WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: If Jesus was coming to your street today, how would you welcome him?

Crowd behaviour
People tend to behave differently in crowds. Often they lose their inhibitions – last year’s rioting and looting in England was a frightening demonstration of that. But for a less worrying example, just watch sports fans! This crowd was no exception (vs 8–10).

The crowd’s response was not simply an expression of joy and excitement. For them, Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem on a donkey (‘colt’ can be a young ass) had huge significance (v 10). Although Mark (unlike Matthew and John) never refers to it, clearly the crowd made a connection with Zechariah 9:9. This was not to be the last prophetic act that week.

Personal response
Enthusiasm can be deceptive and fickle, however. Before long the shouts of praise would turn into shouts which were much more threatening (15:13,14). We are not exempt from the dangers brought by enthusiasm. Praising God in church or at a big Christian event can be relatively easy. The crowd can sweep us along.

But what is really important is our personal response to him. Obedience and faithfulness are the evidence of the sincerity of our praise. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem would end in sadness and triumph. For us, discipleship means following ‘the man on the donkey’ all the way.

Respond: How could you echo the praise of the crowd today? Is there a fresh step of obedience you could take?

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-11-12