I desperately need Resurrection Power this week (and every week, to be honest) but especially after the absolute worst week of my life. So on Sunday Morning, I sat in one of the back pews of a church I don’t normally frequent, hollered out “Hosanna”, and cried my little eyes out. Then I went to brunch…and both were good for my soul.
Anyway, it’s time for my annual thoughts on Holy Week,
We start on Palm Sunday. Luke 19:28-40. On Palm Sunday, we commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. As he rode into the city, a crowd laid Palm leaves at his feet. Others laid down their coats on the road, and still others cried out “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD. “I didn’t actually get any Palm leaves this year, but that didn’t stop me from crying out, “Have mercy!” and Hosanna!
I was grateful that no one attempted to console or quiet me on Sunday. But in Luke’s telling of the story, the Pharisees asked Jesus to rebuke the folks who were saying those things.
Why? Because acknowledging a King who was not Caesar was dangerous. On Sunday, Jesus’ impromptu parade could be seen as a challenge to the empire. Nobody protects the empire more than folks who are subject to the empire, but who have been given just enough authority to rule over someone else. Jesus being a called a king was a threat, not just to Rome, but to the Jewish authorities who were given some semblance of dominion in the city.
Question: Is faith a threat to empire? How so? Or Why Not?
And y’all are getting a two-fer today. Because on Holy Monday, we get to see one of my favorite new testament stories: Jesus turning over tables in the temple. Mark 11:15-17
Full Disclaimer: I love table-flipping Jesus. As a good Baptist, I believe all things should be done decent and in order… but every now and then, I do wish somebody would come in there and crack the whip a few good times. I done told y’all, I ain’t that good of a Christian! And more often than not, I would be the one Jesus would need to whip into shape.
On day one, Jesus is seen as a threat to the empire. On day two, he is messing with the economy. And we both know that neither the Caesar, nor the church plays about their money. Ask Bishop Marvin Sapp. Also today is April 14th. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you might want to get on that.
This is about money, yes, but it’s also about attention, which leads me to my Holy Monday questions:
How do faith and finances impact one another? Which did you spend more time focusing on this week? What tables would you like to see turned over in your own life?
I pray that as we walk together towards the cross of Calvary that you see a new thing in the same old story.
The Gospel According to Gabrielle 