St. Martin's Church

April 13  Palm Sunday                                     Matthew 26:14-27 

 

"Let him be crucified!" The same voices that shouted hosanna, welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem, now demand his death. We will have done the same thing this day as we begin with our joyful procession with palms and then so quickly find ourselves sharing in the Passion story.

 

I often find myself wondering, "what would I have done?" Would I have dropped my nets to walk off and follow Jesus? Would I have gathered with others to hear the Teacher speak, or would I have been too busy? Would I have seen the coming of God's kingdom, or just another crackpot? Would I have been swept up with the crowd and asked for crucifixion?

 

Holy Week invites us to unpack the almost overwhelming events of this day. If we are willing, we will be led to the very heart of our faith. Water will wash feet, and then flow from Jesus' side, and then baptize and bring new life. Hearts, beginning with God's, will be broken on the cross, and then the power of death will be broken at the empty tomb. And you and I will have the chance to be led to our true voice: Hosanna! Crucify him! He is Risen!

 

Rev. Bill Locke+

 

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April 13 Palm Sunday                                        Matthew 27:11-54

 

The most baffling sentence in the gospels is found in today's reading, Matthew 27:11-54.

 

"Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed."

 

These are the same people, who, just a week earlier, had welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as a conquering king. But now, at the persuasion of the chief priests and elders, they agreed to betray Jesus and have him killed.

 

What was the secret of the chief priests' persuasion? Was it money? Was it being excused from some religious obligation? Was it threats of being cast out from the congregation? Was it threats the chief priests would come after them next?

 

What could make someone turn against their Messiah?

What would it take to turn me against him?

 

Yours in christ,

Paul Parker

 

 

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