Where Does Your Loyalty Lie?

Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 21:1–11 NRSV

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

In family or friendship when asked what is an important quality you look for in a person, loyalty is usually at the top of the list. But does your list match how others view your with their loyalty? Loyalty brings to mind a powerful sense of belonging and solidarity. With is comes the idea of wholehearted fidelity coupled with unswerving devotion and duty. When we think about loyalty in the Bible context we are generally speaking of relational. This means our whole being is through committed to someone. Joshua 24:15

Joshua 24:15 NRSV

Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

We have entered into the final weeks of lent and today is Palm Sunday. The Sunday where believers of Christ watched and praised the King of the Jews as he rode in on a colt. The people cried Hosanna blessed be the name of the Lord! But did they really mean this noteworthy praise to Jesus the son of Nazareth? Did they really have loyalty to the man they followed and taught them of his father and how to be a true disciple of Christ? Did their loyalty truly lie in Christ and the salvation he proclaimed to all? I ask you again where does your loyalty lie?

Loyalty is a part of relationship that was important to God and to Jesus. The Bible tells us to choose ye this day whom you will serve. This is a commitment one must make as he rides into town with palm leave waiving in the air and a celebration of many to come.