Dearest e-votees-
Last week we emphasized how we welcome visitors. What do we do? What do we say? What truths do we tell?
This week's gospel text focuses on how Jesus is received. What do the people do? What do the people say? What truths are revealed?
Peace,
Karl
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1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Mark 11:1-11, NRSV
Jesus sends his disciples to prepare his ride. The colt and the pathway were covered with cloaks. Leafy branches were put in his pathway as well. This Jesus was lifted up from the common earth and the burden of walking as he was honored coming into the city.
This entrance brings about images of royal porters bearing a member of the royal family. It evokes images of the ark of the covenant being moved from place to place. It reminds some of a conquering military leader returning from victory in battle (perhaps with humiliated and vanquished foes as part of the procession). It even may bring up images of ticker-tape parades for returning astronauts or newly crowned sports champions or other heroes. The people are taking what is at their disposal and honoring and lifting up Jesus at the start of the holiest of weeks.
How quickly the crowd will turn on Jesus. Rather than putting coats in his path he will be dressed up in in purple and crown of thorns in mockery. The palm branches will be replaced by a plant stalk lifting up a sponge full of bitter wine. The "Hosannas" will be swapped out with "Crucify him" and the "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" will be swapped with "Take him away and give us Barabbas instead." Palm Sunday deteriorates in a matter of days into the horror of Good Friday.
In the middle of that, however, Jesus who is fully aware of where he is and where he is headed chooses to celebrate the first communion. In the middle of that Jesus chooses to take basin and towel and demonstrate humility knowing that the cross is seeking to vanquish him. With the hollow accolades of Palm Sunday fading into the barbaric taunts and condemnations of Good Friday Jesus prays for unity for his followers and for all who will come to belief because of their testimony.
My hope and prayer is that you will linger in the hard and gracious places of Holy Week. You might find "Making Room for the Immensities" by Rob Bell interesting to ponder as you journey through this important week leading up to Easter. Jesus has fully come into this world and done what we could not. May the immensity of that good news through the cross and out of the empty tomb sustain us always.
God, thank you for always being with us. Help us be attentive to being with you during this Holy Week. Amen.
Last week we emphasized how we welcome visitors. What do we do? What do we say? What truths do we tell?
This week's gospel text focuses on how Jesus is received. What do the people do? What do the people say? What truths are revealed?
Peace,
Karl
------------
1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Jesus sends his disciples to prepare his ride. The colt and the pathway were covered with cloaks. Leafy branches were put in his pathway as well. This Jesus was lifted up from the common earth and the burden of walking as he was honored coming into the city.
This entrance brings about images of royal porters bearing a member of the royal family. It evokes images of the ark of the covenant being moved from place to place. It reminds some of a conquering military leader returning from victory in battle (perhaps with humiliated and vanquished foes as part of the procession). It even may bring up images of ticker-tape parades for returning astronauts or newly crowned sports champions or other heroes. The people are taking what is at their disposal and honoring and lifting up Jesus at the start of the holiest of weeks.
How quickly the crowd will turn on Jesus. Rather than putting coats in his path he will be dressed up in in purple and crown of thorns in mockery. The palm branches will be replaced by a plant stalk lifting up a sponge full of bitter wine. The "Hosannas" will be swapped out with "Crucify him" and the "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" will be swapped with "Take him away and give us Barabbas instead." Palm Sunday deteriorates in a matter of days into the horror of Good Friday.
In the middle of that, however, Jesus who is fully aware of where he is and where he is headed chooses to celebrate the first communion. In the middle of that Jesus chooses to take basin and towel and demonstrate humility knowing that the cross is seeking to vanquish him. With the hollow accolades of Palm Sunday fading into the barbaric taunts and condemnations of Good Friday Jesus prays for unity for his followers and for all who will come to belief because of their testimony.
My hope and prayer is that you will linger in the hard and gracious places of Holy Week. You might find "Making Room for the Immensities" by Rob Bell interesting to ponder as you journey through this important week leading up to Easter. Jesus has fully come into this world and done what we could not. May the immensity of that good news through the cross and out of the empty tomb sustain us always.
God, thank you for always being with us. Help us be attentive to being with you during this Holy Week. Amen.
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