Palm Sunday

Text: Mark 11:1-11

Look:

It is noted in The People's New Testament Commentary, "The Markan Jesus knows he will meet his death there at the hands of the Jerusalem religious leaders... It is an acted parable of his kingship and of the coming kingdom of God (p. 152)." But this is not just any king. Not one that rides on chariots and has trumpets blaring. No, this king rode into town on a donkey, heavily suggested as an act of humility (Boring, 153). This Jesus we know is coming to the end of his journey and claiming kingship in a way that denounces privilege and uplifts the cries of the distressed. It is noted that the connotation of "Hosanna" in verse 9 can also mean save, I/we beseech thee." Jesus accepts this call to task. In Mark's gospel this connects to the passage on clearing the temples. Jesus is speaking directly against the accumulation of wealth and the exertion of power over others.

Indeed, these keep one from God's call to freely and openly love others.

In thinking about issues of power and wealth and in honor of Palm Sunday, I thought I would share with you the eco-palm movement. In our celebrations we may have unintentionally done more harm than good. This movement attempts to reverse these effects by the purchase of eco-friendly and fair-trade palms that protects our environment and the people in those areas. Learn more.

Boring, M. Eugene ad Fred B. Craddock, eds. The People's New Testament Commentary.Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.

Listen:

Bob Dylan's, "In the Garden"

When they came for Him in the garden, did they know?
When they came for Him in the garden, did they know?
Did they know He was the Son of God, did they know that He was Lord?
Did they hear when He told Peter, “Peter, put up your sword”?
When they came for Him in the garden, did they know?
When they came for Him in the garden, did they know?

When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear?
When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear?
Nicodemus came at night so he wouldn’t be seen by men
Saying, “Master, tell me why a man must be born again”
When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear?
When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear?

When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see?
When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see?
When He said, “Pick up your bed and walk, why must you criticize?
Same thing My Father do, I can do likewise”
When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see?
When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see?

Did they speak out against Him, did they dare?
Did they speak out against Him, did they dare?
The multitude wanted to make Him king, put a crown upon His head
Why did He slip away to a quiet place instead?
Did they speak out against Him, did they dare?
Did they speak out against Him, did they dare?

When He rose from the dead, did they believe?
When He rose from the dead, did they believe?
He said, “All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth”
Did they know right then and there what the power was worth?
When He rose from the dead, did they believe?
When He rose from the dead, did they believe?

Music and lyrics by Bob Dylan. Produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett. On Saved, Columbia Records, 1980.