Matthew 21: 1-17
The gospel writers tell us that Jesus entered Jerusalem just before the Passover feast riding on a donkey. Dripping with symbolism Jesus invites the crowds to believe—believe he is the one of whom the prophets spoke, see that he is different from the power centers entering ahead of armed legions, know that he knew the ways of the people. The crowds cheered, spread their cloaks on the roadway, and waved branches of palms. The writer of Matthew tells us “the city was in turmoil, asking ‘Who is this?’”
Indeed who is this? What does Jesus intend us to hear by his ‘triumphal entry’? Is he inviting confrontation? Is he speaking truth to power? Does he have a death wish? Is he foolhardy? Is he the “one who comes in the name of the Lord” as the crowds sang?
The crowds answer the question. He is the “prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee”. They continue to cheer, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The chief priests and scribes angrily address Jesus, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Crowds do go crazy. Authority must restore order. Rome will hear. We must control the riffraff. Jesus answers, “yes” and it is what Scriptures suggest.
When we envision this scene transposed to today what will we ask? What will Jesus say?
Lord Jesus, are we among those who wave branches and cry ‘Hosanna’ or are we those who question the disruption? Are we with you or against you? Speak. Forgive. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
The gospel writers tell us that Jesus entered Jerusalem just before the Passover feast riding on a donkey. Dripping with symbolism Jesus invites the crowds to believe—believe he is the one of whom the prophets spoke, see that he is different from the power centers entering ahead of armed legions, know that he knew the ways of the people. The crowds cheered, spread their cloaks on the roadway, and waved branches of palms. The writer of Matthew tells us “the city was in turmoil, asking ‘Who is this?’”
Indeed who is this? What does Jesus intend us to hear by his ‘triumphal entry’? Is he inviting confrontation? Is he speaking truth to power? Does he have a death wish? Is he foolhardy? Is he the “one who comes in the name of the Lord” as the crowds sang?
The crowds answer the question. He is the “prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee”. They continue to cheer, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The chief priests and scribes angrily address Jesus, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Crowds do go crazy. Authority must restore order. Rome will hear. We must control the riffraff. Jesus answers, “yes” and it is what Scriptures suggest.
When we envision this scene transposed to today what will we ask? What will Jesus say?
Lord Jesus, are we among those who wave branches and cry ‘Hosanna’ or are we those who question the disruption? Are we with you or against you? Speak. Forgive. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
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