The Elbert County tribune., 1914-07-31

tHee Zech. Ny H. ".
Mark devotes 2S3 verses to his ac-
count of the last week of our Lords
life and 425 to all the balance Mat
thew deyotes seven chapters and Luke
five. II all of the life of Jesus had
been given to us In like ratio it would
have taken at least 80 volumes In
which to tell US the story.
Today's lesson is the introduction
to that week. We must consider his
entry in its light upon the whole
movement of his life. His instruc-
tions how to secure the colt seem to
Indicate his intention to provoke
demonstration. Though often in Je-
rusalem before, this was different
occasion, and for different purpose.
Before he did not provoke his con-
ficts, now he courts publicity, that he
may fasten his claims upon the at
tention of all.
Test Of Faith.
u. "The Lord hath need Of him."
w. II. 1t was a test of faith for these
disciples to obey the Lords command
". p, yet they did precisely what
they were commanded to do ". 81.
Obedience is the supreme test of dis
cipleship, John 1914. When the dis
ciples entered the village ". u they
found the colt "whereon no man ever
yet sat- Jesus knew all and had
the keys to the human heart. Perhaps
this colt belonged to a disciple. hence
the willingness to let 1t be used for
the occasion Jesus was for the first
and only time assuming.
Many disciples are not willing to be
SO explicitly and simply obedient.
This obedience is heightened when
we remember how the disciples had
followed Jesus towards Jerusalem
amazed" and perplexed.
Those who stood by asked the very
question suggested by Jesus, " CT.
v. 8. AS these disciples cast their
garments upon the colt for Jesus to
sit upon, they proclaimed their al
legiance to him as king.
II. "Hosanna" w. S-11. Literally,
save now" Ps. 11S:25, 26. His en-
try was characterized by remarkable
outbreak of enthusiasm. Before this
only the disciples accepted his king
dom claims, now the multitude found
their expression Of qualification. Pass
ing into the city, sitting upon the colt,
he was accompanied by their chants
of praise. Their first word was, "Ho
sanna"-their last "Hosanna in the
highest" Between these they ex
claimed, Blessed is the kingdom thai
cometh, of our father David" 1t has
been suggested that this host was made
up largely of Galileans, and that theirs
was an appeal to the city to receive
the one who was coming, hence theh
double blessing to the king and to the
kingdom. Jesus seems to have yield
ed his whole soul to this glad acclaim
1t was a necessary part of that dig
nifty which should properly be accord
ed to the Messiah on this his last
entry into the Holy City. This sug
gestion about the Galileans may ex
plain the cry uttered the last part Oh
the week by the citizens of Jerusalem,
Cruelty him" Still we feel sure
that many of this same crowd Joined
this latter cry. The use of the word
many" ". 81 seems to indicate that
everyone Joined the acclamations OF
JOY.
Effect Of Psychology.
Some of that crowd were doubtless
moved by the psychology of the
crowd" and their devotion was short
lived. 1t is not hard to imagine the
effect this strange procession must
have produced upon the city as it
moved on to the temple. Some threw
their garments upon the ground to
pave his way. Others took palm
branches (John 1919 and strewed
them in his, path.
Some of the Pharisees cried out
against this demonstration, Luke 10:
SO. but the Master replied, "If these
should hold their peace the stones
would Immediately cry out" Luke 10:
40. From Luke's account we see that
Jesus did not seem to share the Joy
of that day. Luke 19:40-44. He saw
the end from the beginning. and right
ly estimated. at its true value, the
evanescent adulation of the crowd.
Summary. This is strange triumph.
What variety of emotions it must
have aroused. Those of the disciples,
the crowd, the Jewish sects, the Ro-
man soldiers and citizens, and in the
breast Of Jesus. How different than
the triumphal professions of Rome.
Heaven also saw the events OF that
day.
The clothing cast before him speaks
of sacrifice on his behalf. The chant
ing Of children's voices were a proph-
ecy OF his ultimate victory.
The disciples and the multitude were
filled with hope. The Galileans poured
forth their paean of praise and exulta-
tion. The on-looking rulers of Israel,
already plotting his arrest, must have