The people crowded across the expanse just surrounding the Mount of Olives. Jesus would give His final instructions to those who claimed to be His followers. The place was covered with thousands of men and even more women and children. Ears waited patiently for those treasured words. This Rabbi from Galilee was gaining popularity and notoriety all at the same time. The crowd had been there for some time, and were growing hungry. The feeding of the 5000 was an example to all who were present of the provision of God in all situations. Some were there for the food. Some came to see another miracle. Most of them were influenced more by His Words. They were words of hope in a time of poverty, oppression, foreign rule and need.

Jesus spoke about loving one another. He made a list of those who would be blessed in His kingdom – not a worldly realm, but one in His own home – heaven. He would be followed in a few days by many of the same crowd, but they would be among those who would cry out for His death. The power of popular opinion and mass hysteria might have something to do with it, but it was all part of God’s amazing plan of salvation. Jesus knew what lay ahead. He knew the suffering He would undergo. He knew people would hate Him, spit on Him, whip and shout obscenities at Him, but He also knew that it was part of a greater plan. He endured all of it, because He loves us so much.

As we prepare for Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, let’s thank our God for providing the perfect sacrifice for our forgiveness and praise Him always as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.