Date: 06 Apr 2000
Time: 20:20:22
What does the entrance into the Holy City mean? Jesus comes into the centre of religious life, riding on a colt .... Does he not come to us, into our lives with great humility? Are we not the guarded city, the body in need of redemption? How will we respond?
tom in ga
Date: 07 Apr 2000
Time: 00:05:09
Not only does this text allow us to rehearse a crucial moment in the ministry and life of Jesus, but to discern and celebrate anew each and every radical human act of riding into Jerusalem.
If Jerusalem is the probable place Jesus would be watched, arrested, and persecuted, why doesn't he avoid it? Why does Jesus choose to dramatize his ride into Jerusalem with colt and procession? Where in life do we see people choosing to face headlong into suffering and death because life, love, and justice require it? In the past decade, where have we witnessed political and religious leaders riding into the Jerusalems of their day? Why did Jesus go straight to the Temple, look around at everything, and then leave? What was he looking for? What was he needing? When we witness people riding into Jerusalem, how shall we know they come in the name of God?
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 02:36:21
Well, I guess that I'll be using three different scriptures for next Sunday. I've been doing a series called "The Journey to Jerusalem" over the past few weeks, starting with the Transfiguration. So far, the series has included "The Glory," "The Preparation," "The Cost," "The Cleansing," "The Teaching," and today was "The Purpose." Palm Sunday seems to be the only time to talk about "The Coronation." So....combining Jesus entering Jerusalem with the palms, with Mary anointing Jesus with the spikenard, and finally Jesus being dressed in purple and crowned with thorns - all these suggest the coronation of the King.
This is my first year as a full time pastor. There is so much scripture that could be considered - all scrunched into the next two weeks. How do you more seasoned pastors do it?
Jude in Wash
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 03:13:35
Hi Jude,
Been doing this for 16 years and still learning. My best advice is to prayerfully consider where your church is and where God wants to lead you and them and go as faithfully as you can from there - trust God's sovereignty!
You'll be fine if you travel with Jesus.
Pastor Bill In NY
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 16:23:02
I am working with the statement of Jesus, "The Lord has need of it. What is it that the Lord has need of? The shouting and excitement takes place only outside the city. When Jesus enters the citiy he checks it out then leaves.
I serve a new congregation that began on Palm Sunday two years ago. We began with much fanfare and excitement. We haven't yet turned that into significant growth.
Two points: 1)Our excitemt needs to convert into discipleship which is found only by way of the cross.
2) Growth in numbers is seldom at a pace we set. In God's time.
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 16:23:57
Sorry forgot to sign. SunCityRev
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 16:24:17
Sorry forgot to sign. SunCityRev
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 16:40:48
Hey Jude, Just do not make the freshman error of trying to do it all in one week, and all yourself, at that. God will lead you what to say, if you listen.
Speaking of listening, I am still working on my Confirmation Series of sermons, and this week I am using this text to diecuss the great importance of "Listening to Jesus." I am fascinated by verses 4 hrough 6. 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. WHAT??!! The neighbors see the men stealing a colt, and they walk away just by saying, "'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'"
How much courage would it take to go "borrow" a perfect stranger's colt?
If strangers came up to your neighbor's yard and took their dog, you would surely want to check this out more, wouldn't you? To me, this is a great lesson in listening to Jesus, and doing what he says. It is also a lesson on others listening to you quote Jesus. It seems like the Holy Spirit had to be working on those followers and the neighbors.
For a long time I have been puzzled by the colt being taken. Does it seem unusual to anyone else? revup
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 17:29:50
Some initial thoughts:
I like the coronation theme but have done that several times in the last few years. Since I have been stressing obedience and following Jesus I like revup's questions about the scene with the colt.
I am also taken with Jesus' absolute certainty about everything that is about to happen. Am I wrong or is his death the one thing that he is so absolutely certain about? I can't recall any other pericope where he seems so careful and sure even to the exact wording of what will happen when the disciples get the colt. There is a focus here that goes beyond anything in the rest of his public ministry.
How can that be tied into the calls that God extends to us? Can we be so sure and certain about our own crosses and how we are to bear them?
Jonesy
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 20:35:53
I like the idea of "The Lord has need of it" What does the Lord need that we have and do we willingly give it or does it take some serious untieing to get what the Lord needs out of us? Martie
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 21:13:12
Who are we in this story? Jesus, the disciples, bystanders, the people. From what vantage point will this story be heard?
What does this Triumphant Entry mean? This story filled with humility and shouts of crucifixion. I am struck by the peoples contradictory shouts of Hosanna and Crucify.
On one hand I believe, and on the other hand I live in disbelief; on one hand I live with religious amnesia, and on the other hand try to remember. What is this whole week going to mean: So what if Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! It all sounds so wonderful, but where am I in this salvific story?
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 00:12:27
To my mind I keep thinking about what Jesus was looking at and what was he thinking when it said, "and when he looked at everything". Where was Jesus looking?.. inside the Temple or did he look out at Jerusalem and perhaps the surrounding countryside? Was Jesus looking for the last time at the Temple and City that would be replaced one day because of his own impending death. The Temple system, the priestly systems and the political system that placed power in the hands of those who used it for their own benifit, was Jesus thinking about all these things? He left that night and came back the next day to provoke those in authority and in so doing He controlled his own destiny ... and gave us a new destiny. LPin PA
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 00:27:01
Thanks Martie! I've been wondering how I was going to address a particular need in our congregation at this time (stewardship issues)and still remain faithful to the important lessons for Palm Sunday. "The Lord has need of it". Is our relationship with Christ deep enough that his need of something out-weighs our desire to hold on to it?
PaxChristi in KY
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 03:24:55
One of my lectionary group friends says he gets whiplash preaching on Palm/Passion Sunday. I want to preach about that close combination of joy and sorrow - "did e'er such joy and sorrow meet?" Henri Nouwen, in "the Life of the Beloved" says it is the devil's work to separate - poeople, nations, races, etc. - and to make of our joy and our suffering two separate things. How do we talk about putting them back together? Palm/Passion Sunday seems like a good time. "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" is a hymn that has a lot of juxtaposed joy/sorrow images. kbc in sc
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 03:27:48
kbc again - I submitted that post at 11:30 eastern daylight time, not 3:30!
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 12:23:26
With regard to the idea that the owner of the donkey just sat in wonderment ... I read somewhere that perhaps there were many diciples of Jesus (and John) a kind of underground. The words "the Lord has need of it" could very well have been the pass word. It indeed sounds far-fetched in someways, yet it would explain the man's lack of resistence as well as illustrate the obedience of discipleship. Deke of the North
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 15:33:08
Note to Jude-Pace yourself! Unless you are a second career pastor nearing retirement already, there willbe plenty of time. You think there is a lot of scripture now but in ten years you will come upon Easter and Christmas and wonder "When's somebody going to write some new scriptures. I've preached all these before.". Still, after all these years the voice of the Holy Spirit still comes if you listen, leading into new places yet unexplored. Just as iI was reading another post i too wondered what did Jesus see as he looked around. What was on his mindThe coming days or possibly the past? This is a new line of thought for me- what if Jesus, surveying the temple and surrounds went back in his mind to the time he spent several days with the priests at age 12? How had the world and his understanding of it changed? Might be an interesting avenue to pursue. And there's always next year. Peace to all, tom in TN(USA)
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 16:04:42
The relationship of this theme to Zechariah 9:9-10 may provide some helpful food for thought. Mark relates Palm Sunday to the costly act that brought peace and freedom to Israel in Zecharariah.
Another notion, perhaps less exegetically responsible, but kind of playful, occurs to me. Have you ever ridden a colt that has never been ridden before? No matter how much the colt has been handled, the experience of riding it the first time is totally unpredictable. For some, it seems a non-event, the next small step in its training. For others, it is a wild ride. "Don't be afraid, the colt will smell your fear" seems useless advice to even the most confident cowboy sitting astride a trembling colt about to explode.
The tension between the unpredictability of riding a colt that has never been ridden, and the total confidence Jesus has in predicting what people will say, how people will respond, and what the future holds for him in Jerusalem, is remarkable. Might that engage the people in the challenge to hold joy and suffering together?
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 16:05:30
The relationship of this theme to Zechariah 9:9-10 may provide some helpful food for thought. Mark relates Palm Sunday to the costly act that brought peace and freedom to Israel in Zecharariah.
Another notion, perhaps less exegetically responsible, but kind of playful, occurs to me. Have you ever ridden a colt that has never been ridden before? No matter how much the colt has been handled, the experience of riding it the first time is totally unpredictable. For some, it seems a non-event, the next small step in its training. For others, it is a wild ride. "Don't be afraid, the colt will smell your fear" seems useless advice to even the most confident cowboy sitting astride a trembling colt about to explode.
The tension between the unpredictability of riding a colt that has never been ridden, and the total confidence Jesus has in predicting what people will say, how people will respond, and what the future holds for him in Jerusalem, is remarkable. Might that engage the people in the challenge to hold joy and suffering together? Darkhorse in TX
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 17:48:05
Here's a different kind of thought. I'm curious about how the people are shouting with cries of triumph as Jesus rides on in virtual silence. There's no mention of his reaction, or his encouraging them (i.e., waving like a parade, or signaling victory). It seems to me that Jesus comes in as the triumphant king, but the people don't yet understand how he will be king. His victory will be unlike any other. It's the difference between the kingdoms of this world and God's kingdom. Do we still focus on the wrong one even when Jesus is right before us?
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 17:48:22
Here's a different kind of thought. I'm curious about how the people are shouting with cries of triumph as Jesus rides on in virtual silence. There's no mention of his reaction, or his encouraging them (i.e., waving like a parade, or signaling victory). It seems to me that Jesus comes in as the triumphant king, but the people don't yet understand how he will be king. His victory will be unlike any other. It's the difference between the kingdoms of this world and God's kingdom. Do we still focus on the wrong one even when Jesus is right before us?
Mike in TX
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 20:19:51
Mike in Texas, in the Luke account (19:39), we read that the Pharisees criticized the disciples for their praises, and Jesus responded, "If these were silent, the stones would cry out!"
Clarence in Iowa
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 20:38:40
KBC in sc
Thanks for your thoughts! They inspire me!
Your reference to "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" should read, "Did e'er such love and sorrow meet?" I think that would be an excellent hymn suggestion for this Sunday. Also "Oh Love that Will not let me go" is an excellent suggestion.
There are lots of new contemporary songs that go well with Palm Sunday: "I Will Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving in my Heart" (He Has Made Me Glad) by Leona von Brethorst (Maranatha! Music); "He Is Exalted" by Twila Paris; "All Hail King Jesus" by Dave Moody; "He Is Lord" Arr. Tom Fettke; "Hosanna" by Carl Tuttle; "Our God Reigns" by Lenoard Smith.
Speaking of authors, Isaac Watts, (1674-1748) (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross) made history by being a radical song writer of his day. Author of about 600 hymns, he for a long time averaged a hymn a week. What awesome inspiration comes from those marvelous songs!
Clarence in Iowa
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 21:29:00
Hi folks! I'm thinking of writing a letter to Jesus from the point of view of someone living at the time - probably dated Wednesday or Thursday of Holy Week. The first "point" of the letter will be how on Palm Sunday it seemed like anything could happen, just anything at all; everyone was on the crest of a wonderful wave. It would tell of how much I expected of Jesus, how much I wanted from him to heal my broken heart, etc. (And for that matter, every Jewish 'party' had certain expectations for Jesus.) The second "point" would say how disappointed I've become with Jesus, how it doesn't seem he does anything with all the momentum. Just books it back out to Bethany. Seems such a waste. I'm disappointed that Jesus can't or won't do any more than I can't/won't do to make the world right. The third "point" then shifts from disappointment to a feeling of betrayal by Jesus. That is, not only did he disappoint me, but the more I think of it, the more of me I've invested in him - and when he goes his own way, it's my spirit he's trampling on. Did he think I didn't know what he was talking about when he cursed that fig tree? He was talking about me, and so much that I value! The sermon/letter may then end with a question, going more or less like this: "What am I going to do with you, Jesus? What are we going to do with you?" Well, it's an early-week thought. Don't know that I have the creativity to pull it off. Pascack Pastor in NJ
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 21:35:04
Thanks to Pastor Bill, revup and tom in TN(USA). I've decided to concentrate in my sermon only on the breaking of the perfume over Jesus'head (feet)depending on what Gospel you are reading. Anyway, I am a second career pastor but believe I'll have lots of opportunity to get to all the scripture. Maybe, though, instead of an OT passage this week, I'll have the Palm passages read. I think people come on Palm Sunday wanting to hear this scripture. Then, I'll go on a little further in the week (Holy Week) to discuss "The Anointing." We also have a Maundy Thursday Service, at which we will be doing a "Seder" meal, followed by Communion and a simple edible meal of soup and bread. Thanks to all of your entrys. I really learn so much from all of you. Blessings. Jude in Wash
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 23:25:45
Hello all. Looking for some suggestions. (Good ideas above, by the way.)
I'm wanting to focus on the notion of Jesus' humility--the greatest of kings, riding on a colt, willingly riding to his death, knowing that in his humble dying, new life will be found.
How might one capture the tension of his greatness and his humility, of death and life, of the greatness that is birthed from utter humility?
Where is the humility on Palm Sunday, when all glory, laud and honor are given to our redeemer/king? How do we affirm that grand parade while knowing what's coming...?
Thanks, pathskr
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 08:33:01
Hi Everyone, thanks for all the thoughts so far...
I wanted to share a thought: Revup and others have already commented on the significance of the colt sequence... But it strikes me that this is even more significant than we might think... 7 of the 11 verses of this pericope tell the story of securing the animal. Maybe this is telling us, that Jesus is 'preparing the stage' with some quite careful directing before he starts off in what seems a quite organised piece of street theatre.
I say street theatre, because the total effect seems to be ironic... Mk is increasing our ideas about what messiah means by these ironic contrasts: Vocal (rural) supporters (they got the branches in the fields) vs. the silence of the pharisees/urban powerful. Triumphant procession - that seems to stop as Jesus enters the city. The new Davidic King that arrives too late to do anything at the temple other than look around quietly.
Just some wild thoughts scratched from somewhere or other... Blessings all LW in Oz
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 11:00:04
I would like to link the Isaiah 50:4-9a and this scripture together to show us the determination that Jesus had to do the will of God. The fact that he set his face like flint ..... . It seems, I can see the eyes of Jesus looking right into the very depth of my heart saying, "Come onto me all of you who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." He saw the cross... cold, dark, and heavy.... but he also saw me alone and afraid and he loved me. He did this all for me. Showing me how much He loved and trusted His Father. He took the first step- in the way of the cross- and in that step showed me the way back to God. LPinPA Sorry posted this on the wrong sight yesterday.
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 11:48:08
I am going to confirm some youth and young adults this Palm Sunday, so I am going to raise the question...."How Will You Receive Him (Christ)?"
This was a lot or misunderstanding, among that first Palm Sunday crowd, as to who Jesus really was.
My final challenge will be....Let Us Receive Him (Christ) as OUR King and Lord and Savior.
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 12:01:35
Dear LP in PA, don't worry about posting in the wrong place--correction is done, thanks for pointing it out . . . Frank, DPS dir.
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 14:12:15
Deke of the North: That idea of Jesus having disciples in Jerusalem and the phrase ("The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.") is just a secret password is from William Barclay. Sometimes Barclay goes pretty far overboard to give worldly solutions to miracles. I personally do not buy that "Hogan's Heros" type password story. (I guess Barclay must not have had faith in miracles? He tries to explain them away constantly.) revup
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 15:23:48
Hi all.
Someone offered, "There was a lot of misunderstanding, among that first Palm Sunday crowd, as to who Jesus really was."
Agreed! Yet, can we say that there is any difference today? All through Mark's version of the Jesus story, the disciples miss the point. Indeed, they seem bent on missing it. Are we all that different? I think not.
Your final thought was, "My final challenge will be....Let Us Receive Him (Christ) as OUR King and Lord and Savior."
Ok, but I wonder how we hear this challenge. Might we not have so much baggage attatched to these words that we are as guilty as the crowd for dictating to Jesus what he is supposed to be for us? We want a royal king, he comes as a peasant. We want a heavenly butt-kicker, he comes as a victim of violence. We want a saviour to save us FROM our sin, he comes as a saviour to save us IN our sin.
I do not mean to dismiss your challenges! They are perfectly valid. We just need to spell out a bit of what it means to receive this Jesus as our King, Lord, and Saviour, because Jesus will not be taken on any terms but his own.
Rick in Canada, eh?
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 15:24:25
Hi all.
Someone offered, "There was a lot of misunderstanding, among that first Palm Sunday crowd, as to who Jesus really was."
Agreed! Yet, can we say that there is any difference today? All through Mark's version of the Jesus story, the disciples miss the point. Indeed, they seem bent on missing it. Are we all that different? I think not.
Your final thought was, "My final challenge will be....Let Us Receive Him (Christ) as OUR King and Lord and Savior."
Ok, but I wonder how we hear this challenge. Might we not have so much baggage attatched to these words that we are as guilty as the crowd for dictating to Jesus what he is supposed to be for us? We want a royal king, he comes as a peasant. We want a heavenly butt-kicker, he comes as a victim of violence. We want a saviour to save us FROM our sin, he comes as a saviour to save us IN our sin.
I do not mean to dismiss your challenges! They are perfectly valid. We just need to spell out a bit of what it means to receive this Jesus as our King, Lord, and Saviour, because Jesus will not be taken on any terms but his own.
Rick in Canada, eh?
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 15:26:10
Oops. Sorry about the double post. New computer with new browser!
Rick, eh?
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 15:41:15
I'm attracted this year to the statement that the people spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus. I have 14 coats in my closet, not counting suit jackets and sports coats. Still, it's hard to imagine what it would take for me to spread any of them out on a dirt road for someone to ride their donkey over. These people had far less in the way of clothes than I do, and most of them were on a pilgrimage. This was probably either the only cloak they owned, or the only cloak they brought with them on their trip, and they are tossing it on the road for Jesus!
I think asking the question, "would I do this for Jesus?" is appropriate. I also intend to point out that even this drastic action was not and is not enough. The same people will be shouting "cricify." What Jesus requires is our whole life laid out -- for us to take up our cross with him.
Verse 4 of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
Ken in PA
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 15:42:47
Intersting thought all! I am looking at lifting up crowd dynamics and entitling the sermon this Sunday "Three's Company Too!" leading from the events of Palm Sunday to the cross companions of two thieves, wonderful contrast don't you think. Where are we in this holy weeks progression, who do we identify with? Still Musing in MO Darren
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 17:57:56
Hi cloud of witnesses, I think I will be exploring the "Cheerleader" aspect of the triumphant entry. I loved SunCityRev's illustration of starting a church with great fan fair and then not seeing the significant growth. Although my church is not a new one (we will be celebrating 100 years in 2002) we have a tendancy to start new "programs", or ministries with great excitement, usually with the pastor being head cheerleader, only to face a crisis of faith when the work of the gospel starts. Jesus enters Jeruselam with the huge crowds and fan fair, and leaves alone on a stretcher (?) to be laid in a tomb. The work of the Gospel is not just pom poms and palm branches. acting on faith means going to Jerusalem, and not bailing out when the palm branches have been swept up and the cross is in front of us. Thank God we know the end of the story, that there is an empty tomb and new life on the other side of that cross.
Laying down my pom poms and rolling up my sleves,
Mark in N. Idaho
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 17:59:28
Hi cloud of witnesses, I think I will be exploring the "Cheerleader" aspect of the triumphant entry. I loved SunCityRev's illustration of starting a church with great fan fair and then not seeing the significant growth. Although my church is not a new one (we will be celebrating 100 years in 2002) we have a tendancy to start new "programs", or ministries with great excitement, usually with the pastor being head cheerleader, only to face a crisis of faith when the work of the gospel starts. Jesus enters Jeruselam with the huge crowds and fan fair, and leaves alone on a stretcher (?) to be laid in a tomb. The work of the Gospel is not just pom poms and palm branches. acting on faith means going to Jerusalem, and not bailing out when the palm branches have been swept up and the cross is in front of us. Thank God we know the end of the story, that there is an empty tomb and new life on the other side of that cross.
Laying down my pom poms and rolling up my sleves,
Mark in N. Idaho
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 18:10:58
Pascack Pastor in NJ I LOVE that letter idea!! I think it would be a wonderful dramatic sermon. Act it out as a person dressed in 1st century palistine garb, walking in to sit down at a desk and pen a letter as he or she thinks out loud. I'm not the actor type and too chicken to start :-) but I think it would be a moving message.
Mark in N. Idaho
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 19:54:54
I love the letter idea, too. Why not say that you rewalked the streets of Jerusalem in your mind during Holy Week. Crowds were gone & dust had settled, but in corner you found piece of parchment--letter to Messiah with dreams that were supposedly shattered by Jesus' death. Sermon could focus on making those dreams live. Sharon from Bethlehem
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 20:21:10
I recall when I visited Jerusalem last year, our guide telling us that raising the palms was a call to arms in Jesus' day. Anyone have more information on this concept and possibly "Debunking the Myth" of an idyllic Palm Sunday parade?
Maetta in Kansas.
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 20:23:47
Another thought, folks: We sometimes spend a lot of time paying attention to what Jesus was riding on. And of course, that's important. Turn the phrase around, use it in idom form: Ever thought about preaching on what folks thought they had riding on him?
Date: 12 Apr 2000
Time: 20:25:50
Here's a thought, folks: We spend a good deal of time paying attention to what Jesus was riding on. And I suppose we probably should. But turn the phrase around, and consider the idiom: what did the folks in Jerusalem believe they had riding on him? Did he carry their hopes into Jerusalem? And what happened when he didn't fulfill them? Pascack Pastor in NJ
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 00:17:16
I really like the twist of phrase to look at what the crowd had riding on Jesus! Hosanna means "Save" and the people were counting on JEsus saving them from the Romans and lifes pressing real concerns. Jesus had more eternal things in mind.
I am also struck by the calmness of Jesus both at the festive Palm Sunday and the horrible Good Friday call for crucifiction. He doesn't get high or low based on human opinion - I do.
Great material and opinions this week - thanks to all.
Pastor Bill in NY
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 01:39:36
I am planning on centering my sermon around Jesus coming into the city, as the place of power, to save the city. The city is were all the action is, good and bad, and he knows the city will kill him, yet he rides in because he wants to save the city. The city (the evil of power structures, or powers and principalities) need defeated. Jesus, as it was in his whole ministry, takes them on with the cross. Our hope (good news) is that the city has been saved. Title of the sermon: The City Lives. Tom M in Pittsburgh
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 02:19:00
So we come to this place do we not. Standing by the road and singing Hosanna to the conqueror. Singing because he is the one who has come to release us. We welcome him because he is our king, he is in our image and we are his people. He is the one who comforts us. He is the one who affirms us. He is the one who makes us whole. He is the one who is on our side. And so, here we stand, singing our Hosannas, waving mightily, hoping that finally, he will stand with us against all the bad of the world, against those powers which alter our lives, against those people and things which we declare as sinful.
But wait, what do you mean that this is the one who ate with sinners? No, it can't be true that this is the one who allows the tax-collector to come and be with him. And certainly, what about this breaking of the Sabbath, or causing a riot in the temple?
What do you mean, "Woe onto me because I am filled?" What do you mean, "Woe onto me because I laugh?" And why are you calling me to give to that person who begs of me? What have they done to deserve my gift? They are not working. All they do is collect welfare and have more babies. What do you mean, if they beg, give to them?
What do you mean that because I enjoy the riches that I have worked hard for that I can't also serve God? I have worked hard all of my life and I deserve this wealth. No one gave it to me, I earned it!
And I'm not going to turn my cheek. If they hit me, I'm going to hit them back! If they try to take what I have, well I'll kill if I have to! There is no way that I give my love to the one who wants to hurt me. Are you crazy?
Maybe you are not the King I hoped for. Get off that colt you faker! I thought you were someone who was coming to care for me. But all you do is point at me and offend me. Well, I have news for you, you faker, we have something for you - we can deal with people like you. Oh yes, we know how to deal with your lot.
I thought you were someone of power and strength, but you are not that someone at all. I want a King who is glorious and mighty, but instead you tell me to wash someone's feet. I want someone who looks like me, but you don't look like me at all.
Don't weep for me you faker. Don't weep for me you imposter! Don't weep for me you…you…you…JEW!
Crucify him! Crucify him! Crucify him!
We despise you…you…you…you… Christ!
Shalom my friends, Nail-Bender in NC
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 03:41:25
Humility on Palm Sunday; a profound concern. How can we help but see the triumphal entry but through the lense of the crusifixion. We know the crowd will turn against Jesus and surely Jesus recognized that likelihood.
Only with great humility can Jesus be gracious enough to enjoy the moment of joy and praise when he knows this popular support will let him down.
Micheal Williams retells this story in terms of drama students ending up with a summer job doing an out door Easter pagent in the poorest of theatrical settings. The quality of theatrical resources is dismal. It is shabbily organized and the cast ends up doing all sorts of practical jokes just to keep up their moral. In the rain and the mud, the actor protraying Jesus trying to get the donkey to cooperate in the triumphal entry scene. The donkey (named Jack) will not cooperate. So Jesus who is supposed to be riding the donkey ends up trying to lead him and often slips in the mud and falls. Cast members begin to make remarks about Jesus ariving in Jerusalem on his A--. The whole misrable thing suddenly takes on a new meaning for one of the actresses who is struck by the extremely vulnerable position of Jesus in front of the crowd. She realizes God sent a savior not as a powerful conquorer but as one with an extremely vulnerable heart of compassion. Suddenly she realizes it is to the one who is vulnerable that she is most likely to give her heart and not to the powerful conquorer.
I believe Jesus was a realist who loved those who welcomed him but knew that the chears of the crowd was as changable as the weather. To me it is amazing to appreciating the moment without letting his ego run wild. If Jesus is concerned with his own status this is a hollow victory. But if Jesus, unconcerned about himself, sees the crowd like so many children, waving the palm branches and shouting hossana with some naive joy, Then surely Jesus shared their joy and affirmed their hope, simple as it was. Manzel
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 04:15:40
I see Jesus' riding into Jerusalem almost as 2 events. The crowd saw only one. In some ways it is understandable. They were under the terrible oppression of the worst of the Roman army and were desperate for God's Messiah to come and rescue them. Their zealous, nationalistic hopes were aroused by Jesus. The cloaks, palm branches and hosannas were the celebratory cries of these peoples' expectations and hopes. They were so certain that this was Jesus' mission and identity (and the success of the Messiah's mission as they saw it) that they provided for him the same celebration as was given for the king, victorious in battle, returning to his capital. What they missed was what was really happening. The clues were there. Where was the great and powerful battle horse worthy of such a warrior leader? Would a great and mighty warrior king returning or entering into a battle really come riding a donkey foal? Jesus saw his mission in different terms. It was almost as if the crowd and Jesus were involved in the same event but at different times or places or something.
I often wonder if we have learned anything from these past events. We still expect the great warrior king who will return, sword in hand, and destroy all evil in the world. What if Jesus came again riding a donkey foal?
Outback Aussie
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 07:21:29
Nail bender, Please help. Am I losing my mind, or have I read that monologue somewhere before? It is really familiar, and if there are more available, I'd love to find them. Thanks, Sally in Camelot
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 08:23:29
Person from Crowd... ³Strange goinıs on lately Œround here. That prophet Jesus - the one everybodyıs been talkinı about, -- what with all that healinı and with all those miracles, I donıt know how he thought heıd stay out of trouble. Bound to stir folks up; bound to make the powers that be a little nervous... -- Well, what was bound to happen has happened, and heıs been arrested. His so called disciples have made themselves pretty scarce for best friends, and nobody seems to remember what happened just a couple of days ago.
He was coming into the city for all the ceremonies and parties... at the Passover, you know. When folks heard he was coming, they got just wild with the excitement of it... They threw their cloaks and coats on the ground. They waved palm branches in the air, and shouted.
.. ³(CROWDS SHOUT) Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord... Hosanna in the highest!!!!²
Somebodyıd even given him a pony to ride in on. It was just like Caesar himself had been coming into town. -- Maybe thatıs why the Roman officials got so touchy/
Then he made the mistake of rufflinı feathers at the Temple, and the writing was on the wall. Heard he had a fit when he saw all the unfair goinıs on in the Temple... People being cheated with Temple taxes and money changing and scalpers selling sacrifices... Typical Passover scene, but he, so I was told, didnıt seem to know the score... he was really angry, and he threw them all out... yellinı and roarin like a crazy man... He seemed frantic, they say... like time was runnin out or something... If only heıd known then Huh? Well, theyıve arrested him now..poor thing. Thereıs even this sick joke goinı round with the soldiers... heıs made his cross - now heıll hang on it... you get it, him beinı a carpenter and all... Well, He still has one chance though... It seems that Pilate isnıt too keen to kill him somehow, and heıs going to offer to set him free. If the people want that, that Œs what will happen. After all the healinı and forgivinı and teaching heıs done, surely theyıll stand by him now. But then again, thereıs nothinı queerer than folk. (EXIT IN SILENCE) Sally in Camelot
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 10:44:42
Thanks for your response! Yes! Yes!....Christ comes to save us from our sins. After reading your response....I remembered Matthew's ex- planation of Jesus' name..."and you are to give he the name Jesus, because HE WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS." (1:21,NIV).
How about receiving Christ (Jesus) also as the King of Love? Love that reveals humility and going to the Cross for us.
Never heard of the waving of Palms as a call to arms. Interesting. It does make sense, in as much as the people were expecting a military conqueror to liberate them from Roman oppression.
God Bless All of You this Palm Sunday....and after they pick of the Palm leaves.
JRB...Kansas
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 11:51:48
Friend Sally,
If you have been a long-time sojourner on this site, perhaps you read it when I posted it last year … or the year before. Though I admit that I, at times, am prone to laziness, and admittedly, have been known to reach into the "old sermon bag," I thought this piece was worth offering up once again.
For truly, Jesus does come to us in many disguises, sometimes riding a colt, sometimes in the person of a dirty, homeless woman, sometimes in the face of an angry and battered teenager. And in the coming, Jesus generally refuses to be the God whom we would create. Yet, he comes to us anyway.
Grace. What would it be that we might seek our place on the colt.
Shalom my friend, Nail-Bender in NC
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 13:17:49
The Triumphant Entry into the Holy City may be seen as a metaphor of the turbulence and conflict that faith causes as it enters an individual life, as it enters the temple of one's core truth.
Jesus disrupts the power of the false self, challenges the selfish center, and brings redemption. Our very first cry is "Hosanna" for we know that we will be freed from captivity to sin and death; but soon our cry becomes "crucify" for we did not realize how much we will have to change, convert, as we accept Christ our the pattern of our life. Every therapist will tell you that it is hard for people to change: they both want help and they don't want help, for they will change in ways they didn't expect, thus it is with those who are reborn in Christ. The triumphant entry is the realization that our lives, though they fight against the intrusion of the Holy Spirit, finally surrender to the paschal mystery of our Lord's death and resurrection.
tom in ga
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 14:17:39
Tom M in Pittsburgh. Just this morning I read a story about an Anabaptist named Dirck Willam (sp?) who was begin pursued by those who would kill him. His pursuer fell through some ice and was drowning, but Dirck turned around to come and save his pursuer. Dirck was subsequently caught, arrested and burned at the stake. I thought it might be a good illustration for your "city" idea. Jude in Wash
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 17:11:10
Note to revup; I don't deny any miracle but don't need to find them everywhere either. Getting the donkey doesn't need to be one. There is a bit of Hogan's Heros in some of the scriptures. The entry itself is a code word to those who know and understand the prophetic dimension of the donkey's colt. Obviously, some did. Jesus did not come in claiming(audibly) to be Messiah but they saw and recognised the symbolism and connecting the dots, began to hail him as Son of David. www.SermonIllustrations.com has an entry by RuthDaugherty which compares Jesus to others that might ride in;(I paraphrase)A Roman leader would have ridden a chariot pulled by stallions; a political leader would have surrounded himself with security guards to protect his life; a military hero would have charged thru the crowd with a wave or a nod, if that; a religious leader would have surrounded himself with other religious leaders to keep anyone unclean from defiling him; but Jesus rode in on a borrowed donkey,low and slow, surrounded by friends, not shunning the touch of anyone. That his entry was so inauspicious kept the Romans from sensing a threat and allowed the priests to dismiss him as an unimportant local yokel but the lowly recognised the code. Unfortunately, they too, had been caught up in the cultural model of power politics. As Son of David, they expected a ressurection of the Davidic Kingdom but failed to remember David didn't take the kingdom by force but rather was appointed to it by God. Looking for the cultural solution, they missed the divine. Sounds current and familiar, eh? Peace to all, tom in TN(USA)
Date: 13 Apr 2000
Time: 22:55:45
Thank you to all cyber-theologians struggling this Holy Week to bring a word from the Lord. Your comments have been valuable and I appreciate it. Thanks!
For those of you considering using "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" this sunday, may I recommend the "long lost verse" that Isaac Watts originally included in the hymn. It adds ALOT to the whole meaning of the poetry.
His dying crimson like a robe
Spreads o’er his body on the tree
Am I dead to all the globe
and all the globe is dead to me?
As Watts orginally wrote this hymn, this verse came between verse 3 and 4 as it appears in most modern hymnals.
Peace,
DWR
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 01:49:26
I have really appreciated the discussion of this passage. I have entitled my sermon "Riding Toward the Cross." My intro will be a reminder of the excitement we have felt as we rounded that final bend towards home after a long trip back. I'm not sure that Jesus felt that excitement...but others seemed to be feeling something. A. Jesus knew wehre he was headed: he laid out the plan in great detail--Get the donkey. B. The crowd knew where they were going: it was feast time and many had arrived early to purify themselves so they could partake of the holy celebration. C. They knew where they wanted Jesus to go: they were looking for him to ride in as conquering hero. D. Jesus knmew where he was headed: God's plan included a cross...so after he got to town and looked around, he quietly left.
Closing: A question to be considered: Who will we be in this interesting drama? Will we be the crowd trying to lead Jesus? Or more like the owner of the donkey who was willing to follow Jesus' plan?
I think I'll close with Lucado's "The Guy With the Donkey" (found in "And the Angels were Silent"
After my sermon I will be addressing our Lenten Theme for the week which is the towel and basin of obedient service. This will carry us into Holy Week and our Maundy Thursday service.
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 01:52:28
Sorry, didn't mean to post anonymously...tina in ohio
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 06:46:24
Nailbender, Thanks!! Here is exactly where I read it, and it hit me just as hard this year as it did last. Powerful stuff. It makes a super transition piece between the praise and the betrayal, and I'm hoping to use it during Holy Week. Thanks again. Sally in Camelot
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 06:46:33
Nailbender, Thanks!! Here is exactly where I read it, and it hit me just as hard this year as it did last. Powerful stuff. It makes a super transition piece between the praise and the betrayal, and I'm hoping to use it during Holy Week. Thanks again. Sally in Camelot
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 12:39:02
To SunCityRev, I ran across this sermon by Rev. Tom Neufer Emswiler, "Hosanna, Hey" Matthew 21:1-17 at the following link and it made me think of your congregation. Emswiler uses a story of a congregation that differs from yours in that it is old and established but I thought you might like it. I am in a similar situation as yours except our problem is with an administrative body at the diocesan level. We have plenty of energy and excitement but are being stymied by a committee that is placing all kinds of stumbling blocks in our way. We have grown in the last two years, both spiritually and in numbers and are in dire need of our own facilities. As it is we are not sure that we have a place to celebrate the vigil of Easter, which is a big deal to us Catholics - new fire, new water, new Christians, and (it seems) read the whole bible! My prayers are with you and your congregation - just be open to God that you recognize the answer when it comes - seldom is the answer the one we envisioned. - Pace et Bene
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 12:40:59
Last post was from Deke in Texas - Pace et Bene
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 13:34:58
This is has been a difficult and busy week, so I come this morning in something of a panic. Then, most unusually, a sermon outline popped into my head.
1. Jesus arouses many dreams. 2. Jesus crushes those same dreams. 3. Jesus invites us into God's dream.
Any thoughts?
John Deere of the Bluegrass
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 13:43:19
Tis Friday morning and my sermon is finished! Using both the Mark and John texts, I wrote a first hand account of the entrance into Jerusalem as seen trhough the eyes of a young girl -- as seen through the eyes of a daughter of one of the disciples who had been with Jesus from the beginning. Title: "Hosanna Homecoming." Thought some of you might like the idea. Happy Easter! RevPen
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 13:51:56
Hello, Jude. I am also a first year pastor and an associate at that. I preach every third week. I find it best to focus in on one or two texts, sometimes one or two words. Otherwise I get lost in the fecundity of too many possibilities. Also, re my sermon of the daughter's perspective. Her father is one of the two who goes and brings the colt. I had a lot of fun with this and I think the message is powerful, how do we go on with only the memories to sustain us? God is with us still and leads us all on the path to glory. We just need to follow. Peace and blessings. RevPen
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 14:35:10
I am also doing a first person account of watching the entry into Jerusalem. Jesus comes riding not on a high horse (above the shoulders of the crowd) but down low, feet practically dragging, on our level. I want to link this to the second procession--to the cross--watching the "second parade" with Jesus in it. Rev. JMK, in PA
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 14:42:00
Hello all:
I've only read a few postings, but I thought I'd throw out my early thoughts. For some reason this year, I'm struggling with this one. What has caught my attention is the question, "What are you doing". And the natural follow-up to that question seems to be "Why?" The disciples were taking the colt--because the Lord had need of it. I'm asking myself why we are carrying Palm Branches, singing certain songs, etc. Does the Lord have need of it? Do we have need of it?
We do need celebrations. But what are we celebrating? Palm Sunday seems more about celebrating the traditions of the congregation than anything else. I intend to turn to Phillipians to find what we are celebrating--that Jesus Christ is Lord. Somehow, I hope to make connections between our celebrations and the early church's celebrations--maybe some hymn comparisons. I don't know!!
Now I'll read your postings and see how much more on track the rest of you are. Thanks
Pam in San Bernardino peejaymo@prodigy.net
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 17:56:03
I have preached about this event from all angles: the symbolism of the donkey, palms, cloaks; the anticipation of the crowd; the claims of Jesus; the "The Lord has need of it", etc. I started to take one out of the "barrel", when a memory from several years ago invaded my thoughts. When I was five years old, I saw a parade. It was so exciting. My older brother was marching with his boy scout troop. I insisted on joining the boys and marched quite proudly in step with them. I have a picture in my album of myself waving a flag and grinning from ear to ear, and I recall the excitement and the joy. My point is this. Many of those that joined in the parade that day probably had little understanding of the symbolism and drama being played out. They were swept up in the emotion of the moment and joined the party! Perhaps it would be a good thing in the church, to be swept up in the moment! We modern day Christians spend so much time analyzing events, that we can actually miss the adventure of living with Christ in this day and age. Let's jump off the sidelines and join the parade! Blessings to all. RevDawn
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 19:19:00
Hey fellow desperate preachers! I know it's probably too late, but here's a song I wrote for Palm Sunday this year. It attempts to ask who was in the crowd on Palm Sunday (or who heard about it), and where they were later, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and us, today. The other theme is hands and what they signified during Holy Week. The song is copyrighted! So don't think you can steal it! However, I give you permission to use it so long as you email me at pgjanssen@worldnet.att.net. Oh - and it's sung to the tune of O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel), which of course has its own echoes for holy week. Happy preaching and singing! My sermon for the week will be over among the other sermons, if you're interested. Pascack Pastor Was Peter there that festal day, his hands held high as children cheered? Where will he be just four days hence when Jesus' cause is mocked and jeered? His boldness failed him then, we know; his spirit broke at rooster's crow.
Was Judas there among the throng, and adding up the price of betray'l? Where will he be come Friday morn, when Jesus feels the cruel nail? He tried to cancel th'awful plan and wipe the silver from his hands.
Did Pilate hear a distant roar that might spell his impending doom? Where will he be on Saturday, when Christ lay lifeless in the tomb? He'd washed his hands, so slept quite well while Jesus broke the bars of hell.
And are we numbered with the mob? Will we sleep well, betray, deny? Will we give up on Jesus, too? Will we be shouting "Crucify!"? Or will we fin'lly understand our names are graven on his wounded hands?
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 21:11:39
I'm loving the tension between joy and sorrow of Palm/Passion Sunday. Added to it is that we're celebrating First Communion for seven children. How many times have I seen tears in the eyes of parents as they stand behind their son or daughter on this precious moment -- their intense joy tempered by the intense knowledge that childhood -- and life-- is fleeting! The good news is, of course, that Jesus is with us in all of those times, in all those emotions... even sustaining us with heavenly Food. Any suggestions? Dick in St. Louis
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 21:28:36
4/13/2000
Do we shout loud praises to God when we see Him/Her doing what we think is right, or all the time? In our daily walk, do we salute our King only when He/She lives up to our expectations? Are we so different from those who put their coats and palm branches on the road before Jesus and then stood silently as he was cruciried? Is God only God when things go our way, or is God God to us all day every day? Dale in KS
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 22:39:21
I think we are invited to be a witnesses again. To wonder at how much the celebrants knew. From hindsight, to wonder what Jesus might have felt about their celebration, knowing how fickle their entusiasm would prove. But above all to witness the steady purpose of Jesus woven in and among faith, doubt, and hostile skepticism. Harold
Date: 14 Apr 2000
Time: 22:39:39
I think we are invited to be a witnesses again. To wonder at how much the celebrants knew. From hindsight, to wonder what Jesus might have felt about their celebration, knowing how fickle their entusiasm would prove. But above all to witness the steady purpose of Jesus woven in and among faith, doubt, and hostile skepticism. Harold
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 04:25:40
I cannot get the idea and image of tourists out of my mind. I think this is appropriate as Jesus is entering a city that was even them a "mecca" for travelers and tourists. We all know the image of a tourist whether from encountering them as we travel as tourists or if we happen to live in a tourist destination.
I lived in DC for a time and well know about tourists, and I was reminded this year when I was a tourist in London. Generally tourists are those who fly into the destination and cram a months worth of experiencing into 2 or 3 days. One could spend a day in the air and space museum alone yet most tourists when I was there whizzed in and out like a fighter doing touch and go landings on a carrier.
In essence, tourists are just seeking the highlights of the places they are visiting. They want to see so much that they end up seeing very little. They take in only what is superficial, declining to take time out to truly learn about the city, and its attractions, experience the attractions and feel the attractions. Indeed many dont really see the attractions at all, they see them through the viewfinder of the cameras they take. These tourists are like rocks skipping along a lake, just touching a millisecond, a fraction of a fraction of the lake before they are off again to another high point.
It dawned on me that there are also spiritual tourists and natually I am often one of them. I too often am flittering around in my faith and my relationship with God. I go for the highlights, what is large, dramatic, easy to spot, rather than truly or fully developing my relationship with God. I focus on membership in Christ's church rather than conversion through discipleship. You might call it snap shot theology. AS with tourists, I often look or more often feel foolish because I am out of sorts, not one of the natives, trying to do too much but not doing enough.
The disciples were very much tourists, taveling along with Jesus, yet not really taking things in. Like those on a tour bus suffering from jet lag, they slept through much of which their guide was pointing out. What the heck they thought, there would always be time to look at the pictures. They would always have Jesus to explain again if necessary, right?
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 04:28:56
Sorry forgot to sign in. I hope it wasnt too long
I reckon in Texas
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 04:29:49
Sorry forgot to sign in. I hope it wasnt too long
I reckon in Texas
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 14:54:49
Well, it's been a long week, but finally, at 12.20am Sunday morning (local time) I finally have my sermon idea. Lucky I never write a sermon. I have to let the idea run on Sunday morning otherwise it seems to die. It's a pity no-one has posted on the Psalm 118 site, as the idea of the rejected stone ties in well with the Palm Sunday Gospels. Thanks to an article on another site, I will be using the idea of builders. If I may quote the article: "Rejected stones never fit the plans that builders have for their construction projects. That is true of human rejects too. They don't fit the plans of society's builders, or church builders, or individuals building their own lives. So stones that don't fit are necessarily rejected. Yet the rejects have an ally in Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the Father of Jesus, the Christ. So the builders, not the stones, are the ones with the big God-problem. At Easter God rehabs his rejected Son, which is good news for all rejects. Easter grounds God's full-scale program to rehabilitate rejects into his own new building program." The article also talks of "us being imprisoned by our own building plans". It seem here we are on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus didn't fit the builders' specifications. The crowd was so "imprisoned by their building plans" they could not see God's building plan. … Hope someone still struggling this year finds this helpful at this late stage.
Outback Aussie
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 15:16:56
Saturday morning and I cannot get away from the idea of "what happens when Love comes to town?" Ilook at the various subcultures -- thekeepers of the Law, the bystanders, the disciples and believers. By the end of the week, Love is alone. Why are we afraid? We can understand why they were, those on the scene. But we have two millenia of experience and education; is it the accountability love demands or the fire that scorches away impurity. I'm still pondering the possibilities. In the end there is gratitude that love has come to town, keeps coming to town - inviting and challenging and healing. The voices in my choir include allthose in Jerusalem "in those days";how can I tune in and turn in to the message God conveys? Chaplain's Heart/PA
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 17:29:48
Thanks to Pasack Pastor in NJ for the thought "What did the folks in Jerusalem believe they had riding on Jesus? I'm using the idea "Mission Impossible." Shalom,PD in NJ
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 18:48:08
I've been toying with Palm Sunday as a place for us to consider our 'dark side'. Sure, we rejoice over the idea of Jesus, sent to save us. But is there not a part of us that can't tolerate what Jesus will mean? There are a host of reasons why I and all of us want to see Jesus dead, especially in the contemporary church. If he lives, he will expose our unwillingness to repent. He will expose our churches 'discipleship' for what it is. He will call us to go where we do not wish to go. He will call into question our 'rules and regs' for life. He will blow apart our well-ordered patterns. Jesus needs to die. We try to soften him up, make him more mellow, 'culturize him' to the nth degree. But he remains the same, and as long as he does, he's a threat to me. He doesn't change. . .he simply dies on Good Friday. And then what are we to do with him? In his dying, he comes back at us where we are most vulnerable. He exposes us to ourselves, . . .and thereby invites us, dark side and all, to give our REAL LIVES to him. Just some thoughts as the preaching moment draws near.
Norm in PA
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 20:41:40
To Jude in Wash.
I have been coming to these postings for several months and always look forward to what you have to say. I was very surprised to see that this is your first year as a full time pastor. I am not an ordained minister but have been filling in at my church as worship leader for the past year. I always look up your postings mainly because they are always positive, kind, and uplifting. I do not usually post anything, mainly due to the harshness of some of the other postings I have read. I am from a Metropolitan Community Church (which has a specific outreach to the gay community) and I didn't want to be verbally trampled by anyone. Irregardless of your feelings about gay Christians, I just wanted you to know I appreciate your thoughts and words of wisdom. Keep up the great work.
Janie in Tn.
Date: 15 Apr 2000
Time: 20:55:15
Life is underway, as it tends to be in the day to day rituals in which we partake. Going to or fro, doing this task or that, perhaps much the way it has always been and the way it will always be. The mystical realm of time that roles one day into the next until the days span across our lives like a bridge connecting yesterday into tomorrow, a rainbow of living and breathing and loving and feeling. And yet, in the seeming mundaneness of moments, sometimes, maybe even in all times, the mystery of miracles is born.
Like in the ordinary simplicity of a ride on a colt. The steady clop, clop, clop, one hoof falling after the other on the hard dusty road. Not the entrance of the conqueror, not the entrance of royalty, not the entrance of a King, but the humble and almost comical coming of a tired and lowly wanderer. And even among the cheers that sought the returning hero, the cheers which were meant to welcome the one who would come with sword and army and flashing steed, one can almost hear the laughter of the absurd. Triumphant entry, indeed … the cry of a crowd that would soon cry for blood, a ride into town that in a few short days would find its stopping point on the battered beams of a Roman torture device.
That's the way it is with the ordinary occurrence, generally relegated to the dark corners of forgotten memories, like an old flannel shirt stuffed away for the winter season, pushed into the shadows underneath the box of old sweaters which were meant to be thrown out -- that activity which is rarely noted but is the occurrence which becomes the construct of worthy lives. And I see them here so often, these small actions yielded through an unassuming moment. I see the occurrence in the portrait of a young, well educated black woman sitting with a small, illiterate white boy, sharing in the simplicity of words, as he moves slowly, one word after the next, toward the wonder of reading. I discover the gift in the hands of a blond-haired teenager, her teeth silver with braces, as she carefully, between giggles, brushes another coat of paint on the home of a broken and confused elderly man whom the world had forgotten. I look upon the event, framed in flesh, as the residents of a half-way house, adopt an old woman whom had slipped so far from daily life in the world that she was practically transparent. And I watch in awe as these homeless drug addicts prepare her meals and clean her home. Entries into the ordinary moments of life.
And yet, in the wonder of the ordinary, and in the strange reality of the realm of God, the entry does become triumphant. For through the acts of the servant, empowered by the presence of God, life transcends the ordinary, and becomes the divine. The impossible does occur, and death is followed by life. Triumphant? Triumphant, indeed.
Shalom my friends, Nail-Bender in NC
Date: 16 Apr 2000
Time: 05:51:38
To those who are about to transfer over to ReallyDesparatePreacher.com, I find it interesting that the scripture does not delineate in Mark that it is the colt of a donkey. I wonder what kind of animal the disciples expected? I wonder what the crowd expected (or noticed in all the excitement) I think they expected El Cid on a great stallion, but no one seems to have been bothered by whatever Jesus was riding. It is interesting that Saul was annointed while chasing a donkey, David had a mule ( a cross between a donkey and a horse)that Solomon rode in on (along the same path as Jesus was to take) and by the time of the divided kingdom, Solomon had surrounded the nation of Israel with chariot cities to protect it (like God couldn't) such that between the great temple and the chariot cities the people were taxed into revolt and the kingdom was lost to a political split. (let alone the high places brought about by political marriages.) When Jesus rode in, the animal was a political statement. How the gospel author describes it is just as political (compare MT, LK and JN). What does your Jesus ride? Does he trust the animal of power and war (the horse), or the sure-footed animal of the hill country, (or try for both with a mule?)
who is your Jesus and what does he ride? What is your vision/expectation of Jesus?
B Rock