you to think about the people in the crowd.  Some knew Jesus was a prophet and I am sure others had seen him heal and heard him teach.  Most likely, those are the ones that were placing their cloaks on the ground.  What about the others? 

Have you ever been to a parade?  Some have a blast and find great joy as floats and bands go by.  Others laugh and point to flaws on the floats.  A few watch and wish they were in the parade.  And some stand on the sidelines, making snide and sarcastic comments.  And some are getting very upset.

“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.”

Luke 19:38-39

ANGER –MATTHEW 21:12-17 AND LUKE 19:45-48

Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling.  ”It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers’ “

Every day he was teaching at the temple.  But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.  Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

Luke 19:45-48

I bet you thought I was going to point out that Jesus had righteous anger as he got after those buying and selling.  BUT – let’s follow the money.  This was in the temple area.  Exactly who controlled this area?  Bingo! 

Can you picture the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the leaders rubbing their hands together in anticipation of the day’s take as they watched exorbitant rates of exchange being charged foreigners?  Can you see the gleam in their eye as another animal was declared unfit and a temple approved animal was sold?  Can you see the anger in their eyes as Jesus turned over the tables?

HOW DARE HE?  This must be stopped!  Miracles.  Healing.  Now this.  The chief priests, teachers of the law, and the leaders could feel their power slipping away and they were angry.  Angry enough to kill.

And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

Matthew 21:17

Jesus rode the lowly donkey and heard, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus healed the blind and lame and received praise from the lips of children and infants.

Jesus rested.

The Pharisees test Jesus with a question.