It was on every newscast. It was the largest lottery pool in North America. “This could be the time to start playing,” said some. “Why not get in on the chance,” said others. “After all, it only cost a dollar to play.”

When something is big, the desire to join in is huge. To be a part. To cover your bases. So you join the throng. You stand in line and laugh sheepishly, not sure you believe, not wanting to disbelieve. You toss down a palm or two.

It’s easy, later, to say “I knew I would fail. The odds were 1 to 176 million.” But there is always, in spite of what you know the odds are, to believe that this time things might go your way. This time the needs you have, the suffering in your family, the dreams you have to help people…those good things ought to tip luck your way.

It might be the same feeling that some other normal people felt a couple thousand years ago. Heading to town to shop or sell. Thinking about all that needed to get done before the big holiday week. Seeing a parade going by.

Who knows, for sure, if he’s really the one that will bring freedom from the Romans. Who knows, for sure, if he’s really the one that will bring meaning to the prophecies about a coming king, a coming messiah, a coming champion. Who knows for sure. Probably not. Probably a long shot.

But what’s it cost? A little time. Waving a palm branch from the street team that just went by. The odds are long, but what if, this time, it is real.

On last Friday, on that Palm Sunday, there were lots of fans covering bases. Nothing wrong with that. But not a deep commitment.

—

Matthew 21:1-11