PALM/PASSION SUNDAY, HOLY WEEK

Jesus, the King

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11: 7-10

The Jews of first century Palestine like most people throughout history understood the role of kingship and the importance for their well being that they be ruled by a good king. They had heard the stories of the good king David, the prosperity of the people, the favor with which it seemed God accorded him. So they hoped—hoped for a return to kingship that would bring God’s favor to them, that would remove the terror of the Roman legions, that would restore Israel to position in the world. Maybe Jesus would be that king; maybe Jesus would expel the soldiers, the tax collectors, and the puppet rulers. Maybe Jesus would begin the reign God had promised.

But he comes on a donkey. Where is the power to defeat enemies in that? And with riff-raff following. Where are the leaders who will bring about the needed changes? What sort of king indeed is this, is this Jesus? Does he truly come in the name of the Lord God? —Always the question in every time, especially ours.

Who is this King Jesus?

Lord Jesus, King of all creation, let us not forget your power, your wisdom, your kingship. Remind us that you chose the road of humility, of service, of death, so that your kingdom might come in its differentness, in its redemption, in its glory. Amen.