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

paid off!