I have often wondered about the story of Palm Sunday -- how Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing that he would willingly lay down his life for us. But what if he had been the Messiah that many Jews sought so many years ago? How might things have been different?
In another bog, Brian McLaren imagines how the scene might have appeared:
"For days, Jesus and his disciples meet secretly outside Jerusalem. They plan where their weapons will be stored, where horses will be waiting, where various militia will assemble and wait until they receive the word to strike. They also organize crowds to hit the streets at just the right moment to create intimidation, distraction, and fear in the Romans and all those in Jerusalem who collaborate with them. "Operation Sacred Vengeance" is about to begin.
Then on Palm Sunday, Jesus mounts a white horse. He is carrying a huge sword, but has it hidden in a palm branch. His disciples are similarly well-armed with swords, daggers, and shields, all camouflaged behind palm branches. They are mounted on warhorses, prepared for battle. The word goes out and the crowds assemble. In each man's right hand is a sword or dagger raised to the sky, concealed beneath in a palm frond or coat. Each left hand is raised in a fist. Younger men and boys carry concealed torches, ready to light them, march on the city, and create mayhem when the battle begins. "Hosanna!" the people shout. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord to execute vengeance on our enemies!"
Word spreads and people stream out from the city to welcome the freedom fighters.
As they cross the brow of the hill near Bethany and the city comes into view, Jesus gives a rousing speech. "It is wrong for the heathen idolators to have power over the faithful people of God!" he shouts. "That wrong must end today! We have suffered enough. Now we will make our persecutors suffer!" The people cheer and chant, "Victory! Victory! Crush the Romans! Kill the collaborators!"
"Who is with me in our holy cause?" Jesus asks. The crowds shout, "We are!" in a roar that echoes across the valley into the streets of Jerusalem. "Who is willing to fight to the death and avenge the blood of our ancestors?" Again the crowds shout, "We are!" "And who will shed a gallon of Roman blood for every drop of our blood that is shed?" Again the crowd erupts. Then the branches and coats are thrown to the ground and blades glisten in the sun.
The Pharisees hastily interrupt, nervous now that bold words are brimming over into action. "Shouldn't we wait a little longer until we have more weapons and troops? Some of our advisors think this battle is premature." "Are we trying to be Goliath, or are we David?" Jesus asks defiantly. "Those who live by restraint will die by restraint. Now is the time. Now is the day of annihilation for our enemies.
And so the battle for Jerusalem begins."
What would we think of our Savior had he come in such a way? How does it make our lives and our faith different that he comes --not to kill, but to die?
How many times, in the name of Jesus, have we seen people launch vicious campaigns against others? How many times have we seen the righteous headed into battle in order to uphold God's word?
If God's Word came as a Suffering Servant, shouldn't we follow Jesus as he leads our way? If we get angry with someone different from us, hasn't Jesus found us as guilty as a murderer? or if we call someone of another viewpoint an idiot or a fool, do we not fall under judgement? (Matthew 5:22) Jesus leads the self righteous in quite a different path when he says,
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well. When they wish to haul you to court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too. When they force you to go one mile, go with them two. Give to those who ask, and don’t refuse those who wish to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.
Matthew 5:38-48 Common English Bible, 2012)
I wonder what our society would be like if we let Jesus lead the way -- if we approached those different from us
... headed to the cross instead of headed to crucify
...willing to sacrifice instead of ready to strike
...seeking to love instead of seething and loathing
...turning the other cheek instead of being cheeky in return
Unless Christians let Jesus lead the way, I am afraid that we may never know.
May the One who rode into town that he might die grant us
Grace and Peace,
