Texts: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 11:1-11 What was Jesus thinking On the road down from Jericho That passed through Bethphage and Bethany. That led to Jerusalem To the mighty Temple And to the Passover feast. What was Jesus thinking
As he instructed the disciples. With familiar words Go, find, loosen, bring, a certain village colt. A young beast, not yet broken Take it with sparse words, perhaps a coded signal for someone waiting and watchful. The Lord needs it and will send it back immediately. What was Jesus thinking when people left their secure homes, to gather in the roads and line the streets. Shedding their garments On the colt and on the stony, muddy road. Along with branches to be trodden upon shouting slogans of support and urging actions which the government would never approve. What was Jesus thinking As he rode upon the young beast Still so small of stature. This unauthorized parade a poor parody of the costly and obligatory processions enjoyed by high priests and officials. So unlike the proud stamping stallions Of Emperors, kings, and nobles. And of warriors also. What was Jesus thinking As the people walked with him through the village and up the road waving leafy branches Voices shouting out Loud salutations begging Hosanna! (O Save!) O Save us in the highest heaven. You are coming in the Lord’s name - a blessing! Coming is the kingdom of David our great father - A blessing! What was Jesus thinking With the shouting crowd surging ahead and following behind. Past the Mount of Olives Where ancient gnarled trees Sent roots deep for water And flourished leaves thick and green for sun To set the olives from which would come Fragrant oil for celebrations For cleansing And for mourning. What was Jesus thinking As he entered great Jerusalem Dismounting the colt Leaving the crowds to enter the Temple. Surveying everything Keen-eyed and silent. What was Jesus thinking As he beckoned to the Twelve To return to Bethany To rest the night there with a family of friends Thoughtful Mary, hardworking Martha. And dear brother Lazarus clear of eye and strong of faith recently un-tombed and loosed A living testimony to God’s reply to death. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus… A mind entirely configured in love; the mind of God’s beloved child; a humble mind; a teaching mind; a prophet’s mind; the mind of a servant leader encouraging; a mind at one with God’s will; a mind seeking unity with others; a mind tuned to God’s kingdom, inclined away from human rule or power; a quiet mind; a discerning mind; a befriending mind; a prayerful mind. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…” With these words the apostle Paul urged the Philippian Christians who were facing stiff opposition to their faith from outside their community and fractures between members within. You can overcome this, and everything life throws at you when you are in unity; beloved sisters and brothers sharing the mind of Jesus, overcoming even the cross and even death.
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The Rev. Beth Purdum Eden is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. She has served in more than 6 parishes in the Western United States for 30 years. Archives
June 2022
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