did you recognize Jesus today?

Today is Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus was greeted jubilantly by the crowds in Jerusalem. They were there for the Passover celebration. To read the whole Gospel narrative, go to Luke 19:28-44. After you read this, consider the following:

Crowd impact had a lot to do with the reason why Jesus was crucified instead of Barrabas. How easily the crowd was swayed from receiving Him on Palm Sunday to, not even a week later, sending Him to His death. When have you reacted with a crowd sentiment instead of relying on what YOU know...what YOU believe is right? Believing in Truth may not always be the popular choice...but it will always be THE choice you have to make every day.

As Jesus was being questioned, as He was being scourged, as He was being lead by the Roman soldiers from the Garden, He always maintained an air of forgiveness, whereas Peter wanted revenge. How often have YOU wanted revenge when you have been hurt instead of offering forgiveness? It could be anything as benign as being cut off in traffic to being let down by a friend or family member. How often have you wanted to get back or get even? Look at the news today! Everyone wants to cast that stone, yet how many admit that there ARE times when they have also been wrong?

As Jesus carried His Cross, He fell three times. Simon of Cyrene was called upon to help Jesus finish His journey. Though he didn't want to, he did it anyway. When have YOU been called upon to be a helper for another...and how often have you done it willingly?

As Jesus hung from the Cross...in horrible agony, He still had the love and energy to forgive yet another person: the one that was also nailed beside Him. How often have YOU been open and forgiving of another, even when you have felt your worst? After work and all tired, meeting an important deadline or just having a hectic day...when have you been open to allowing another to enter your realm of space...and just listened?


As Jesus was dying, there were only three people who knew Him that were present throughout all of His agony. In YOUR life, how often have you been present for those who have needed you? If not, what was seemingly more important than someone whom you hold dear to your heart?

After Jesus died, only one person believed in Him enough to recognize Him when she met Him. In YOUR life, do you believe that He is coming again....and will YOU be able to recognize Him when He does? We see so much in today's world of religion with hypocrisy, fake Messiahs in the news, false idols in those of so-called celebrity status. We'd allow a rich man access into our world, but a poor beggar...where does he or she fit in? Like Jesus, we must be a presence for others...not so much for the ones who lord their riches over us...but rather, for those who need us more than ever.

How will you recognize Jesus today? He is present in even the smallest miracle...did you see it? Have you seen Him?