The Crowd - Misplaced Expectations

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! - John 12:12-13

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd erupted with praise. They waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna!”—a cry that means “save us now.” They recognized Jesus as King, but their understanding of His kingship was limited.

They wanted a political savior, someone who would overthrow Rome, restore their comfort, and meet their immediate needs. They were celebrating Jesus—but for the wrong reasons.  Just days later, many of these same voices would fall silent… or even turn away.  

The truth is, it’s possible to praise Jesus and still misunderstand Him.  We can follow Him for what He provides—peace, blessing, breakthrough, provision—while missing who He truly is: Savior, Lord, and King over every part of our lives.  Jesus didn’t come just to fix circumstances. He came to redeem hearts.  Real discipleship begins when we stop asking, “What can Jesus do for me?” and start surrendering to “Who is Jesus to me?”

Will we follow Him when He doesn’t meet our expectations?  Will we trust Him when His ways look different than we hoped?  The crowd welcomed Him with excitement.  But only true followers stayed with Him through the cross.

Ask yourself:

• Why am I following Jesus right now?

• Would I still follow Him if He didn’t meet my current need?

Here’s a Prayer:  Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve followed You for what You can give rather than for who You are. Help me to see You clearly as Lord and King. Align my heart with Your will, not my expectations. Teach me to follow You faithfully—no matter the cost. Amen.