If these become silent, the stones will cry out!

Day One: The Triumphal Entry Luke 19:29-40      from Jesus Last Days A Model For Our Days

²⁹ When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the ^]mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, ³⁰ saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” ³² So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, it’s  owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” ³⁴ They said, “The Lord has need of it.” ³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. ³⁷ As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, ³⁸ shouting:

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord;
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” ⁴⁰ But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”

Let’s begin our look at the last week of our Lord’s walk on earth by briefly setting the stage. Just days before the familiar story of the Triumphal Entry which we celebrate as Palm Sunday, Jesus had done some miraculous things. In John 11 we read the story of Lazarus, Jesus friend, the brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus had died and was buried. Jesus came four days later and we see perhaps the greatest miracle of His entire earthly ministry. Jesus commands Lazarus to come out of the grave and Lazarus comes forth, raised from the dead. It is interesting to note that Jesus did not follow any one pattern when He performed miracles. Some times He used a touch, sometimes instruction or commandment requiring obedience by the recipient of the miracle. Other times, like this, He operated simply through the power of His spoken word. I believe that from His example we should learn not to depend on any formula or pattern but rather to recognize the true source of power. Jesus says throughout scripture that He was obedient to the way the Father was working. We are told in scripture that we have the ability to accomplish works like Jesus did and even greater works. We must remember that the power is in obedience to the will and word of God. It is only in and through Christ that we can do anything for the kingdom. 

As we return to the scene outside of Jerusalem that day, we have a little better understanding of the excitement that was present. Luke 19:37 says: The whole multitude of disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.(NKJV) I’m not sure exactly how many people are a multitude, but I’m sure it’s a lot. Today, unfortunately, we are more likely to see a multitude of people at a football game, a concert or a parade than rejoicing and praising God. That day though, the multitude was gathered because they had seen and heard of the tremendous miracles. Along with the raising of Lazarus there was no doubt many in the crowd who were among the thousands fed by a few fish and loaves. There was tremendous excitement and anticipation. The people knew that the prophets of old had promised a Messiah would come to deliver the people. They had seen and heard of the mighty works. Could this Jesus be the one?

We should know also that along with the excitement and anticipation among the multitude there was also a tremendous amount of activity in the spiritual realm. Jesus had just prophesied of His death and resurrection.(Luke 18:31-34) All of heaven and hell were astir in anticipation of the coming events. The people are ready to declare Jesus their king and to be delivered from political oppression. In verse 39 we hear from the religious leaders. The Pharisees speak to Jesus telling Him to calm these people down. So often religion is uncomfortable with the things of the Spirit. Jesus defends the excitement and adoration of the people, saying that if the people are silent the rocks will cry out in praise. That’s the difference between man and the rest of creation, the sun, the moon, the earth, the weather and every other created thing have no choice, they are obedient to the will of God. We have been given a free will. We have a choice. We are commanded to praise God throughout scripture. One day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. For now though we have a choice.    Choose well.

Oh to have been there that day. To join the multitude in the excitement and anticipation. Anxious for a deliverer, a conquering king to come and free the people. Could this Jesus be the one? Again all heaven, hell and earth were astir. Excitement like electricity filled the air. Unfortunately the excitement would wane quickly. When the miraculous gave way to the hard word of the truth many became disenchanted and were easily turned away.

How like that are we today. Many choose to linger on the road to Jerusalem. It’s easier to remain there seeking the miraculous, singing, shouting and declaring Him king, than it is to truly make Him King in our hearts, Lord of our lives.  Like the Jewish nation who sought deliverance their way, we have wrong motives if we seek to claim the benefits and blessings of God, but worship only at an emotional level. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21-23, that it is more than calling Him Lord. It is obedience to His will that we need. Jesus knew what entering Jerusalem would bring. He had prophesied of His death. He could have chosen to remain outside the city, reveling in the attention and fanfare. Jesus could have built a church right  there. He could have had a successful ministry built on miraculous healings and provision. Jesus knew however that the people needed more than physical heal and provision. He didn’t stay and build His church only on the blessings and miraculous. Jesus went on to fulfill His call and do the work the Father sent Him to do. He went on and so must we. 

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ my Savior, Lord and King and precious Holy Spirit I thank You for all You have done for me and in me. I choose this day to praise, worship and honor You. I declare You King of my life. No rock will cry out in my place. Help me I pray to see You throughout this week, both in my life and through Your word.     Amen        .