Bunging It On

We have entered a week of high theatre, as our story moves from a journey of teaching, parables and debates to a series of signal actions by Jesus, calling attention to his purpose. For the last four weeks, we have listened to Jesus engage with Nicodemus and a Samaritan woman, followed by an unblind man and an undead man and their families.
Suddenly, the dialogues stop; Mary anoints Jesus with perfume and then despite (or because of) the risk, he enters Jerusalem for the final time. This is not some back door arrival, but street theatre for the benefit of crowds, conquerors and clergy.
This entry deliberately seeks to rival that of the ruling powers – the triumphal ride of victorious Roman emperors. It also echoes prophecies about the Messiah who will deliver Israel – Look, your king is coming to you!
It’s also good theatre, as Jesus draws attention to himself, declaring himself to Romans and locals alike. Do you know what happens next? There were some Greeks at the Passover festival and even they want to see Jesus; he has moved beyond the locals and it seems nothing can stop him.
There is more theatre and few words to come. The acts which mark the week ahead are anointing, footwashing, a meal, a prayer, arrest … and then the end.
And the beginning.
Palm Sunday is also called Passion Sunday, because it marks the beginning of the worst week of history. The cross now shadows everything, and Jesus’ every action hints at what John calls “glorification”, but is the moment of crucifixion.
This is a week where we invited to watch and not just to listen. We are placed on the edge of the story and invited further in. There is risk for us here, where we become not just believers, but participants; not just participants, but followers. Trusting Jesus’ teaching is critical, so engaging the drama of God in Jesus Christ asks us not just to observe, but to also find our way to the cross – to Friday’s horror, to Saturday’s awful silence, to the fear and wonder of Sunday morning.
Where Christ suffers, We will hurt. When Christ dies, We will bow our heads in sorrow. When Christ rises again in glory, We will share his endless joy. There is no other way; Christ is the only way.
Grace and peace for this Holy Week.