Even though Jesus entered Jerusalem on a humble donkey, the crowd welcomed Jesus into this holy city like he was a triumphant conqueror. The people were astonished at the majesty of his presence. Yet, a short time afterwards, Jesus enters into his passion and death on a cross. As he carried his cross, as he died this humiliating death, the crowds saw his appearance as lowly and humble. He became the object of public derision. On Palm Sunday, as we commemorate our annual entry into Holy Week, we commemorate this paradox – these dual aspects – of our faith. On Palm Sunday, with the reading of Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem and with the reading of the passion, there is both triumph and rejection. With Jesus nailed to the cross, there is both death and a promise of rebirth.
There were two different types of people that welcomed Jesus into the holy city of Jerusalem. Some of those who waved palms and shouted “Hosanna in the highest” were expecting a Messiah who would bring power. might, and military victories to the nation of Israel. Others in the crowd were looking for someone who would bring them a new-found hope in the midst of their desolation and despair. They wanted a Messiah who would understand their lowliness, who would bring healing and nourishment to their bodies and souls, who would be with them in their moments of misery and suffering. Which group are we with? Are we willing to wave the palm branches this morning, seeing hope and new life and encouragement in the midst of our Lenten journey, in the midst of what is weighing down our hearts?
Palm Sunday presents us a paradox. It would be easy to try to simply it, to not wrestle with the paradox in our minds. We started out today’s liturgy by recalling the moment when Jesus was most accepted by the public in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Then, we turn abruptly to the Passion, to his public betrayal and public failure. While Jesus was ultimately betrayed by the public, while the laws of man condemned him, the law of God raises him up and the mind of God never leaves his side. Jesus stays the course throughout his passion, even with all the internal and societal pressures that are weighing him down on this journey, that are wanting to bring him failure. Thankfully, we know that the end of Holy Week will bring us hope and salvation, redemption and resurrection. As we enter Palm Sunday today and trace Jesus’ journey every step of the way during this most Holy Week, may we sense God’s presence with us on our own journey, with the internal and outward pressures that weigh us all down.
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