Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray with Me”.
Did Jesus act out a parody? I think his Palm Sunday procession into Jerusalem was a parody of a Roman victory parade.
A Roman general, having crushed his enemies, would ride into Rome on a war chariot pulled by fierce war horses. Troops, captives, and spoils of war accompanied him. Military, political, and religious celebrations made for a spectacular and vivid holiday.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem, not Rome. No war horse or chariot, just an unimpressive donkey. No troops and captives in to show off, just friends and disciples who hoped his popularity in the countryside would bring acclaim and fame in Jerusalem.
Always up for a good parade, people spread palm branches and shouted, “Blessed is the king of Israel!” (v 12).
But Jesus didn’t want to be king. He said, “Here’s the kind of glory I will earn. A kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies. I am wheat. You are wheat. We have crosses to carry and deaths to die before our hope grows to life” (v 23-26).
Hmmm. That doesn’t sound like a victory speech.
Jesus’ fame kept growing. News of Lazarus’ resurrection spread through Jerusalem, until the religious leaders said, “Not good. This guy’s going viral! The whole world is watching him” (v 19).
For the last time in John’s gospel, Jesus defends himself, saying “I am the light of the world. Walk in the light while it is here. Otherwise, darkness will overtake you” (v 35-36).
Let’s pray.
O Jesus, you knew darkness was coming, that soon Judas would betray you. That soon the sun would not shine when you were crucified. Soon, a funeral, your funeral, with your body sealed in a dark, borrowed tomb.
And you invited us into darkness and death . . . unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone.
O Jesus, we want you to give us spiritual gifts to affirm our identity, to comfort us, to give us strength. We want you to be our light and love, but you warn us of darkness and death.
O Jesus, light of the world, help us as we follow you into darkness, like buried seeds, like children of God carrying crosses. And afterward, bring us to your glorious light.
Amen.
I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.
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