Day Of Contrasts

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’” 

So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?” They answered, “The Master has need of it.” So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount.

As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:28-40)

Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.  Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.  He was part of a peasant procession as he rode from the east down the Mount of Olives.  His message was about the kingdom of God, and his followers were peasants.  

However, from the west, on the opposite side of the city, Pontius Pilate entered Jerusalem at the head of a column of imperial calvary and soldiers.  His procession proclaimed the power of the Empire, and it was a demonstration of both Roman imperial power and Roman imperial theology.  According to that theology, the emperor was the ruler of Rome and the Son of God.  

The emperor Augustus who ruled Rome from 31 BCE to 14CE was referred to as the “son of God,” “lord,” and “savior” who had brought peace on earth.  After his death, he was seen ascending into heaven to take his permanent place among the gods.

Jesus’ procession was a “counter-procession” looking like a planned political demonstration.  In contrast to the Roman perspective, Jesus was a king riding on a donkey. He would banish war from the land meaning no more chariots, war-horses, or bows.  He would command peace to the nations.  He would be a king of peace.  

That was his followers’ hope and dream.  It continues to be our hope and dream as well especially during these times when world-wide conflict and terrible wars prevail.

Deacon David Pierce