So, it's Palm Sunday: huzzah! And for many of us it's also "Passion Sunday." That probably means a procession of some kind, people putting their palms in the air and waving them around like they just don't care and a really LONG Passion Story Reading.
Personally I have NEVER met a pastor who is excited that we've turned Palm Sunday into Sunday of the Passion. Like many (if not all) of you, I wish it was ONLY Palm Sunday. But, like most of you, I see the need for a "Sunday of the Passion." too. To go right from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (because fewer and fewer people attend Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) misses the Cross. Not good, not good at all. If you have a solution to this, please let me know!
Okay, so long lessons, with lots going on. This might be a week for either: A) No sermon or B) A very, very short one.
With this in mind...
So what should you say on Palm Sunday concerning the "Triumphal Entry?"
Historical Background:
So much of Jesus' "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem fits into life and expectations in First Century Judea and we could certainly miss the significance of what was happening. Giving some background could be very useful. But I have to remember that just because I enjoy a history lesson doesn't mean that everyone will.
Still, why does it matter that he came in riding on a donkey? Check out Zech. 9:9.
Also, what would the significance of the palms be? If anything, I bet with could be a real 'red-flag' to the Romans and Jewish Religious leaders: watch out, there could be trouble! Rabble getting crazy in the streets, that sort of thing.
Also, what would the significance of the palms be? If anything, I bet with could be a real 'red-flag' to the Romans and Jewish Religious leaders: watch out, there could be trouble! Rabble getting crazy in the streets, that sort of thing.
Compare and Contrast:
Comparisons and contrasts can always be useful. When Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany visited Jerusalem in 1898 to dedicate the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer he rode into the city on horseback in full uniform, complete with spiked helmet. Because this made him so tall that he couldn't enter through the city gates without ducking (which was supposedly beneath his dignity), there were two special arches built for him so that he could enter without crouching.
Compare that with Jesus, coming in on a donkey (or two if you are reading Matthew). Jesus isn't riding a warhorse and is not in some shiny military uniform. He's a meek king riding on a donkey, like Zechariah says. In fairness to Matthew, I don't think he invisioned Jesus riding two donkeys with a foot on the back of each one. I bet he thought Jesus rode one with the other next to it.
Compare that with Jesus, coming in on a donkey (or two if you are reading Matthew). Jesus isn't riding a warhorse and is not in some shiny military uniform. He's a meek king riding on a donkey, like Zechariah says. In fairness to Matthew, I don't think he invisioned Jesus riding two donkeys with a foot on the back of each one. I bet he thought Jesus rode one with the other next to it.
A Bit of Humor:
I like what the Skit Guys have to say about Palm Sunday: SKIT GUYS YOUTUBE VIDEO. (But if you are going to show this on Sunday, buy it at their website.
This is what I think...
I'm going to say this like a broken record...or whatever the digital MP3 equivalent of a broken record is...
THIS WEEK IS ALL ABOUT THE STORY AND HOW WE CAN FIT INTO IT.
ASK YOURSELF AND OTHERS: WHERE ARE YOU IN THIS STORY? PART OF THE CROWD? A DISCIPLE? WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?
AND HOW WILL YOU FIT IN AS THE STORY PROGRESSES? ARE YOU LIKE THE DISCIPLES WHO RUN AWAY? WHO ARE YOU?
ASK YOURSELF AND OTHERS: WHERE ARE YOU IN THIS STORY? PART OF THE CROWD? A DISCIPLE? WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?
AND HOW WILL YOU FIT IN AS THE STORY PROGRESSES? ARE YOU LIKE THE DISCIPLES WHO RUN AWAY? WHO ARE YOU?
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