The times we live in are not so different from when Jesus walked on this earth. There were not the social media platforms there are now, but there were platforms. The Roman government was a power platform and had significant control. The Jewish religious leaders were a power platform in the life of the Israelite people. Toe the line or face the consequences.

On Palm Sunday, the people covered the road with palm branches and their cloaks, shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:9-20 Jesus rode in on a colt, never ridden before, and the people in front of him and those following were elated. Here was the one they had waited for. The promised Messiah who would free them from the oppression of the Romans. He had to be the one, even though he was not living like kings of the world. Jesus did not elevate himself. He did not demand they follow him, he welcomed and invited them. He did not expect to be served, he served others. There was no crown of gold or royal robes. No. As Kristi McLelland states “if you want to find Jesus, go low.” Jesus came down to us. Certainly not by force, but by choice. He was and is, gentle and lowly.

So, what happened? How and why would the people who shouted praises, turn into angry, hateful opposers? They were caught up into the cultural spin and were carried away by popular opinion. No different than today.

Think about it. We are bombarded 24/7 with news and verbal vomit. It seems as if because we can make a statement to the entire world, we do. There is no silence. If my mind is full of whatever my latest tribe spins about, I don’t think about or examine my motives. I parrot whatever I’ve heard or seen, which may or may not be true. I have a family member who has chosen to abstain from some social media platforms. I’m really proud of him for making that wise decision. His anxiety was escalating, and he was waking up with a sense of dread.

When my expectations are not met, I can be worse than a two-year-old who does not get her way. I believe this was a driver behind the extreme change from Palm Sunday to the hate filled shouts of “Crucify him”. This was not the king they wanted or expected, and they were angry. There was probably some legitimate fear as well. What would happen now? Who would rescue them from oppression? Take Jesus out. They thought that was the solution, at least in the moment. They were caught up in the cultural and religious spin. Even those who walked with Jesus for three years buckled under the stress.

Our world is not very different than when Jesus walked the dusty roads. We long for peace and justice. We want to see wrongs made right. We want a life of ease and by all means, we want to be right. The people following, worshipping and eventually crucifying Jesus, believed they were right.

Take a little time this week and read the account in any of the gospels. Matthew 21 & 26, Mark 11 & 14,  Luke 19 & 22, John 12 & 18,19

Holy Week: A Timeline; from Faithgateway