Scripture Reading
Mark 11:1-11 (NRSVUE)
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this: ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ”They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said, and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Introductory Remarks:
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian tradition. It is the day that Jesus expresses his passion for God’s Kingdom by entering Jerusalem riding on a lowly donkey as opposed to the pomp & circumstance of Rome’s rulers who enter from the west.
Initially, Jesus is praised but before long, the praise turns into blame, betrayal, self-doubt, and suffering. Amidst his trials, we witness his triumph and the ultimate victory that is attained as he passionately and firmly connects to God’s Kingdom rather than the Kingdom of Rome.
Major Points of the Lesson:
- Jesus’ passion for the expression of God’s Kingdom as the ‘lived reality’ in his day, led him to Jerusalem.
- The soul rejoices when anyone follows their God-given passion, no matter the cost.
- The Holy Week experience reminds us that being passionate about God doesn’t mean you by-pass unpleasant experiences. Yet, in the midst of unpleasantness, your faith, courage, and resilience promises triumph in every circumstance. ‘Remember, there is nothing too hard for God.’
Quote:
“To focus on the passion or suffering of Jesus and not connect the reason for his suffering to his passion for God’s Kingdom is to mis-interpret the Holy Week experience.”
Sheila McKeithen
ASSIGNMENT:
What are you passionate about? How have you followed your passion, lately?
