The Arrival
Luke 19:28-40
There is a moment that is all yours, and this is it.
Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash
After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out." - Luke 19:28-40
It is Palm Sunday, the day when we hear two Gospel readings.
The first is this one, at the Liturgy of the Palms. It is my favorite Gospel reading. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, mocking Herod.
Maybe you haven't looked at this grand entrance to the Holy City that way, so let's break it down a bit.
Instead of entering on a horse like a king, the way Herod or Pilate would, Jesus chooses a donkey, a symbol of humility.
The gate Jesus entered by was the Eastern Gate, the one from the Mount of Olives. It is prophesied that the Messiah would enter this way, so the people believed Jesus to be the Messiah.
This is a blow to Herod who is their leader, not to mention to the Roman authorities, since Caesar is emperor.
The Pharisees panicked, some telling Jesus to quiet the crowd, but Jesus ignored them.
This is his moment, the validation of his claim to being the Messiah, and the people know it as well.
So, we have the beginning of the end for Jesus as one of us. He will be crucified at the end of the week.
Now, most Palm Sunday services include the Passion of Christ as the second gospel reading, but I have always felt it doesn't belong here on this joyous day. It belongs on Good Friday, when we will hear it again.
Believe it or not, we have the whole week summed up in one day because people don't go to church during the week.
Well, I think we should focus today on Jesus as the Messiah, arriving to the joy of his followers. And, on Friday, we will lament his death.
More to come...
Clarity. Thanks!