“What a difference a day makes!!! 24 little hours”
Singer, Dinah Washington first pop hit
On this weekend, along with all Christians we celebrate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. Pause for a moment to consider the difference a day makes as we look at the events Jesus and his disciples experienced leading to this momentous weekend.
On Monday of Holy week, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while the crowds sang “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” The crowd swelled as he made his way into Jerusalem. This ride, prophesied in Scripture, had competing meaning for the masses and Jesus. Note that Jesus said nothing on this ride that seemed to be quite a parade, as he was not moved by the crowd “noise.” He had a mission to accomplish and was not moved by the approval of the crowd. What an important lesson for us to embrace. When we know who we are and whose we are, we can respond to the crowd “noise” the same way.
Fast forward to Friday morning when Jesus stood before Pilate and the crowd. Pilate was asked, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?” The mood of the crowd was now hostile toward this same Jesus whom they sought to honor as King. How quickly the fickle crowd turned! “and they said, ‘Barabbas!’” Pilate said, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ? They shouted for his death with the same enthusiasm as when they called him king, “Crucify him!” When he determined that he could not change their minds, he washed his hands and said “I am innocent of this man’s blood…,” In reply, ALL the people said, “Let his blood be on us and on our children.”
Think of the paradox of this statement. Jesus came to shed his blood for the ransom for many
(Mark 10:45). The Jews cried “Let is blood be on us and on our children,” Jesus was undeterred in making his blood available for cleansing for those who took responsibility for shedding it, who did not want the blessing but the curse of rejecting his gift. Praise his name!
What a difference a day makes! When Jesus was crucified and rested on the Sabbath, imagine the satisfaction of the Jews in accomplishing what they set out to do-kill Christ. Resurrection Sunday came! Imagine the joy of Jesus as he accomplished what he set out to do-restore communion with God and humanity by the power of his blood. Thank God for the difference a day makes.
On this Easter weekend, let us reflect anew the crowds who crowned Jesus one day and then called for his death on another day. What will keep you from being part of the crowd that campaigned for his death? What in your life will keep you from embracing and rejoicing in what the precious blood of Jesus has accomplished for you? Let’s pray that his death and glorious resurrection will not be in vain.