In the lead-up to Easter Rosemary Dawson looks at crucial moments in the life of Jesus
Central London, September 2012. Thousands of cheering crowds, waving flags. The occasion: the celebration parade for the British Olympians and Paralympians. Mode of transport: flat-bed lorries.
Jerusalem, circa AD33. Large cheering crowds, waving branches from palm trees. The occasion: Jesus, a carpenter from Nazareth who called himself the Son of God, riding into Jerusalem. Mode of transport: a borrowed donkey.
In London, people were celebrating what had already been accomplished. They were acknowledging inspirational feats of physical achievement through self-sacrifice, discipline and dedication.
In Jerusalem, people were unaware that they were watching God’s long-awaited Messiah riding towards his cross. Many visiting the city for the traditional Passover festival celebrations were just following the crowd. Others had come hoping to see Jesus perform another miracle. The latest rumour on the streets was that he had even raised a dead man back to life.
‘Palm Sunday’ was an important crossroads moment in the life of Jesus. This was the point of no return. He was approaching his destiny: to fulfil God’s redemptive plan for humankind through his death and resurrection. Within a week, the cheering crowds would give way to an angry mob, demanding his death by crucifixion. His greatest test - and his greatest achievement - was yet to come.
But today was a celebration. Savouring the moment, the disciples began to shout: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!’ (Luke 19:38 New International Version).
There is no better time than now to read the Gospel accounts of Holy Week. Read what happened after Palm Sunday. Read about the arrest, trial and crucifixion on Good Friday, and the triumphant resurrection of Jesus on Easter Day.
In matters of faith, it’s all too easy to be part of the crowd and go along with the majority. It allows us to put off making a decision about where we stand with God. But when the final reckoning comes, will we be cheering?
UK & Irelad War Cry March 2013
