The palm branches and persecution often go hand in hand. The people who praised Jesus with Palm branches, a few days later, also joined in his persecution, raised their voices to have him crucified. "Be careful," a pastor said today, of the "praises of people."
This Sunday, I choose to visit the Methodist Church, the denomination of my formative years, and found it enjoyable. The pastor delivered a simply good sermon on the scripture passages Matthew 21:1–9, Mark 11:1–10, and Luke 19:28–40, wherein Jesus instructs the disciples to untie the donkey and her colt.
The pastor observed that, interestingly, as Jesus commanded, it was a colt upon which no one had previously rode (both Mark and Luke corroborate this) and to state that the "Master had need of it." We possess limited information on whether Jesus had any prior discussions about this with the owner.
I valued the pastor's observation that Jesus rode a modest donkey instead of a horse. This also fulfilled the promise of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus came to spread a message of nonviolence and peace, not for political alliances/purposes.
The pastor's observation was on point that the same mob that acclaimed Jesus on Palm Sunday also demanded his crucifixion on Friday. We must exercise caution regarding "People's Praises."
I agree and continue unlearn the athropocentric (human-focused) views. People's perceptions, praises, persecution are often selfish. May God contintue to nudge us to advocate for nonviolent causes in these "Kairos" times.
Blessed week ahead!
Kalpna
(Photo of the Palms in Cross shape taken at the FUMC Lansing, IL).
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