The fake-out. In sports, this technique is often used by those who have
great athletic skill to make a defender react to something they never
intended to do. A shooter makes it look like they are going to take a
shot, only to do something else. A pitcher makes it look like they are
going to throw a pitch, only to try to pick off a runner. If you are on
the receiving end of this kind of trickery, it can make you feel foolish
or even angry. In the story of Jesus, we see a moment in His life where
it feels like everything is finally coming together. He rides into
Jerusalem acclaimed as a king. But it is only a few short days away from
His death. While this was clearly not a surprise to Jesus, His
followers struggled to keep up with what was happening. But in this
moment, it feels like everything they’ve been working for has finally