The four Gospels give the biography of Jesus. Four different writers with four different perspectives. Yet all four, focus on the last week of Jesus life. 35% of each book is devoted to the last week. Matthew, Luke, Mark (Peter) and John, all felt we could not understand Jesus unless we understood this last week of His life.
Palm Sunday is a Day and a Doorway. It matters because of the paradoxes revealed.
A week that begins in triumph ends in tragedy.
The Jews were expecting Jesus to overthrow the Roman rulers, but instead, He overthrew death, hell, the grave, sin and darkness.
The last week signaled a paradigm shift for humanity.
From cheering crowds to the weeping Christ.
From joy to judgement.
From waving palm branches to waving whips.
Matthew 21 tells of Jesus cleansing the Temple.
The Jews were expecting a Regime Change-they got a Revolution!
Mark 11, the donkey takes up half the story.
Why does Jesus need this donkey?
Why does He get it in such an unusual way?
This begs the question: What does He need from you?
What do you have that no one else has to advance the Kingdom?
Luke 19 contrasts the reaction to Jesus: a story of Mixed Reviews.
John 12 is a preview of Coming Attractions; by tying Jesus’ entry to Lazarus’ death and resurrectionS, previews what Jesus will go through. John 12;23-24 Palm Sunday is not, and cannot be, just a day of triumph (He’s King!), but also the start of His suffering (the only crown this King will wear is thorns). It wasn’t long before those singing “Hosanna,” were shouting, “Crucify Him.” Philippians 2:5-11 Christ’s trajectory- kenosis-downward emptying, then upward exaltation. The same path is required for believers today!
The last week of Jesus’ life is a tale of two basins: The basin Jesus used to wash the disciple’s feet. The basin Pilot used to wash his hands of responsibility for this state-sponsored murder. The last week of Jesus life was a turning point, from action to passion. Things are no longer done by Him, but TO Him. Jesus most powerful work is done in His passion. Could it just be possible that our greatest contribution in life may be not through our achievements as usually defined but through our suffering?”
This week culminated with Jesus dying between two felons. Jesus became the One who does not count, so He could rescue all of us who do not count.
Today, we celebrate the day, and we walk through the Doorway!
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