This

month we have reflected on what it means to be a disciple, a

follower, of Christ. Yet we have barely scratched the surface of how

Jesus formed the faith of the people who followed him. He invited

them on the journey and walked with them every step of the way. He

challenged them to grow and learn. He taught, encouraged, and

admonished them, accept­ing each one for who they were. He didn’t

leave them by the roadside to fend for themselves, and he didn’t

abandon them when they messed up.

Jesus

calls each of us also to follow him in all areas of life, wherever

that may lead. He encourages devotion and loyalty as we die to

ourselves and our own ambitions and live for him.

In

our passage for today, Jesus’ disciples follow him into Jerusalem,

proclaiming him as king (though soon he will lay down his life for

human sin, and then rise in victory over death). They praise him with

every part of their being, honoring him as their Savior. When the

religious leaders tell Jesus to keep his disciples quiet, he says

that if they remain silent, even the rocks will praise him. As

impossible as it sounds for rocks to cry out, it’s impossible for

Jesus’ followers not to praise him.

The

task of Jesus’ disciples is to follow—to give him glory, honor,

and praise. They continually point to him as their example. And they

praise him in every situation with all of their being. That is our

task too as followers of Jesus.