The last two weeks of Lent I would like to look at the questions asked Jesus during what we call Holy Week. Each of the gospel writers devotes a large part of their work to this period. While we will find some disparity about the timing of the incidents, I think we can rightfully assume, that whether or not this questioning happened at the end of Jesus’ life, those who told his story felt these were important queries, and so included them in their descriptions of Holy Week. What I want to suggest is that these questions for those who wrote of Jesus were important!
This week I want to look at the discussions during the first part of the week. For the most part these were public events. Jesus entered Jerusalem at the time of the feast of Passover and confronted his critics, engaged the crowds, and was seen as a threat by the authorities. The uneasy truce the religious and governmental hierarchy of Judah had arranged with mighty Rome could become unhinged. Public demonstrations centered on a charismatic potentially nationalistic leader might bring the wrath of Roman legions. Revolution was treason! The Messiah to come, most Jews believed, would be their king, a king that would reestablish their independent nation and their place as the people of God. Some thought Jesus was he and so far he had not discouraged that idea among the ordinary citizens.
Large throngs of people can be moved—moved to compassion, moved to violence. We are all aware of the power and energy in a gathering of many committed to a cause. We are all aware too of the fickleness of these crowds; today they are willing to follow you to the death, tomorrow they will stone you and run you out of town.
Jesus decides to enter the city of David. The time has come to make his witness. Throughout the countryside he has preached and healed and gathered a following. Now it is time he says to move to the city, to the capitol. And for the days leading up to the celebration of the feast he is very visible, teaching in the Temple and debating openly with the various religious leaders of that time and place. Plotting however goes on behind the scenes. It is time!
Remember the various motives you identified earlier for asking questions. Be aware of these as you listen to the questioners this week. Why did they ask what they did?
Remember the various ways in which Jesus has responded to those who came to him with queries. Why did he answer as he did? What might have been his motives? Let those thoughts guide you as you listen to the dialogues this week.
Lord Jesus, we begin to walk what we know will be your final week on earth. You face death, as do we. You chose to proceed despite the risk. Help us to grasp what lies beneath this week so we might ask and hear more clearly. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
This week I want to look at the discussions during the first part of the week. For the most part these were public events. Jesus entered Jerusalem at the time of the feast of Passover and confronted his critics, engaged the crowds, and was seen as a threat by the authorities. The uneasy truce the religious and governmental hierarchy of Judah had arranged with mighty Rome could become unhinged. Public demonstrations centered on a charismatic potentially nationalistic leader might bring the wrath of Roman legions. Revolution was treason! The Messiah to come, most Jews believed, would be their king, a king that would reestablish their independent nation and their place as the people of God. Some thought Jesus was he and so far he had not discouraged that idea among the ordinary citizens.
Large throngs of people can be moved—moved to compassion, moved to violence. We are all aware of the power and energy in a gathering of many committed to a cause. We are all aware too of the fickleness of these crowds; today they are willing to follow you to the death, tomorrow they will stone you and run you out of town.
Jesus decides to enter the city of David. The time has come to make his witness. Throughout the countryside he has preached and healed and gathered a following. Now it is time he says to move to the city, to the capitol. And for the days leading up to the celebration of the feast he is very visible, teaching in the Temple and debating openly with the various religious leaders of that time and place. Plotting however goes on behind the scenes. It is time!
Remember the various motives you identified earlier for asking questions. Be aware of these as you listen to the questioners this week. Why did they ask what they did?
Remember the various ways in which Jesus has responded to those who came to him with queries. Why did he answer as he did? What might have been his motives? Let those thoughts guide you as you listen to the dialogues this week.
Lord Jesus, we begin to walk what we know will be your final week on earth. You face death, as do we. You chose to proceed despite the risk. Help us to grasp what lies beneath this week so we might ask and hear more clearly. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
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