Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12

They all began chanting the same thing, over and over and over again. The anger and frustration of years of hoped for change seemed to rise to a crescendo this morning outside our city. Authorities desperately worked to quell a swelling riot. It all seemed to start just over the ridge of Mt. Olivet outside the home of a family who has been much in the news lately. Although we have not been able to confirm the details, numerous eyewitnesses are reporting that one of Bethany’s wealthier residents had passed away after just a few days of illness. His family members had, even through their shock and sorrow, been able to give him a proper burial and were afterward being comforted by a host of friends.

Those knowing the family well, have anonymously reported (having not been officially appointed to speak for the family) that an even greater sorrow than that of their brother’s death was the disappointment that a supposed close family friend had been informed of their situation yet had chosen not to come to their side in their hour of grief. They actually thought that IF he had come, he would have had the “power” to prevent their brother from even dying in the first place. Sorrow certainly does strange things to the minds of those who grieve!

But now our sources tell us that this friend of the deceased actually DID come…but he made his visit to their home too late. He not only did not get to see his “friend” for one last time, but he also missed the memorial service. Yet, many of our sources tell us that he insisted on visiting the graveside with the surviving sisters. And when he did, manly as he is, he lost emotional control and began to weep uncontrollably. And then, they tell this reporter, he did the most amazing thing. He stopped weeping and started shouting. “Lazarus! Come out of there!” Those present thought he might have been experiencing some sort of mental breakdown, or emotional collapse or something. Until…

After four days of lying in the cold, clammy stone vault, the deceased actually DID come out! Yes, we have confirmed this report with MANY sources. The entire village is buzzing with excitement as they rush to take a “selfie” with the village hero and line up to get his autograph. I mean, who ever heard of such a thing? A dead man walking?! That would definitely take someone out of the ordinary!

Well, that’s where today’s unfolding news report began. Just outside the home of the local hero, a crowd began to gather hoping to not only see the “walking dead” but also to get a glimpse of the one who called him out of the grave. And as the “miracle man” made his way up the road to our capital city earlier today, the word spread that he was coming and a massive crowd of visitors began to rush out of the city toward the hill separating the two towns. When the crowd traveling with the “miracle man” met the crowd rushing out to greet them, a riot broke out. And the authorities were simply overwhelmed and quickly recognized they were powerless to contain the masses.

The out of control crowd began chanting the same thing, over and over and over again. The anger and frustration of years of hoped for change seemed to rise to a crescendo this morning outside our city. Everyone of them was shouting the same thing, “Hosanna! Hosanna! Save now!”

With Rome leading our nation and the House of the Sanhedrin proving impotent to bring about lasting change, it WOULD take a “miracle man” to liberate us! Hmmm…do you…? No, that would be wishful thinking. It would take a miracle!

See you Sunday, Church! (palm branches optional ☺)
Pastor Tom