Holy Week '23

The disciples followed Jesus as he approached Jerusalem. We can imagine that they were nervous.

Depending on the Gospel writer, we know that Jesus has upset quite a few leaders in Jerusalem, both secular and religious. Also, they may have been nervous because a crowd was gathering around. Could they be a mob come out to hurt them? Or were they there to greet them? 

Jesus then turns to one of the disciples and tells him to go into town and find a donkey and to bring it back to him. He turns to another disciple and tells him to go prepare the place for their seder meal. Then he mounts the donkey and it just looks silly. His legs hanging almost to the ground, people  throwing branches and  palms on the ground. Soon, though the disciples see what is going on. In amazement they watch as Jesus rides into the city to the shouts of "Hosanna" and "Save us" and "Here is our king!" 

This is how our Holy Week begins. Our "king" riding an ass into Jerusalem through a side gate. Heralded, not by soldiers or high ranking officers, but by peasants, sick people, and street people. Regaled, not with roses and brass fanfare, but with flora and fauna found right next to the road. If Jesus were to be the King of Israel, this is not the way.

In our nation there are so called Christians who would denounce this version of Jesus. They have instead embraced a "Marc Antony" savior. A warrior king. A savior not of scripture, but of the big screen. A make believe gospel of exclusion, hate, and violence. It is hard to reconcile what we hear coming from certain faith communities with the Gospels of Jesus Christ.

This is why it is so important to dwell in the story that is told us be those who witnessed Holy Week. This is why we set aside this most holy of weeks to remember, to experience, to immerse ourselves in the reality of Jesus' life and death. He indeed entered into Jerusalem to singing and celebration, but that quickly disappeared. Jesus then gathered with the twelve and had a meal in which he shared with them the hard road ahead. He went and prayed and while in prayer was betrayed and arrested. And then was hung on a cross. This is the savior of the world.

Please join us for Holy Week by attending Palm Sunday, (Healing Wednesday), Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. If you do, you will encounter a savior that knows you and wants for you to know that death has no final words for you.