Tuesday, March 31

The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. John 12:12


What were their expectations? What did people expect to see, to experience, when they gathered to see Jesus? What were their hopes as they waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna”?

Some wanted a religious savior, to purify their faith and to make things right. Others wanted a political or military leader, who would restore what was wrong. Others must have had more personal expectations – seeking restoration, healing, something authentic.

What are your expectations when you attend a big event with a large crowd? A political rally, ball game, rock concert? I think you want to be changed or moved in some way, but also to feel as if your presence makes a difference.

We are thinking about Jesus a great deal as we approach Holy Week, and rightly so. But think about your own expectations as you think about the expectations we place on him.

And then show up – and see what happens.


Loving God, Jesus is approaching Jerusalem and so are we. Transform our expectations – of him and of us – that as we wave palm branches and shout “hosanna” we may know him and ourselves in new ways. Amen.

John Wilkinson, Pastor