Fans are a fickle lot, especially in the world of sports. If we were to look up the word “fickle” in a dictionary, I suspect we’d find a photo of a crazed sports fan next to the definition. That’s because the hot and cold of rapidly changing weather has nothing on the fluctuating temperatures of ‘love you one day, hate you the next’ football, basketball, baseball, soccer or hockey fans.
It’s all about expectations. Fans expect their heroes to deliver triumphs without fail, whether it’s a single game or entire season. Failure to do so runs the risk of incurring the wrath of displeased fans.
We find this same phenomenon in the spiritual realm. Years ago, Kyle Idleman wrote a book called Not a Fan, differentiating people who are “fans” of Jesus Christ from those who are genuine followers. Fans, according to Idleman, like to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it demands sacrifice. Followers, however, are fully committed to Christ, no matter the cost.
With Palm Sunday coming up, the gospel accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the start of Passover week are instructive. They show the sharp distinction between His fans and followers. For centuries the Jews had been anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. Most were expecting a liberator, a strong military leader to deliver them from Roman rule, similar to the revolt of 167-160 B.C., led by the Maccabees against Greek oppression.
Word had spread that Jesus, whom many people were starting to regard as the promised Messiah, was approaching Jerusalem. The throngs of Jews who had gathered in the city were giddy with excitement. We’re told, “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:8-9).
There was no official flag of Israel back then, but the palm branches were widely recognized as the symbol for the chosen people of God. They were ‘waving the flag’ in hopes of Jesus’ establishing a kingdom that would cast out the Romans.
Some in the crowd likely felt surprised Jesus didn’t arrive riding a warhorse or armed for battle. Instead, He was riding a lowly donkey. Their enthusiasm must have been tempered by confusion. They were looking for a militaristic leader, a roaring lion; instead, they were staring at the Lamb of God, unaware He was preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their sins.
Pastor and Bible teacher Alistair Begg offers this description: "Christ did not enter Jerusalem as a conquering nationalist, riding a chariot; He came as a peace-bringing internationalist, seated humbly on a donkey. We try to create a Jesus who will fulfill our expectations (as the cheering crowd did then). We want peace, comfort, prosperity – an earthly kingdom. It is not that our expectations are too big – they are too small. It is not about us, but Jesus and His eternal Kingdom.”
Over the next several days there was a dramatic shift in attitude among those “fans” of Jesus. They realized He had no intention of overthrowing Roman rule. Instead, He took on the religious establishment, denouncing the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem. “He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ He said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:12-13).
Like disillusioned sports fans who turn against a coach or star player who doesn’t perform to their liking, the Jews in Jerusalem were deciding this Jesus wasn’t living up to their vision of what the Messiah would be. In fact, after Jesus’ sham trial based on false accusations, Pontius Pilate, who didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, gave the riled-up crowd an opportunity to see Jesus freed:
“So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “'Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas [a notorious and murderous prisoner], or Jesus who is called Christ?'” (Matthew 27:17). At the urging of the chief priests and religious elders, the people repeatedly shouted concerning Jesus, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:23).
In less than a week, the ‘fans’ who had adoringly welcomed Jesus had turned to the dark side. Like jaded sports fans angry because their team had lost the championship game – but much worse – the Jews in Jerusalem revealed their true convictions. They couldn’t wait to see Him hanging from a cross.
As Holy Week is upon us, it’s worth considering: Do we trust in the Lord only when He meets our expectations, answers our prayers, and does what we want Him to do? Or are we determined to follow Him even at the cost of our lives, if necessary, as did most of Jesus’ disciples after His resurrection? Today in many parts of the world men, women and children are being martyred for their faith. If it came down to it, would we be willing to do the same? Or are we just “fans” of Christ?
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