Matthew 21:1-9
As Jesus descends from Olivet and rides toward Jerusalem,
people gather to witness his entry into the city,
waving palm branches and spreading their coats
on the road before him.
Tears make furrows on his dusty face
as he is filled with sorrow and compassion
for those who expect so much from him, and yet
so much less than what he has to give.
His shoulders sag as he listens to the cheering crowds
and thinks of what lies ahead–his death and their dismay,
their loss of hope, a hope that will not be regained
by many who today are glad
to hail him as the promised king.
What was foretold will come to pass as God intended,
not as the people of the promise might expect.
the journey from Bethlehem, so many years ago,
to Golgotha is at last almost ended.
Jesus straightens up and looks across a sea of faces,
those who are there now
and the multitudes who will be born.
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength
and rise up on wings, as eagles.
He will not weary or grow faint.
He will complete the task his Father set before him.
