Monday 10 August 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" (vs 12-13)
Background
As we move along on the journey we began with the words from Matthew's Gospel yesterday, it is clear that Jesus' reputation has gone before him. As the festival in Jerusalem was gathering, the crowds came, seeking Jesus out to extol him as a leader. The people who had gathered had heard of Jesus healing the sick and the other ways in which his powers had been shown. They were very keen to follow him. The disciples at first seemed to struggle to know why such a crowd were gathering and it was not really until they reflected on the miraculous things which had happened in Jesus' presence that they realised the way he had changed while in prayer on the mountain, as we read in our Bible passage yesterday.
It is clear that the mass of the people wanted to get to know more. The Pharisees were anxious about the effect Jesus was having on those attending the festival and we can almost hear the fear of turmoil this was causing and brood on what would come later.
To Ponder:
- Had news about the life of Jesus spread just by word of mouth? Or was there some prompting in people's own faith journey? For instance had they learned that God would send someone mounted on a donkey to lead them, which pointed Jesus out as someone special who needed their attention?
- Are there times in our own faith journey when someone seems to stand out as the person we need to note and look to as we seek to do God’s will?
- As we read these words, do we become aware of the danger for Jesus but also for those who follow him because they can be seen as a threat to those who have not yet met Jesus for themselves?
Prayer
As we seek to be true disciples, we ask that we show in our lives and in our care for others something of what you, our Lord, want for the whole world. We ask to be given courage to travel the journey bravely, in the knowledge that you walk with us and keep us confident even in the darkest times. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Pat Billsborrow
Pat came into ministry 39 years ago and has been a supernumerary for 20 years. She is happy to continue serving wherever she is needed.