As we move toward Easter, we are reminded of the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem. Crowds gathered with excitement, waving palm branches and crying out “Hosanna!” They welcomed Him as King, full of hope and expectation. Yet, as we know, the road ahead would lead not to an earthly throne, but to the cross.
It is in this context that Jesus’ words in John 14 speak so powerfully: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
What looked like victory on the outside was leading to something the disciples would not understand. Can you relate to this? Life doesn’t always unfold as we expect, and at times we too can feel uncertain or troubled.
At Hampstead Gardens we are reminded that our hope is not built on circumstances, but on Christ Himself. Just as Jesus reassured His disciples, He reassures us today. His entry into Jerusalem was not a change of plans, it would be the fulfilment of God’s greater plan. Jesus goes on to promise that He is preparing a place for us, as His journey to the cross would open the way for us to be with the Father forever and this is the heart of the gospel.
When Thomas asked, “How can we know the way?” Jesus responded with those well-known words: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The crowds in Jerusalem were looking for immediate change, but instead Jesus was offering eternal transformation. They wanted deliverance from Rome; He came to bring deliverance from sin. They celebrated Him for a moment, but we are called to follow Him for a lifetime. As a faith community, this is also our invitation. It’s not just about acknowledging Jesus, but to trust Him in what He said.
As we reflect on this, may we be a people who live with confidence in Christ, encouraging one another, strengthening one another, and pointing others to Him. Jesus didn’t just come to show us the way, He is the way and in Him, we find truth, life, and peace as we walk with Jesus.