We just read the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem …and I was wondering…were you there? I mean…could you imagine yourself there? The heat, the dust, the smells of Jerusalem — and maybe you were one of the disciples, impressed anew, that Jesus could tell them just where the colt was and exactly what to say, so they could take it? Or maybe were you one of the people along the street, caught up in the drama and excitement….hoping against hope that this time, things would really be different? Hoping against hope that Jesus really was the one who would finally change the cruel world they lived in…would stop the endless violence and brutality? I’ve been in that crowd, I know.
Today is palm Sunday and passion Sunday…and so we tell the story of Jesus’ last days — the parade, the betrayals, his arrest…and his execution. But as you listen, I invite you to enter the story….to be there…with all the noise and the heat and the smells. And as you do..perhaps you will find that you are the woman, pouring out her greatest treasure — her expensive perfume — at Jesus’ feet out of deep love. Perhaps you will be the guests, overpowered by the smell and appalled at the waste. And when Jesus reminds you that the poor will always be with you — do you hear him inviting you to pour out your greatest treasure at their feet in an act of love?
Or perhaps you will be Judas this morning…frustrated, impatient, angry…that Jesus’ way of being the Messiah does not seem to be changing things fast enough. The bad guys are still in charge. Maybe you’re thinking that love isn’t enough…maybe we need to get the ball rolling in other ways.
Perhaps you will be Peter…oblivious to your own weaknesses…believing that you could never be the one who would fail Jesus…you could never be the one who would hurt others…you could never be the one who would betray a friend….and devastated to realize that not only could you, but you already have.
Perhaps you will be the chief priests and pharisees, filled with righteous indignation at the people who constantly try to change the way things have always been done…the ones who are out marching in the streets, the ones who challenge authority.
Or perhaps you will find yourself in the crowd outside Pilate’s palace — caught up in the drama once again… this time joining the side of the religious leaders, clamoring for the death of Jesus, who disappointed your expectations.
Perhaps you will find yourselves as one of the soldiers, just doing your job, after all…mocking the criminal they have in custody, treating him with crass indignity.
Perhaps you will be one of the jeering bystanders at the foot of the cross…glad to see the one who thought he was better than everyone else, finally getting his come-uppance.
Or perhaps…perhaps this morning you will be crying out with Jesus…wondering why God has forsaken you?
Or maybe you will be the soldier, who after standing at Jesus’ side throughout the execution…comes to realize that indeed, Jesus is God’s son. Indeed, this IS the way God enters and loves and saves our world.
Or maybe will find yourself with the women this morning…who remain. Who stay with Jesus, who watch his pain and do not look away. Who stay through the cruelty and taunts and horror …who bear witness. Who refuse to leave the one they love…no matter what the world might say.
Or maybe you will be Joseph this morning…using your wealth and influence to do what you can. To give dignity to a man who deserved more than they world gave him.
This morning…enter the story. These people are no different than you and I. They are flawed, just as we are. But these flawed people are the people Jesus loved ….and still loves. That is that the point of the story after all — this is the story of Jesus’ love. Jesus who love you…warts and all. So I invite you — don’t just listen this morning…be there.
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