Who Is This?

Reading: Matthew 21; Psalm 19 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:10-11 NLT) Matthew’s Gospel account of Jesus’ life and ministry accelerates in pace and intensity from this point on. This is Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, accompanied by the roar of the crowds and an excitement level that stirred the entire city. This account of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem begins the final week of Jesus’ pre-resurrection human life and leads to his betrayal, arrest, mock trial, and crucifixion. Of all the people present, only Jesus knew how quickly the shouts of the crowd would change from “Hosanna!” to “Crucify him!” There were many who saw Jesus as a miracle-working prophet from Nazareth who was handy to have around for the benefits of healing and free food. Some hoped he might turn out to be the Messiah, the Savior who would defeat the Romans. A handful believed that he was “the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” One future day, on the other side of time, all would know him as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” But in that present moment, no one remembered that John the Baptist had introduced Jesus as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” “Who Is This?” It’s still a valid question. Who is this? Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee is also the Son of God from Heaven. He’s the Lamb of God whose innocent death paid for my guilty life. He’s the Redeemer who bought my soul from slavery to sin and set me free. He’s the Savior who leads me from defeat to victory. He’s the Lord of heaven and earth and is worthy of my submission, my worship, and my obedience. And he is my elder brother and my friend! Prayer: Father, Please guide and prompt me by your Holy Spirit today so that at every moment and in every life-experience I may be able to answer the question “Who is this?” May I live today by the truth of who Jesus is. May I be who I am solely because of who Jesus is. Amen.