When Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, he no longer deflects the Pharisees from his true identity. Prior to this moment, he has responded to them with questions of his own or answers so deft that they confuse and frustrate the Pharisees. Now, however, Jesus speaks in direct language that he knows will accelerate the process of his persecution and crucifixion.
The authorities want him to either renounce the crowd’s suggestions that he is the Messiah or to acknowledge it and open himself up to a charge of blasphemy. Jesus’ response goes well beyond the acknowledgment that he is a king. In saying that “the stones would burst into cheers” (Luke 19:40) if the people could not, Jesus shows that his authority transcends that of earthly kings. Nature itself, fallen and broken along with humanity, feels its time of liberation at hand.
The statement also offers an ironic foreshadowing of the abandonment and crucifixion. The people, who could not contain their enthusiasm when Jesus arrived as a potential political liberator, evaporate when he is arrested and humiliated. When Jesus finally breathes his last on the cross, darkness covers the land. Nature itself mourns. The Gospel of Matthew, in a parallel with the image of stones celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, notes that “the earth shook and the rocks were split” when Jesus dies. Both accounts suggest that nature stands ready to respond to the command of God, to reflect the mood of its creator, while people will only be obedient to their own interests.
Lord, as we celebrate the entry of Jesus into human history, remind us to be on guard against fair-weather faith. Help us to be obedient to your will, celebrating your triumph regardless of the consequences. Amen.
{This devotion was written by my husband Brad for our church’s Lenten devotional booklet. Isn’t he such an eloquent writer?! Thank you for patience and grace as I catch up writing and whatnot. And thank you, too, for your prayers and warm thoughts regarding my talk this past weekend – it went well … and I am so relieved that it’s done!}
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