(a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)
We disagree, we Jesus folk.
Contrary to what those looking in at us may think, there is no all encompassing cohesion on the inside of our belief set. We disagree about many things. We even disagree about what we call ourselves: Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, etc. . . . Or maybe just "Christian" . . . And for those with concerns about even that term, perhaps something simpler still: "follower of Jesus" or just "believer."
We disagree like this because we're human ---It may be our hallmark among the species :-)--- Still, there are a few things we agree on. One of them is this: one day Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. And then, for a bright shining moment, the crowd saw him as he truly was, their King.
It's difficult for us to grasp this scenario. The components seem, as one of my ancestors was fond of saying, "all whomper jawed." It stretches our credulity to think people would react with alleluias, blessings, and shouts of joy . . .
. . . to a man riding on a donkey.
So how do I explain it? My kingdom for a metaphor.
Most of us moderns have trouble relating to the extremely high level of anticipation flooding through the people of Israel at that time. I think that's why we kind of "skip over" this part when we think of what has come to be known as Passion Week. We know that the very heart of our beliefs are tied to the later events of that week. And, of course, we know that this so called "triumphal entry" was soon followed by some very UN-triumphal events, including His death. So, we "note" this procession, thinking of it as a kind of parade, and then shift our focus to what comes next.
But I am asking you to go back, to roll back the film if you will, to witness again this almost magical procession into Jerusalem. It's important, maybe more important than you've ever considered.
Imagine a man living near that city gate. He started his day having to shoulder his way through the crowds---the city is swelled with visitors readying themselves for the Passover later that week---so he could select the lamb for his family's Passover meal. Now, enjoying the relatively spacious elbow room of his rooftop, he is, perhaps, cooking that lamb. A part of his mind is certainly on the story of the first Passover and how, because of the blood of those first Passover lambs, the Angel of Death passed over the homes of his ancestors.
Another part is likely considering what everyone has been talking about: this man, Jesus, who supposedly walks on water, heals the sick, and raises the dead! Everyone had been speculating that maybe, just maybe, at long last their deliverance has come; that this is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the King who will throw off the shackle of Rome.
Then, he hears a commotion, over near the gate. He raises his eyes to take in something that, at first, he can hardly credit. He sees a man, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey; sees a growing crowd pulling off their cloaks and laying them, along with young palm fronds, into the path before the donkey.
And he feels a frisson of energy charge up his spine.
Everything is there just as predicted by the prophets: the donkey, the crowds, the shouts of "Hosanna!" and "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of The Lord!" Suddenly he finds himself running; down the steps, out the door, toward the gate; hears his own voice joining those of strangers and neighbors in joyful expression of what has been pent up for SO LONG.
He is shouting and laughing and crying, living to the fullest the greatest moment of his life. All is well! All will be well! At last, at last. Their savior has come.
People with a great desire to believe in their hope are charged with an energy that is truly mind-blowing in its intensity.
The thrill of hope.
That's what we are missing if we slide over this scene. That's what we MUST go back for. If we truly ARE believers, then this is how we must see our Lord, triumphantly arriving as our King.
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http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu
READINGS FOR EASTER
Acts 10:34-43
Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18
Luke 24:1-12
I know this reflection doesn't "line up" with the readings for Easter Sunday. I did this on purpose. Unless we realize just who it is we believe in, our understanding of what follows the triumphal entry is missing its best context. We must always remember with what "longing fulfilled," with what HOPE, He was welcomed into Jerusalem.
If we can even come close to that in our own joy, we will begin to understand the truth of our current relationship with God.
If you're in Waco, join us Friday at The Egg and I for some good food and something even better. We will be there at 8:00 a.m. for about an hour of thought-provoking, idea storming, thrill-inducing moments.
And absolutely full of hope.
Enjoy the week!
Steve
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