Holy Week Reflections: 2.1 Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is a time of Celebration, but it is also a time of misconception. Not only are we excited at the coming of the Messiah, not only are we confident that he is the King of Kings, but we are also completely clueless about what the Messiah is supposed to do in our lives and what this Kingdom will look like.

Everyone loves a party, but Holy week is not our typical kind of party - and it certainly isn't the kind of party these folks were expecting. Israel was an occupied country, ruled by the evil pagan Roman Emperor, who dared to call himself a god. The Israeli Rebels called themselves Zealots -- and their symbol was the Palm Branch. These people were expecting a political revolution.

But, this triumphant King... comes into town on a wee donkey. This great deliverer... completely ignores the occupying Roman leadership. This great King... doesn't go to the palace to claim his authority. This Holy Man... doesn't even enter the glorious sacred temple, where God lives, and enter into the Holy of Holies.

This man comes into town and argues theology with the local priests. He watches folks in the courtyard around the temple awhile.

Then this man does the unexpected -- he flips out on the bankers and merchants outside the temple.

You know, around this time, most countries have lovely temples to their Gods. They are not only a matter of civic pride and cultural heritage, but they are also the heart of the country's tourist and international exchange. Because the Temples are sacred, they are safe for banking. Because they are central and accessible, they are one of the first places travelers will go. They can exchange their cash, they can buy souvenirs, and they can worship the local God in order to ensure that their visit will be pleasant.

Jesus rants on one of the few solid assurances that these people have -- their Faith in their National Economy.

Whom do you trust? What do you love? Are you willing? Are you capable of truly sacrificing all that you have? All that you are?

Do you trust Jesus? Do you even know Jesus? Are you willing let Him surprise you? Are you capable of turning away from your own stuff and turning toward Jesus? Turning toward God?

Let God Surprise you. Trust in Him alone.

The window's from from the GloriaDeiChurch - Ain't it nice?