The Only Opinion that Matters

On Palm Sunday, Jesus was enthusiastically welcomed as He rode into Jerusalem. However, despite the crowds’ shouts of adoration, their hearts were far from Him. They worshipped Jesus for what they thought He would provide—freedom from Roman oppression—not for who He was. They feared staying in a situation where they felt powerless more than they feared God.

The next day, in the temple courts, the Pharisees were indignant as they witnessed the children praise Jesus. They were threatened by His miracles and more concerned with protecting their egos than honoring the Messiah. When the religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority to teach, we see how fear of man (and what he thinks) hinders their ability to follow God. After Jesus poses a question revealing their intent to trap Him, they calculate the consequences of either answer and choose winning the approval of others over the will of God.

Later that week, Jesus curses the fruitless fig tree to warn us about the dangers of hypocrisy and an empty faith. He then shares The Parable of the Two Sons, and we’re reminded that repentant sinners will enter the Kingdom before the prideful and entitled. Are we more like the first son, wanting to go our own way, but eventually yielding to God? Or are we more like the second, keeping up external appearances at the expense of a relationship with our Savior?

Scripture tells us that fear of man will prove to be a snare, but fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 29:25, Psalm 111:10). When have you allowed selfish motives or a desire to please others stand in the way of faithfully serving God? What step can you take to align your life with His Word and make His opinion the only one that matters?