Palm Sunday April 13th Reflection sermon given by Revd Sue McCoan at Wembley Park
Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
Luke 19:28-40
You have to hand it to Jesus – he knows how to make an entrance. Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the cheering crowds, palm branches on the road – it’s easy to imagine the excitement of the moment.
It’s also a brilliant piece of protest.
It’s pretty clear that this has been well-planned and thought through. Jesus, or one of his followers, has already made arrangements with the owner of the donkey. Jesus can tell the disciples exactly where to find it, and what the secret catchphrase is to prove that they are acting on his behalf.
But why do it this way?
Firstly, I suggest, because it is rooted in the scriptures. Jesus knows the prophecy from Zechariah: ‘Lo, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey’. The people of Jerusalem know it too, especially the scribes and the Pharisees whose job it is to know and interpret scripture. Jesus claims the symbolism, as a king coming to claim his kingdom, coming to fulfil his purpose and enter into glory, and yet coming on a donkey, a little donkey colt, in humility and gentleness. And in claiming the symbol, he also shows that he is keeping the faith, fulfilling the prophecies.
Secondly, Jesus does this as a very clever way of challenging the authorities. That is, after all, what he’s come to Jerusalem to do.
This is Passover time. The city is full of people, and the authorities are on high alert for any security risks. There were armed guards stationed near the Temple, ready to spring into action at the first sign of anything that looked like trouble. Jesus needs the authorities to know that he’s here, but without getting himself immediately arrested. The guards would be ready for terrorists, or for a mob – but they have no plan, no protocol, for dealing with a man on a donkey. Or with a crowd who are simply celebrating, not bothering anybody.
Jesus acts out a sort of alternative kingly procession, complete with devotees – right under the noses of the authorities – and they can’t lift a finger to stop him without kicking off the very violence they are trying to avoid. The best they can do is to tell him to order his disciples to be quiet. Well, that’s not going to happen. And if it does, says Jesus, the very stones would start shouting instead.
This is really subversive, and highly effective.
The third thing about this grand entrance is that it’s a joyful occasion. The crowd are happy. Despite everything that’s going to happen in the coming week – the provocation won’t be disregarded for long – Jesus creates a mood of celebration.
We might bear these three things in mind, as a guide for when we come to our own defining moments in life, whether that’s committing to church membership, or taking on new duties, or preparing for retirement.
First, we do well to root everything we do, especially a new beginning, in scripture. We have in the Bible everything we need to know about the wonder and glory of God, about the self-sacrificing love of Jesus, about the lives we are called to lead in response, and about the Spirit who empowers and enables us to live out that life. There is always more to discover, always more to learn in God’s word. Let’s keep rooted in the Bible. If you’re available on Thursday mornings, the bible study group that meets at Heather’s is a great way to engage with the Bible.
Second, if we are called on to challenge the world we live in – and there is plenty of negativity, and fear, and anger around that needs challenging – then let’s do it in ways that retain our integrity, and are faithful to our values, but also with that deftness and lightness of touch, so that we don’t provoke more trouble, but just show a better way to go about things. Sometimes, just asking ‘is that really how you see things?’, is enough to make someone stop and think. Sometimes you can surprise people out of anger by being kinder than they were expecting. Sometimes the best protests are the ones that have an element of mischief, of good humour in them.
And third, when we make our defining moment, when we take on something new, however daunting it might be, let us do it in a way that brings joy. I don’t need to tell you this – all those of you who serve in this church, one way or another, do it with such good grace and willingness and it is a joy to be around you. Our new church members have already brought joy just by being here, and we pray that they will feel very much at home in this delightful church fellowship. And wherever we go in life, and whatever you do in this church in the future, it’s always worth asking ourselves the question, how does this bring joy?
So: scripture, subtlety and joy. Let’s keep those 3 in mind as we go on into Holy Week.
