Palm Sunday

Sunday, March 24, 2013 | Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11 | Isaiah 50:4-7 | Psalm 100 | Philippians 2:6-11

Matthew 26:14 - 27:66

THAT’S A NO KNOW?

Peter “began cursing, and swore, ‘I do not even know the Man!’” - Matthew 26:74

Peter was privileged to know Jesus in ways not granted to the other disciples (see Matthew 16:17; Matthew 14:29; Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37; Matthew 26:37). If anyone was in a position to know Jesus intimately, Peter was. He knew Jesus the Messiah, Teacher, Deliverer, Raiser of the dead, and Master of the crowds. Yet, on Good Friday, Peter saw a Man before him standing bound, captive, mocked, and silent before His accusers. When asked about his association with this Prisoner, Peter answered, “I do not even know the Man” (Matthew 26:74). Certainly, Peter spoke words of denial. Yet, there is a profound truth to Peter’s statement: he did not know Jesus, the suffering Servant.

Paul was privileged to see Jesus and converse with Him (see Acts 9:4-5; Acts 19:9-10; Acts 9:16; II Corinthians 12:1-4). Paul knew Jesus in a way that few human beings will ever experience. However, Paul said, “I wish to know Christ” (Philippians 3:10). Paul realized that his human lifespan was insufficient to completely know Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you feel that you know Jesus personally and intimately. Even so, the Palm Sunday readings challenge us to take a new look at the Unknown One. Humbly bow before Him during the upcoming Holy Week. Ask Him, “Do I really know You?”

Prayer: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly” (Ephesians 1:17).