QT 2 Oct 12, Our desire to be entertained hides the real need of our souls

John 12:9-13, 17-22 (NIV) Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

"Hosanna!"

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Blessed is the King of Israel!"

. . .

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

NOTE: For the Pharisees, things have clearly got out of hand with this last miracle, the raising of the man from the dead -- and not just dead, but from the grave. I think this is why many of Jesus' strongest statements and most amazing miracles are near the end of the three years of ministry, because they cannot be ignored and they force the hand of the leadership. They must either believe what he says or get rid of him (and all attempts to discredit him have failed). I've often wondered what verses 20-22 are doing here since they are never referenced again, but I think they highlight the Pharisees' concern in verse 19, that truly the word about Jesus is beginning to spread around the world. But being excited about Jesus or going to a Jesus event is a far cry from believing in Jesus. The event of palm Sunday is recorded here, and yet less that one week later the city of Jerusalem is screaming, "crucify him." We are a fickle group indeed, far more interested in entertainment than in the real need of our soul. We like to be part of the big events or see something rare happen, than to truly investigate a person and his claims. It doesn't matter whether it is political or spiritual matters, we want to be entertained. How else does one get from palm Sunday to the crucifixion in six short days? Lord, in this day and age of entertainment gone amuck, open our eyes to our real need.