A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him [Jesus]. They shouted “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of The Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” [John 12:12b-13 (NLT)]

Do you ever wonder where all these joyful people were only a few days later when the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus to be saved from dying on the cross? Why were they silent? What happened to the people who had shouted “Hail to the King of Israel!” when Jesus hauled his cross down the road? Why were there no cries of outrage then? Where were these people when Jesus was crucified? Do you ever wonder where you would be and what you would have done if you’d been in Jerusalem that Passover week?

Lord Jesus, even when we feel you’ve disappointed us, don’t ever let us abandon you. Reassure us of your presence. Forgive us for our silence when we should have spoken and acknowledged you publicly as our Lord and Savior! May we always greet you with praise and thanksgiving.