Thursday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon

Trying to answer the complex question posed by the scripture related to Palm Sunday is not an easy task. According to virtually every one of the gospels related to Palm Sunday it seems clear that there was some kind of triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds may have varied according to the particular gospel but there seemed to be a parade sort of event with people shouting praise and leading Jesus into the city with exuberance and excitement.

Scholars tell us that the gospels want us to compare some of the Roman army parades with the entry of Jesus. Whereas the Romans had armored soldiers on magnificent horses and all the flare and flux of a military exhibition of power, Jesus rode a donkey and appeared to the crowd and onlookers as a humble servant who portrayed vulnerability and weakness.

Why did the crowd praise him when he entered the city and why did they turn on him and ask for his death at the end of the week? What changed?

This is my speculation:

I think Jesus came to bring "abundant life" and I think that sounded really appealing to the masses until they figured out what it meant. Abundant life did not mean easy life, it meant faithful service. Abundant life did not mean we could do as we wish, it meant we must live out our conviction.

Abundant life (what Jesus came to give us) is complex, compelling, and filled with obligations and demands.

They learned what he meant and they understood what he came to give them and they didn't want it. That's why they put him to death.

That's how I see it. What do you think?

Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have the readers of the blog see what you've written click on the 'comments' box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.



Charles Schuster