Sermon for Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021

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.