Loving God, thank you for the humility and the love exhibited by Jesus – even in the face of human cruelty.  Grant us an awareness of his love for every person, and allow that same love to sink deep into our hearts, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            It was a mixed crowd that day, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt.  There were people from different races and nations.  There were Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor.  Some of them had been healed by Jesus and were happy to welcome him with palms and Hosanna’s.  Others were watching with their arms crossed – looks of disapproval on their faces – plotting how they could get rid of this imposter from Nazareth.  Still others believed that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah who would rule in Jerusalem just as King David had ruled.

         But what about you?  Who are you in the crowd and in the procession?  Are you leading the way, waving your branches and shouting Hosanna?  Are you in the band, adding some music along the way?  Or maybe you are fearful, and watching from a distance, and hoping beyond hope that maybe Jesus is the one who can save you.  Or, are you perhaps threatened by Jesus, looking on with disapproval, and plotting his demise?  Or maybe you’re working security – making sure that the crowd doesn’t get out of hand.

         However it is that you might answer this question, you are there with many others – some of whom share your perspective and some who do not.  And Jesus has come for each and every one of you.

         The same is true, later in the week, when a crowd has gathered once again – this time outside of Pilate’s headquarters.  Some are there just to see what will happen.  Some (like the religious leaders) are bound and bent that Jesus needs to be crucified.  And some, as before, are fearful, and are watching from a distance.  And then, of course, there are the Roman soldiers – present because it is their duty to be there.

         The voices that we hear in Mark 15 are mostly the ones who speak the loudest: the chief priests who stir up the crowd; the crowd yelling for Barabbas and to crucify Jesus; all of the people who mock and taunt Jesus along the way; and Pontius Pilate, the governor.  Any of those who follow Jesus, or who have been healed by Jesus, or who believe Jesus to be the Messiah are largely silent, as is Jesus.  The lone voice that expresses faith in Jesus is the Roman centurion standing by the cross: “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Mk. 15:39).  Is it any wonder that Jesus feels totally and utterly abandoned – even by God (Mk. 15:34)?

         While I understand that some do not like hearing both the Palm Sunday and the Passion Gospel all on the same day, it does lead us to reflect on how the crowds in both narratives included many of the same people.  In the first crowd, we hear only the Hosanna’s, and in the second crowd, all of the nastiness comes to the fore.  As James writes, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so” (3:10).  And yet – as human beings – we know that this is entirely possible – and Jesus, having lived among us, also knows how fickle human hearts can be.

         Still, just as Jesus came for each one who was standing in those crowds in Jerusalem, he also came for each one of us.  His love is for all, regardless of race or gender or nation or economic status or language.  For, at the foot of the cross, all of us are on level ground – or, as Luther wrote, “we are beggars – it is true.”  Thanks be to God for the one who humbled himself and was obedient unto death – Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Palm / Passion Sunday                  Mark 11:1-11

March 24, 2024                                Mark 15:1-39

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church  Philippians 2:5-11

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

© 2024 Lynne Hutchison  All Rights Reserved