God Gives Life 1

Luke 19:37-40

When my nephews were very little they stayed at our house from time to time. Once while they were there they knew their grandpa was coming home from work so they set up a vigil to watch for his arrival. Each positioned himself at a window in different rooms and kept their eyes on the road. They had a plan that whichever one saw grandpa first would begin shouting out a noise like a siren.

They were excited about who was coming. They were filled with anticipation and gladness. They couldn’t wait to see their grandpa.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem marked the beginning of his last days on earth. He was coming to face his crucifixion. But he was also coming to provide all of us with the tremendous gift of everlasting life we receive because of his sacrifice.

What did the disciples do? What did they say? What was the reaction of the Pharisees? What did Jesus say?

I have always found this reading in Luke to be a very moving and exciting passage. The crowd of followers is shouting praise to Jesus because they knew him to be the Son of God. But the Pharisees just didn’t get it. All they heard was noise and they wanted it stopped.

But Jesus told them that if the people weren’t shouting the very stones would cry out praise. We can look at this verse and think that Jesus was speaking symbolically, that he was just making a point. But it has always been part of my faith and belief in the workings of God to take this statement literally.

Jesus had come to Jerusalem to fulfill his purpose. He was going to die on a cross, and in that death he would remove all of our sins. He would give us a new and everlasting life with God. His followers recognized the new life Jesus brought them and celebrated it. And if the people did not celebrate it the earth itself, all of God’s creation, would celebrate what Jesus was doing.

As we approach Easter Sunday we need to recognize that Jesus gives us life through his sacrifice. We need to celebrate the gift of love from God that makes us new again and supplies us with life eternal.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you celebrate the gift of life Jesus gives?