(8) Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
(9) And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
(10) And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?"
(11) And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee."
This may seem like a strange passage to write about on Incarnation Day. However, I think that it bears mentioning for a couple of reasons. One is that it is what I read this morning for my reading. More significantly, I think that it makes sense out of the Incarnation.
Any religion can celebrate the birth of its founder. Islam can do that. Jews can remember Abraham. Buddhists remember Buddha. And so on. Christianity is the only faith that celebrates a resurrection. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem reminds us of the purpose for which Jesus was born. He became flesh and dwelled among us so that He could live a perfect life, die on a Roman cross, and be resurrected on the third day.
Note too how this "stirred up" Jerusalem. He came into the world with little fanfare. He left it with near riots in the town. This is how Jesus works. Has He rocked your world or is there just a little notice of Him once or twice a year?
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