A Note From Rob ...

     What would cause an adoring fan to become a vicious critic? What would lead one to move from shouts of praise to cries for crucifixion? How could this happen in just a few short days?

     When one looks at the Palm Sunday/Passion narrative it seems popular opinion of Jesus shifts 180 degrees. He goes from King to criminal in just a few short days. Did he change? Did the people change?

     Some would argue that the adoring crowd and the angry mob did not change what they wanted. They wanted a savior. Jesus appeared to be the kind of leader they wanted. As long as he fit their preconceived idea about what a savior/leader was to be, all was well. The issue seems to be they wanted a leader/savior to do their bidding. They wanted someone to meet the power of Rome with power mightier than they possessed. They wanted someone to lead them into battle with spear and sword. When Jesus was no longer that person, he was expendable.

     However, Jesus never changed. Jesus power seemed focused on changing lives. He healed those in need. He gave dignity to those on the edges of society. He put the least, last and lost of society on the same level with most, best and powerful in society. He even elevated a poor widow’s offering and put down a prideful Pharisee’s prayer. Jesus was about changing lives.

     The irony of Palm Sunday/Passion week is that Jesus never changed his focus. The people who hailed him as King and then cried “Crucify him” never changed. Jesus couldn’t change his love for all the people. Some of the people wouldn’t change their love for themselves.

     Please read the Gospel lesson listed for Palm/Passion Sunday. Until then,

RETURN