What Did You Come Out to See? (Isaiah 52:1-12, John 12:12-42)

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to complete His mission as Savior. As He rode in, there was a lot of hype. Palm branches were part of an Old Testament and historical display that this rabbi was the Messianic servant of God. There was lots of Old Testament chanting and delight and even seeming worship. Ironically, that same week, a crowd, undoubtedly with many of the same people who were praising Jesus, called for an insurrectionist to be freed from impending capital punishment instead of Jesus. How?!? You see, the crowd at the Triumphal Entry was mixed. It for sure had real believers, who saw the big picture. It had observers who got caught up in the hype. It had rejectors - folks ready to pounce on this rogue character once they had a chance. My friend, you are represented in that crowd. Which one are you? If you were there, what did you come out to see? A rebel leader who might defeat Rome? An existential threat to your religion and nation? Or the Lord of life who would suffer and then receive glory, for your eternal good?