Three Cs

Mica sat on the side of the road, soaking in the sun. He liked this spot, next to the road leading to Jerusalem. Though he couldn’t explain why, he’d always had a feeling something special was going to happen here. On dreary days, when people jostled him more than usual, he doubted it was true. But on bright, hopeful days like today, he believed it to his core.

From his place near a palm tree, Mica watched as people went about their business, approaching or leaving Jerusalem. Some in wagons, some on foot. He couldn’t help but wonder what they were thinking. How did it feel to be busy all day? To toil and sweat just to fulfill their role in the world? Mica didn’t know, but from the looks on their faces, he imagined it was difficult.

He was watching an especially downtrodden traveler when he heard a commotion. Looking toward the noise, Mica saw that a crowd was approaching Jerusalem, many of them yelling. Their voices didn’t seem angry, though. They sounded full of joy.

The people near Mica moved to the side of the road, curious to see who was coming. As the crowd drew nearer, Mica heard some of their words.

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Anticipation filled Mica’s entire being. This was what he’d been waiting for, the reason this spot was special. He’d get to see the Lord!

When the people around him heard the shouts, they grew excited, too. Some ripped branches off palm trees and waved them around. A few even laid their cloaks on the road.

The shouts had reached a crescendo when Mica saw Him. The one all of creation had been waiting for. He was riding on a young donkey, his eyes shining with love. Looking at him, Mica knew his entire existence had been for this purpose, this moment. To witness the coming of the savior.

Most of the crowd seemed to feel the same way, but a few men wearing fancy robes did not. This small group tried to silence the people to no avail.

“Teacher,” one of them called, “rebuke your disciples!”

The Lord just shook his head.

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

As the Lord continued toward Jerusalem, Mica couldn’t help but feel disappointed that no one had listened to the fancy-robed men. He’d really wanted to praise his creator out loud for once.