Holy Week is here! On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There are two stories surrounding the passage of his entry that I find significant.
The Belief of the Jews
When we read John’s gospel, we see that the Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is intertwined with the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.
Lazarus had been raised very recently, because people were still talking about it and that was the reason why so many came to meet Jesus with joyful praises when he entered the city.1 We also read that the priests were not too happy about this development:
So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.2
The Jews were coming to believe in Jesus because of the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, so we can imagine how much more dramatic the response to his own resurrection would be.
Opening the Door to the Greeks
Then, directly after Jesus enters the city, some Greeks (aka, gentiles) arrive for the passover feast and they ask to speak to Jesus. His disciples tell him and Jesus responds by saying,
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.3
It seems like a weird response to give when people ask to talk to you, but what he is saying here is that his death will open the door for the gentiles. Just as many Jews came to believe in Jesus with the death and resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus own death and resurrection will bear much fruit.
The Pharisees unknowingly foretell of this when they say, “Look, the world has gone after him.”4 The good news of Jesus spans across the world and the invitation to serve Jesus is open to everyone.
Preparing Our Hearts
As we welcome Jesus into our hearts and shout, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”5 we can spend a moment in thankfulness for the gift that has been extended to the whole world.