What Will I Remember This Holy Week?
With steadfast intention, Jesus rode on an ordinary donkey into Jerusalem as thousands of Jews gathered to celebrate Passover. The crowds welcomed a king they believed would free them from oppression and tyranny. Yet, Jesus’ entrance amidst songs of “Hosanna!” proved a stark contrast to Pontius Pilate and the magnificent Roman army who entered Jerusalem with their earthly power and domination. They feared an uprising and were reminding the Jewish people just who was in charge. Jesus knew what he was doing. His kingdom was not of this world.
The “Hosannas” became cries of “Crucify him!” in only a matter of days. This holiest of weeks, again we follow Jesus who, in self-surrender and with shocking humility, shows his obedience as a dutiful Son of God. Tensions increase as the day of his arrest nears and Jesus finds himself more and more alone. Unharnessed fears and anger from certain Jewish Pharisees and Scribes set in motion a point of no return as Judas makes the choice to betray Jesus. For these leaders, they cannot comprehend letting go of their death grip on Moses’ Law (Torah) enough to make room for God’s mercy and love. Their knowledge and need to be right blinds them to the living God who makes all things new through Jesus.
Knowing well the ones he chose as disciples, Jesus realizes these men are fragile, lack understanding and will betray him. Even knowing what path Judas will choose, Jesus offers him a morsel of food in one last reach of kinship, only to experience rejection as Judas disappears into the night. During the same meal, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowing him three times. Jesus’ unconditional love toward his disciples does not dim during this time, this darkest of moments. And Jesus knows that God will be made known through these very men in the years to come. Jesus’ love for his disciples reflects the deep, abiding love from the Father.
And you and I once again face this reality as the week continues to unfold: the suffering servant, “The King of the Jews” who stoicly “set [his] face like flint” (Isaiah 50:7), who patiently endured the insults, the mocking, the blows, the torture and a slave’s brutal death. In love, by love, and for love, Jesus gives his life for the world. Vindicated by God, we know that Jesus will be glorified, that the shame of his death will disappear. Yet, in the meantime we enter the suffering that must take place so that God raises up and glorifies Jesus, the Christ.
Such trust in his Father, such love for humanity. Jesus, the unexpected Messiah from a kingdom not of this world.
