We are nearing the end of our Worship series titled “The Grace of Les Misérables,” based on the book by the same title by Rev. Matt Rawle. We have explored themes of grace, rigid justice, the plight of the underprivileged, and love.
This week we consider the young students—they might consider themselves revolutionaries—to whom Cosette becomes inextricably drawn. These idealists call themselves “Les Amis de l’ABC,” an interesting name that seems to indicate that their voices are raised on behalf of others. We can surely agree that it is good to speak out on behalf of those who are marginalized, and we might have even considered this question: If not me, then who?
Habakkuk 2:9-11 (CEB)
9 Doom to the one making evil gain for his own house,
for putting his own nest up high,
for delivering himself from the grasp of calamity.
10 You plan shame for your own house,
cutting off many peoples
and sinning against your own life.
11 A stone will cry out from a village wall,
and a tree branch will respond.
Mark 11:1-11 (CEB)
1 When Jesus and his followers approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives. Jesus gave two disciples a task, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘Its master needs it, and he will send it back right away.’”
4 They went and found a colt tied to a gate outside on the street, and they untied it.5 Some people standing around said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them just what Jesus said, and they left them alone. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes upon it, and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields. 9 Those in front of him and those following were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessings on the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After he looked around at everything, because it was already late in the evening, he returned to Bethany with the Twelve.
- For whom do you think “Les Amis de l’ABC” are advocating? What is their message? What is their goal?
- How does the text from Habakkuk connect with your understanding from the question above?
- When Jesus entered Jerusalem, what were the people saying (hint: remember what “hosanna” means)? Does this seem in line with the efforts of Les Amis de l’ABC? Why or why not?
- Other Gospels add an interaction with religious leaders about asking the crowd to stop shouting. If they were to stop, would there be silence? Does this have any parallel with the advocacy of Les Amis de l’ABC?