Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.”
– Matthew 21:8-11
Palm Sunday worship usually begins with a congregation processing into the church, often singing “All Glory, Laud and Honor.” The tune was composed in the early 1600’s, and the text is from sometime in the early 800’s. It’s meaningful to me to think of Christians over the centuries singing this hymn, commemorating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem amid shouts and cries of hosanna echoing through the ancient streets.
The celebratory theme does not continue, but rather seems designed to bring us down to a harsh reality as we hear the story of betrayal, arrest, a mock “trial” and brutal execution. How can we process such an about-face? Rather than cope with these extremes, we’d prefer to savor the day of celebration, exclaim over the great crowd, and soak up the warmth of the reception.
But perhaps we are hearing more than a story. Consider it as an illustration of the fundamental difference between this Sunday and next Sunday. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, people became caught up in the excitement, hearing others calling out, “The Messiah, our King, God’s Chosen One!” and the spontaneous celebration that occurred. Knowing what is ahead, we see all this enthusiasm as being shallow and short-lived.
The timeline of Holy Week moves along to the tender, touching scene of the Last Supper, followed by the shock and devastation of Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Then that quiet Sunday morning dawns, bringing the stunning news to the women who came to the tomb, and without a parade, songs, or cheers, but rather by the mighty power of God, the word spreads, “He is risen!” And the world was changed.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers