Luke
19:29-40
Today’s
reading is often referred to as “the Triumphal Entry”…the culmination of Jesus’
last season of ministry that began in Caesaria Phillipi. Luke narrates the
entry…an entry devoid of parables, teachings, or miracles (unless we count
Jesus’ arrival without being arrested or murdered a miracle!). But, if this account lacks all of this, is
there anything to take away?
Of
course, Jesus’ arrival on a donkey amidst cries of joy calls us back to
Zachariah’s prophecy in the 6th Century B.C. The fulfillment of
prophecy is important because it gives us confidence in the Bible itself. If
Jesus is fulfilling prophecy, that gives us confidence and trust in him. The
folks who study prophecy have determined that Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies
in Scripture. We need something or someone we can trust or believe in this age
of “fake news” and fluid truths. Between social media that say whatever they
want and profit-fueled news outlets that cast the happenings to their own
benefit, we hunger for something true. Perhaps this story from Jesus’ life
reminds us that we can trust the Scriptures.
Or,
perhaps this reading calls us to regard the disciples. They cry out “Blessed is
the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”…words that barely register in our
21st Century minds, but fighting words in the 1st Century. We don’t think much about kings today in our world of feigned or real
democracy. When the disciples shouted these words, they were simultaneously
declaring that neither Caesar nor Herod were king. This cry, this declaration,
was the cry of revolutionaries. They allowed nothing and no one to stand
between them and their King Jesus. What about us today? Is Jesus—the person,
the message, the call, the challenge of Jesus—first in our lives, or do we bow
to other things, other people? Perhaps this story reminds us to hold fast to the
foundational, revolutionary message and mission of Jesus.
This
reading is the end of Jesus’ journey in one sense, but it’s also the beginning
of a new journey—one spiritual instead of geographical. This passage marks the
beginning of Holy Week. Too often we wave palms today, grab a quick Communion
on Thurs. or Friday, and rush back next Sunday to celebrate. Perhaps—besides reminding
us of trustworthiness of Scripture and our call to put Jesus first—perhaps this
passage today invites us to slow down, to take a break—at least a little time
each day—this week and remember what Jesus did and what he lived through during
this week. Perhaps if we do that, Jesus will enter again into our lives…as he
entered Jerusalem so long ago.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
“Jerusalem—Finally!”
Watch/Listen: HERE
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