As Palm Sunday approaches, I find myself thinking about all the parades, marches and demonstrations our society has seen in recent months. I'm struck that some have staying power, others slowly ebb and flow, and still others flash off the stage as quickly as they came on.
Two things, however, are for certain: 1). these gatherings are prone to the dynamics of 'crowd behavior' which often lead people to do what they would never do on their own; and 2). people are fickle and often align themselves according to the most immediate reality.
We see it in this week's account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Great crowds lined the street during his 'triumphal entry.' Yet, those same crowds that cried "Hosanna" on the first day of the week cried "Crucify him!" at the end of the week. I sometimes question their commitment while quietly wondering if I would have been any different.
This Sunday, we'll explore Luke's version of the story with a particular focus on Jesus' notion of power. What did it mean to him to be hailed as Messiah/King? What would his rule look like? What would his political/social agenda be?
Jen Christianson will bring her considerable thoughtfulness and insight to the 8:45 a.m. service in the Chapel, and I will be in the Sanctuary.
Come, and bring a friend.
