This weekend is Palm / Passion Sunday. In worship we will celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem knowing that Jesus is also riding to his crucifixion. It is a celebration filled with conflicting emotions and concerns. For us as disciples, participants, spectators or plotters we are all present in this narrative. Read the full narrative of the Palm celebration to his crucifixion from Matthew. Easter is coming, but we must walk this week with Jesus to experience the cost and our value to God. TRUST and FAITH are huge themes throughout these texts in the midst of great conflict, fear, and suffering. The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is found at Matthew 21: 1-11. The plot against Jesus begins at Matthew 26. Matthew 27 reports the trial of Jesus, the crucifixion, death of Jesus and burial of Jesus.
This reflection is from A Guide to Prayer for All who Seek God by Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job Upper Room Books, Nashville TN. 2003. Pg.161.
A serious reflection on the scripture references for Palm Sunday remind us that Jesus did not take a leisurely ride to town along a path strewn with palm branches. That first Palm Sunday saw the final ride on the high road of principle, obedience, and faith that would lead to the death of Jesus. The disciples may have wished otherwise, but deep in their hearts they must have known that this ride was like no other Jesus had taken and would bring the end of the life they knew as his followers.
We can be sure that Jesus knew that the shouts of “Hosanna” would give way to the cry of “Crucify.” He knew because he was fully human and was well acquainted with the temptation to follow the path of political correctness and the easiest way out. He also knew the shouts would change from “Hosanna” to “Crucify” because he was fully divine and could see clearly that his journey of incarnation was near the end. The coming humiliation and execution were now undeniable. His desire to be faithful was so overwhelmingly strong that he rode on in confidence and ultimate trust in God whom he knew intimately as Abba. There was no looking back with the question, “What if?” His focused remained on God and God’s will as he moved forward, propelled and sustained by his deep faith in God’s goodness and love.
Palm Sunday invites us to search deeply in our own souls for the answer to the question WHAT WORDS WOULD HAVE BEEN ON MY LIPS THAT DAY? This day also invites us to consider our own course for today and tomorrow. We too can move forward in obedience and faith as we place our ultimate trust in God who has been made known to us in Jesus Christ. The peace and confidence of Jesus can be ours as we place our ultimate trust in God.
Whatever words that would have been on our lips that day are insufficient and incomplete compared to the love and faith displayed by Jesus. Jesus was offering us all love to overcome our sin. Jesus was demonstrating all faith to overcome our doubt and fear. By walking with Jesus from Palm Sunday through the Crucifixion we can experience the love and faith of Jesus. As we place our ultimate trust in God the peace and confidence of Jesus can be ours.
FAITH not FEAR. HOPE not DESPAIR.
Blessings, Pastor Tom
