Cheers of the crowd!

Many years ago when I was teaching elementary physical education, we had an annual spring Field Day at our school for students. Someone (not me) got the bright idea to have two teams of faculty run a relay race as the finale to our day’s events. So…we found eight women brave enough (or not aware of what they were getting into) to participate in a 4 by 200 relay. Some of these women probably  hadn’t run in 3o years!

But, I didn’t want to dampen their enthusiasm, so I smiled and explained to both groups what they would do, showed them where each  person would be standing to make the exchange, and demonstrated how to pass the baton. The student events passed quickly on that bright, sunny day in May and, all too soon, it was “show time” for the faculty.

The first runner on our team got off to a slow start. The second and third runners were slow, too. By the time I received the baton (I was the last runner) the other team was far, far ahead. The children (most of the school was watching) shouted and cheered. I took off, thoughts zipping through my head as my feet pounded the dirt–I must do my best, even if there isn’t a chance to win. I’ve got to be a good example for my students. I tell them to never quit–always do your best.

Amazingly, the gap closed rapidly. Don’t know if I was that fast or she was that slow. Students screamed in excitement, cheering and encouraging me. They were exuberant that I was catching up. The sound was deafening…and exhilarating!

My students were cheering for me!

I knew I could win–theirs shouts gave me winged feet…

 

 

Over two thousand years ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the sound of cheers and praise.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him shouting,

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel.” John 12:12-13

 

Did the praise of the crowd tempt Jesus?

 

Did he want to accept their urging to become King?

We’re not told His thoughts as Jesus entered the city and crowds shouted joyful praise. But, we do know that Jesus did not seek fame. His journey had a different destination– to be their Savior, not a king.

He continued to be about His Father’s business.

He taught in the Temple. He provided guidance to His disciples, those that would continue His ministry.

He prayed. He asked his Father to give Him strength and courage to be obedient.

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. Luke 22:42-43

Jesus was not swayed by the lure of fame. The cheers of the crowd didn’t turn Him away from His mission. Their praise and adoration did not cause Him to back away from the task set for Him by God. Instead, Jesus was humble and obedient.

In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8

 

As I write this, Christians across the world prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Christ’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. By Friday of that same week, cheers changed to jeers and Jesus carried the cross that would be His instrument of death.

But, that is not the end of the story.

Next week? From Jeers to Joy!

Wishing you a blessed week, my friends as we remember God’s ultimate gift of love.

 

 

PS–Only read this if you want to know the results of my relay race many years ago. I do not want to detract from the real issue (God’s love for us) but, if you’re like me you don’t like to only know part of a story.

As I raced toward the finish line, the enthusiastic shouts of my students pushing me to do my best, I caught up with my colleague. She struggled to breathe. “You want to finish together?” I asked.

“Yes,” she gasped.

I slowed to match her pace. We crossed the line in unison.

 

 

 

 

8 Comments

  1. Crossing the line in unison is a spiritual picture. Glad I scrolled to the end.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Me, too! Thanks for the word picture–I hadn’t thought of it that way. Hoping your Easter is blessed!

  2. I like how you ended your race with your colleague! This is a beautiful picture! And you’re right—Jesus’ head wasn’t turned by applause. He is our ultimate example.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      It’s a special memory for me, Heather. There are many things I can look back on and wish I’d made a different decision, but on this day, all those years ago, I think I did exactly the right thing. We’re so blessed to have Jesus as our Guide. Wishing you blessings, my friend.

  3. I like the comparison of Jesus’ last week on Earth to a race. He didn’t slow down (even though he wanted to) when the cheers turned to jeers. Praise God!
    And thank you for including the finish of your race. Had you not, I would have asked.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you, Carole! I pondered a great deal about whether to add that last part–how my race turned out. It just seemed so trivial when compared to what Jesus did for us. I’m grateful for your encouragement! Wishing you a blessed day, my friend and HAPPY writing!

  4. Like you mentioned, He was always about His Father’s business. The perfect example for us!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Yes, Katy! Aren’t we blessed to have such a loving example? Jesus is the perfect role model of forgiveness and love and he’s only a prayer away.

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