For the Praise of One
“The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” John 8:51 NLT
One of the things I love most about corporate worship is hearing others sing. This often brings tears to my eyes as I recognize how many people sincerely love God and are not ashamed to praise Him.
Likewise on Palm Sunday, Christians around the globe will join in unified praise in remembrance of Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. And although this is a celebratory occasion, the truth is the mixed crowd of praisers that flocked to see Jesus were not all sincere. In fact, the majority of those present would change their tune to one degree or another in less than one week. And of course, Jesus was well aware of this. Yet remarkably, knowing this didn’t hinder Him one iota from proceding through the city on top of a donkey amidst shouts of praise. Why? Because Jesus didn’t go to Jerusalem in pursuit of public praise, but rather in fulfillment of Scripture, and for the praise of One.
In Fulfillment of Scripture
What the crowd was unaware of, the disciples would come to understand, and the religious leaders were blind to see, was that every single detail of what we now know as Palm Sunday was in alignment with the Father’s eternal plan. In other words, Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem wasn't a happenstance. In fact, the prophet Zechariah spoke futuristically of this day 500 years prior to its occurrence saying,
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.” (Zechariah 9:9 NIV)
Obviously, Jesus being fully God was aware of His Father's plan. This is why the Scripture says, “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, [He] resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51 NLT).
And this is rather astonishing when considering Jesus knew in advance the joyful praisers that welcomed Him on Sunday would condemn Him to death on Friday of that same week.
The truth is Jesus understood the praise He received in Jerusalem was temporary and short-lived. Yet He hadn’t come to the city in pursuit of public praise, but rather for the praise of One.
For the Praise of One
In our humanness it’s hard to conceive living solely for the praise of God, with no need of approval or acceptance from others. But that’s precisely how Jesus lived His entire life. If He hadn't, He never would have been able to accomplish His purpose. But Jesus didn’t allow Himself to be tempted by the lure of fleeting notoriety, fickle popularity, current social status or constant people pleasing. He didn’t need or require any of these things. He never had.
Instead, He was free, free from public opinion, free from people’s acceptance, and free from other’s approval. Everything He needed and more, Jesus received from God. He knew He was the loved Son of a perfect Father. And because of this He lived every day of his life, not for the praise of people, but only for the praise of One.
So, as we gather in worship this Palm Sunday, may our praises be unhindered. May our songs be sincere. May our hearts be grateful and our worship authentic. And most significantly, may we remember our perfect Jesus who courageously faced His Passion week, knowing all He would endure. Yet, despite this knowledge, He surrendered to His Father and courageously entered the city of Jerusalem all for the praise of One.
Pray
Jesus, I thank you for the life you lived, the example you left, and the model you set for me. In those times when I seek to be noticed, approved or recognized, may I choose instead to imitate you, and do all things only for the praise of One. Amen.
Reflect
In what way(s) might your life change for the better if the continual motivation of your heart were to live only for the praise of One?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE!