When Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, his followers saw it as a sign of messianic destiny. Jesus could lead Israel to independence. Jesus could be a king like no other king. The general populace of Israel thought they found someone they could follow — because they thought he was someone they could use. They thought they could tame Jesus. They thought they could use him to bless themselves. And thus they cheered him as he entered into Jerusalem. To get him to bring God’s blessings upon them, they thought that all they needed to do was to flatter him. But God would not be mocked.
Jesus came into Jerusalem and he understood what was going on. He knew that the praise was meant to tame him. Instead of being taken in by it, he continued to teach. The crowd did not like what they heard. He challenged them. He challenged the whole state of affairs in Jerusalem. Oh how quickly did they turn against him! If he won’t be tamed, if he won’t bring God’s blessings upon them and their desires at their command, then crucify him!
Are things any different today?
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