Historically, some of the most popular movies made had themes centered on good verses evil. Often it is an evil or repressive establishment that is beaten back by popular champions of "good" (such as the Star Wars saga). Matthew 21 reads like one of those movies--except this was real! It is a show-down between Christ, who by this time had become extremely popular, and the religious establishment that actually kept people from a genuine relationship with God. This religious establishment also had considerable political power among the Jewish people. They saw Christ as a threat (and rightly so!). The chapter begins with Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem as crowds gathered to shout "Hosanna!" It moves to the temple where Jesus runs out those who were extorting the people and degrading God's house. Then in a face off with the establishment, Jesus tells two parables illustrating how they had rejected God's message of obedience and salvation. What is sad, though, is how quickly the cheers of the crowds would change to shouts of "crucify him!" as just a short time later Christ would be crucified. They would eventually be swayed by their leaders and turn on Christ. Let me encourage you: don't follow the crowds just to follow the crowds. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Then you will be able to take a stand whether the crowd is for what you believe or against it. Let's learn from the consistency of Christ who spoke the truth regardless of how popular the message would be to the audience at the time.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com.
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