We near the conclusion of our Lenten Worship series entitled I Give Up, continuing our exploration of what we might give up during this season of introspection and preparation.
This Sunday is the traditional celebration of Palm Sunday, and is a peak of celebration in Jesus’ ministry that leads to the valley of death on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Ultimately, we arrive at an even higher peak on Easter Sunday! And we must acknowledge the fullness of this journey—a very real journey for Jesus and those in first-century Jerusalem, and a spiritual journey for us today.
As Jesus comes into Jerusalem from the east, he seems to be at the height of his popularity. So much so that Jesus is scolded by religious leaders and the plans to arrest and prosecute him intensify. In all of this, Jesus seems unconcerned. Perhaps he is already prepared for what must come next. While he recognizes the popularity he has achieved, he does not need it, he does not savor it, he does not use it for his own purposes. Because his purposes are bigger.
Luke 19:28-40 (CEB)
28 After Jesus said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’”32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.
33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.
37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said,
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
- Kings and Caesars would ride warhorses amidst lavish displays of power into cities as signs of victory. What point is Luke emphasizing by noting that Jesus rode into town on a colt?
- What point is Luke emphasizing by observing that the people placed cloaks before Jesus (and not waving palm branches as in other gospel accounts)?
- Place yourself in the story of Palm Sunday. What do you notice? What would you tell the crowd shouting “Hosanna” or “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord?” What would you like to tell the group of Pharisees trying to calm the crowds? What would you say to Jesus?
- How has this Lenten journey impacted you? What are you looking forward to during the coming Holy Week? How will you prepare for crucifixion? How will you prepare for the resurrection and Easter?