The Beautiful Letdown (Part 1)
At the beginning of Dr. Neil T. Anderson’s book, Discipleship Counseling, he outlines five foundational principles that underscore both the book and Freedom in Christ Ministries as a whole. One of those principles is that the message and method of discipleship [counseling] must be based on the finished work of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:27-2:15). He writes “The fact that every Christian is eternally alive in Christ right now is the only basis for hope” (page 16; emphasis mine).
Friends, this is the Easter message. We are blessed to be able to look back on Jesus’ suffering, death, and victorious resurrection as history – His story and ours (Romans 6:4-6). From this side of the cross and empty grave, we can experience fullness of life in Christ through repentance and faith, and we can bear much fruit by making make the daily choice to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3, CSB).
Still, I experience letdowns more often than I would like to admit. Many of my life goals and desires are yet to be realized. And when I’m forgetful of gospel truths, lies centered around “coulda”, “woulda”, and “shoulda” can flood my mind. Perhaps you can relate.
That is why I love returning repeatedly to the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Every gospel moves along at a rather quick pace until we reach His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The four gospel writers edit several years of public ministry down to just a few chapters. Yet within each gospel, significant detail is given to the events that occurred between Jesus’ triumphal entry and His victorious resurrection.
As we look to Palm Sunday, let’s ponder and prayerfully consider how some letdowns in life are beautiful letdowns, and most likely very purposeful.
In the last week of Jesus’ life, he entered the beloved capital city of his people. He came during the celebration of Passover when the city was a buzz with thousands upon thousands of pilgrims. They were there to remember as a nation how God freed them from the tyranny of the Egyptians and the bondage of slavery. They also anticipated the arrival of a Messiah who would free them from the tyranny of yet another oppressor—the Romans.
Up to this point, Jesus performed miracles, taught with authority, and cast out demons. People marveled at what he said and how he said it, and they even followed him around to see what would happen next. Most likely, they were thinking, “could it be?”
Anticipation was building. It was time for Jesus to make his move. He sat on a colt and rode it a short distance to Jerusalem. Mark 11:8-10 reads, “Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Most Palm Sunday messages focus on these events, and rightly so! Here Jesus, with direction from the Father and walking by the Spirit, declared his Lordship. He took it upon himself to fulfill Messianic prophecy and proclaim a pre-determined victory over the enemy (Zechariah 9:9; Psalms 118:25-26).
However, this day did not usher in Rome’s decline or defeat. By the end of the week, Jesus would be taken into custody, beaten, and then killed. It ended with a massive letdown. At most, Jesus overturned the tables of some moneychangers and then he retreated with his friends to Bethany. Hardly a show of strength to those in real authority, and it may have been the reason the crowd turned on him as the week progressed.
This wasn’t what people anticipated or wanted. But it was beautiful – a beautiful letdown! Jesus was up to something so much bigger than the defeat of an earthly oppressor. He was on a mission to defeat sin, death, and the ruler of this world so that we can experience fullness of life right now.
As we look to Palm Sunday, where are you?
Maybe you feel like many of your life goals and desires remain unfulfilled. Maybe lies, discouragement, or defeat flood your mind and you wonder what God is up to. Maybe you feel like God has let you down.
Friends, don’t lose heart. Just as Jesus’ letdown ended up bringing life & redemption to all people, He is up to something bigger in your letdown as well.
Jesus came to give you fullness of life, and that life is available right now by seeking Him rather than the things of this world.