Palm Sunday started with cheers. The people laid down their cloaks, waved palm branches, and shouted “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem. They celebrated Him—not because they truly understood who He was—but because they hoped He would become what they wanted: a political savior, a conquering king, someone who would fix their problems their way.
But by Friday, those same voices had fallen silent. Some shouted, “Crucify Him!” Others simply vanished. Why? Because Jesus didn’t meet their expectations. And when the crowd's expectations were unmet, their praise turned into rejection.
That’s been my week.
I experienced something similar—on a much smaller scale, of course—but painful all the same. People I thought were for me suddenly grew distant. The support I once felt disappeared. And I was left asking: Was their encouragement real? Did they ever see me for who I truly am—or just who they hoped I would be?
God gently reminded me that Jesus understands. He lived this.
Sometimes, people will only celebrate you as long as you fit their narrative. But when your journey doesn’t match their expectations, their support may disappear. That doesn’t make your journey any less valid. In fact, it brings you closer to the heart of Christ—who was betrayed, abandoned, and misunderstood, even as He walked perfectly in obedience.
So if you’re in a season where it feels like the applause has stopped or the crowd has turned, take heart.
Your worth isn’t measured by who cheers for you. It’s found in the One who endured the silence, the suffering, and the Cross—for you.
He never stops clapping for your obedience.
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… and we esteemed Him not.” – Isaiah 53:3
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18
