The Triumphal Entry

Monday in Holy Week:
AM Psalm 51:1-18(19-20) • PM Psalm 69:1-23
Jer. 12:1-16 • Phil. 3:1-14 • John 12:9-19

In today’s gospel reading, John recounts the triumphal entry Jesus makes into Jerusalem, one of the few events chronicled in each of the four gospels. John mentions several Jewish festivals in his gospel; since Jesus is a Jew, these mentions are a rationale for his frequent visits to Jerusalem. They also serve as signposts in the timeline of John’s gospel. Now — and in circa 30 CE — it is almost Passover, easily the most important Jewish festival.

The great crowd that day nears 100,000 people, shouting Hosanna - save us!, seeing Jesus as the King who would lead a revolt against the Roman occupiers. The multitude of followers were spellbound, remembering the prophesy of Zechariah — see, your King comes to you sitting on a donkey’s colt! They lay down robes as is done for royalty and carry palms, symbols of national triumph and victory. They will soon be out from under the thumb of Rome, yes? The King of Israel has come! How threatened and desperate the Pharisees and others must have felt. Look, the world has gone after him! This day there was no ambiguity in feelings: the crowds were passionate, his enemies enraged. Jesus no longer quiets his friends; now he directs them to tell everyone who he is.

After failing to meet the crowd’s expectations a few days later, Jesus is turned upon. Hailed as king one week, he now hears their demands to crucify him. The crowds wanted a king who would conquer their oppressor; Jesus came to conquer their hearts. They wanted a kingdom of armies; he offered the kingdom of God. They wanted splendor; he preached servanthood.

This holy week, filled with drama, passion, hatred, betrayal, shame, and sorrow leads each of us to the foot of the cross. No matter the repetition, I never tire of the story. Sin, remorse, forgiveness and everlasting love. The promise of Christ.

Written by Bernadette Reda

Ever grateful for the St Paul’s community.