1, 2, 3; 4, 7
Amos 2:6-16 2 Pet. 1:1-11 Matt. 21:1-11
You’ll notice that the Gospel for this day is a reading about Palm Sunday. How does the Triumphal Entry of Jesus relate to the Advent season? This text focuses on how the crowds acknowledged and welcomed Jesus. Advent literally means the arrival of a notable person. The parallels become quite obvious. We as Believers are anticipating the second coming of a very notable figure – the Lord, Jesus Christ!
There is no doubt that he is on his way. Today, I would like for us to focus on who’s arriving. When asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Indeed, Jesus was a prophet and was finally receiving due recognition. The phrase “Jesus of Nazareth” appears 17 times in English translations of the NT. Jesus’ place of origin reminds us of his common roots. In some ways, it was used to discredit him. Why am I highlighting this? We need to remember that Jesus is never too high and mighty that he would not come into our crowded lives as he did the crowded city of Jerusalem and that as common as we feel at times, Jesus identifies with us, sees us, and loves us.
As we eagerly anticipate and prepare for His arrival, may we recognize the common stranger as a notable figure to welcome. May we always see ourselves in Him and Him in us.
Gracious Lord, allow us to become the Beloved community that sees and treats the common as royalty. Amen.
