photo #9165305

38. Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Luke 19:38. This is the Palm Sunday narrative. The crowd is welcoming Jesus, quoting Psalm 118:26, recognizing that Jesus is the Messiah, sent to bring salvation and peace. The religious leaders are upset; the crowd has called Jesus King and Messiah, and they want Jesus to rebuke His followers. Jesus tells them plainly that if His followers would not praise Him, the stones would cry out in praise. What was taking place, being the truth that was being revealed to mankind—Jesus's identity and His mission—must be acknowledged. As Jesus gets close to Jerusalem, He begins to weep from deep sorrow. He knows the judgment waiting for all who reject Him and the salvation of God. Jerusalem's moment of opportunity: Jesus, the Savior, the true Messiah, the true peace of God, offering pardon, forgiveness, and salvation. Is rejected because they have hardened their hearts, being spiritually blind and bankrupt, they do not recognize what God has offered them through Christ the Lord. Today is the day to say yes to Jesus, "I believe in You." Amen.