Joplin Community of Christ

Prepare the Way

Today’s Prayer for Peace – Vatican City

Direct link to download today’s audio message http://jcoc.no-ip.org/media/JoplinCOC-04-17-2011.mp3
http://jcoc.no-ip.org/media/JoplinCOC-04-17-2011.mp3

Exploring the Scriptures

The “passion of Jesus,” the story of Jesus’ ill-treatment and crucifixion, begins with Jesus’ royal entry into Jerusalem. Matthew describes Jesus’ last pilgrimage to Jerusalem in triumphal terms. Jesus enters neither carrying a sword in his hand nor riding a mighty war horse, as Jews expected the messianic king to do. Instead, he comes humbly, riding a donkey—redefining the nature of power and reinterpreting Jesus’ authentic lordship.

Jerusalem and the surrounding neighborhoods were crowded with pilgrims arriving to celebrate the Passover. The law required that every adult, Jewish male who lived within 20 miles of Jerusalem come to the Passover. And Jews from near and far made their way to this great festival with heightened religious expectations. Jesus sent his disciples ahead, instructing them to find a donkey and colt and bring them to him. If someone objected to their taking the livestock, they were to say, “The Lord needs them.” This action and Jesus’ entry riding a donkey with the colt fulfills Zechariah’s prophecy.

Matthew’s account describes a large crowd who seems to instantly recognize Jesus as the Messiah. They honor him by spreading their cloaks and the palm branches that they have cut from trees on the road and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” They shouted “Hosanna!” which means “Save now!”—a cry for help and salvation. This crowd knows that Jesus comes in the name of the Lord, empowered and authorized by God. Christians later spoke of Jesus as kyrios or Lord, a title for their risen Lord. Matthew also adds “Son of David” to further emphasize Jesus’ authentic role.

The whole city is in turmoil, asking “Who is this?” Those who recognize Jesus as Lord respond, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” The long-anticipated Messiah has come to the holy city and eventually to the cross.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem takes him to the cross—not a throne.
2. Many welcomed him with cries of “Hosanna!” But they did not come to his defense at his trial or death.
3. Most of those who lined the streets to see Jesus were caught up in the excitement of the moment. They did not make a commitment to follow his teaching and example.

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