April 10: Palm Sunday
Read: Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29; Luke 19:28-40
In an early episode of the old TV series, M*A*S*H, “Trapper”, one of the doctors is diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. Though upset about having a hole in his gut, his bunkmate, Hawkeye, reminds him that according to army regulations, he will be going home from the Korean War.
A farewell party is prepared and minutes before Trapper shows up, the company clerk (Radar) informs him the army has a new regulation that will require him to stay in Korea for treatment. Trapper goes to the party anyway and there is a festive time had by all until he’s asked to give his farewell speech. As he does, he explains he isn’t going home after all.
During the party, Trapper and Radar have a look in their eyes that betrays the truth – if anyone had taken the time to notice! It’s a great party, but it’s not going to end the way everyone wants or expects!
If one of the disciples had looked into Jesus’ eyes on that first Palm Sunday, would his eyes have betrayed that things weren’t going to end the way everyone hoped and expected? Knowing what lay before him, did Jesus smile and wave and receive the blessings and praise of the people all the while feeling the weight of what was before him?
The people proclaim, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Jesus knew that if he did the Father’s will and brought the peace and glory of which they sang, the path led to a cross.
And yet, the author of Hebrews reminds us that because of the joy set before him, he endured the cross, despising its shame. Now he is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). It’s a beautiful reminder that joy transcends our circumstances. It is the pervasive sense that God is in control and all will be well. Jesus had to walk the path of obedience to the horrors of the cross and we must go with him – not to a physical death, but so we might die to self and by faith die with him and be raised with him.
When Jesus draws near to Jerusalem on that Palm Sunday, Luke writes that he wept over the city saying, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:42). They proclaimed him king. They hoped for deliverance. They thought he would lead a revolt.
Had they known their greater need and where it was Jesus would go to make peace possible, but they could not see. They had not heard his words warning of what is to come.
But we see it. We see Jesus on his way to Golgotha…taking his first steps of obedience toward the gospel paradox: the death that brings life; the sacrifice that solves all that ever was wrong with the world. Jesus must walk that path. And he calls us to go with him.
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever been at a party or wedding or some kind of celebration while mourning loss or knowing of some impending challenge? Trying to rejoice and being happy, yet carrying a heavy weight. Take time to reflect on what it must have been like for Jesus that day.
In what sense do we walk the path to the cross with Jesus? What does it mean for us to die with him and for us to be raised to life with him? How does that enable us to live joyfully?
Readings this week:
April 11: Isaiah 42:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-15
April 12: Isaiah 29:1-7; John 12:20-36
April 13: Isaiah 50:4-9a; John 13:21-32
April 14: Exodus 12:1-14; John 13:1-17
April 15: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 18:1-19:42
April 16: Lamentations 3:1-9; 19-24; Matthew 27:57-66
April 17: Isaiah 65:17-25; John 20:1-18