Day 29
The
Main Event: triumphal entry
Read: Luke 19:28-44
Unlike other memoirs, the Gospels devote a third of their length to the matter and manner of His’ death. Jesus’ death is central to his life-purpose. In today’s reading Luke’s prolonged build-up transitions; Jesus’ enters Jerusalem, a city packed with several hundred thousand Passover-pilgrims. Expectant crowds are there for Passover’s annual continuing celebration; Jesus arriving for his last Passover. To suffer, die, to complete his mission of fulfilling everything Passover prophetically promises, Passover’s completion.
His disciples were there trembling, questioning and
anticipating; but expecting what? From the Gospel narratives, it would appear
that right to the last they were expecting Jesus to establish God's kingdom in
a tangible, external way - to win the final victory over all God's enemies. The
entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, cheering crowds, loud hosannas, seemed to
meet the disciples’ expectations. The common people were now waiting for Jesus
to drive out the Gentiles from Jerusalem and re-establish the political and
religious identity of Israel. He rode a donkey (representing
royalty and peace) rather than a stallion (representing authority and war); the
“celebrating crowd” included lame, blind, children and peasants from Galilee.
Not entering in a procession of power to impress sceptics; Jesus the King had
arrived to establish his Kingdom.
As
he entered Jerusalem Jesus wept. Knowing
people’s hearts he was aware many would call for his death by week’s end. Jesus himself had arranged this entry to proclaim
he was the promised Messiah. His route to glory was not to be by the way of
political and military struggle. He would tread the way of suffering and
humiliation.
Ponder Point
(reflect)
- Jesus’ knew his triumphal
entry was his gateway to the Cross
Consider
(respond)
- If
sent to get a donkey, would I “improve on the instructions?”
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