Wrong Idea
How easily we misunderstand. More than anything it is our own wishes and desires that cause us to have the wrong idea.
Misunderstanding causes heartache and often anger. The people of Israel misunderstood Jesus. Roman oppression was extreme. The nation of Israel sought relief. They witnessed the miracles of Jesus: feeding 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish…bringing Lazarus -dead 4 days- back to life…healing 100s of sickness. Jesus had power! The people thought He would do another miracle-Rescue Israel from Rome. So they were overflowing with joy as Jesus made His way to Jerusalem that Palm Sunday. Even His disciples misunderstood. Remember?
“And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:28-38
The people thought Jesus was entering Jerusalem to become Israel’s New King who would rescue the nation from Rome. Later-many of them will become angry and shout “crucify Him!” When Jesus allowed the Romans to arrest and beat Him the hopes of the people were destroyed. Their joy with Jesus turned to betrayed anger. Their hopes died with Jesus on the cross.
They had the wrong idea about Jesus.
The people suffered from their misconceptions. Jesus did not come to earth to save Israel from Rome. He came to save them-and the world-from the greatest oppression: sin. And He did save Israel. Not from Rome…from eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Jesus death on the cross was the sacrifice God required to break the bond sin has on you and me-and all Jews, Romans and the rest of the world. Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem that day not to wear a king’s crown and depose Rome…He rode to His death on the cross. He knew what was coming. His love for the world-you and me sent Him to pain and agony. He gave His life that our sins might be paid for.
Understand-Jesus is not just a king…for a small Middle East country. He is King of Kings. He is Lord of lords. He is the Creator of the universe AND the true Savior of the world. Time for a heart check. What wrong ideas do you have about Jesus? Misconceptions keep us from knowing the truth. Misconceptions keep us in bondage.
Understand-Jesus is not some good man who once lived in Israel. He is not a creation of the mind. He is no fairy tale figure. He is no glamorous myth. Jesus is God come to earth to save us from our sins. When we understand why Jesus came to earth, you and I may shout the words the people shouted as Jesus rode that donkey into Jerusalem that day: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”