The Backsliders: Pastor Rajiv

The shift from the "Hosannas" of Palm Sunday to the "Crucify Him" of Friday is one of the most dramatic turnarounds in history. While it seems like a sudden flip, several high-tension events occurred during those four days that eroded the crowd's support. But the most profound thing that happened was that Jesus cried!

We can learn a lot from those 5 days in Jerusalem. More so because the backsliding of the people then, and our backsliding today, is the same. 

Lets see the impact of everything that happened.

1. The Cleansing of the Temple (Monday)

Jesus entered the Temple and overturned the tables of the moneychangers.

The Impact: This wasn't just a religious act; it was an economic disruption. He struck at the heart of the city's commerce and challenged the authority of the High Priests (the Sadducees).

2. Failed Political Expectations

The crowd on Palm Sunday expected a Militant Messiah. They laid down palm branches—a symbol of Jewish nationalism—expecting Jesus to lead an armed revolt against the Roman occupiers. So, when the Jewish people greeted Jesus waving palm branches, they were expressing their hope that the Messiah was in the city to take control of his people and throw off the chains of roman bondage, setting them free to be the mighty nation they were prophesied to be.

When Jesus didn't call for a revolution, the nationalist fervor turned into disappointment. A crowd that feels "let down" by a leader can turn bitter very quickly.

4. Direct Confrontation with Leaders

Jesus delivered the "Seven Woes" (Matthew 23), where he publicly called the religious leaders "hypocrites" and "whitewashed tombs."

The Impact: This forced the hand of the Sanhedrin. They realized they couldn't just ignore him; they had to discredit him. They began a "whisper campaign," telling the people that Jesus was a blasphemer who would bring Roman wrath down on the whole city.

5. Then Jesus Wept

Why did Jesus have this sad reaction to such a tumultuous welcome by the people of Jerusalem? Three reasons: ironically Jerusalem means à city of peace but Jesus wept because –

· The great privileges were being abused

· The great possibilities that had been rejected and

· The great punishment he knew was coming on the city and its people

Jerusalem had abandoned its faith, rejected the messiah, and would be laid to waste with terrible judgement.

Every year, we celebrate Good Friday and Easter.  Have we not forgotten His passion and gone back to doing the same things? Do we not backslide when our expectations from Jesus are not met or met in another way? Do we not corrupt our bodies which are His temple? Do we not abuse the privileges God has given us in some measure? Have we not rejected limitless possibilities offered by God?

How are we any different from the crowds of Palm Sunday?