During our procession, we
heard the gospel relating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It concluded with these
words: “…the whole city was shaken and asked, ‘Who is this?’” That is the
question we face this week: “Who is this?” that is entering our city, our
church, our inner space? Jesus comes with his answer. He is waiting for ours.
“The whole city was shaken…” because a crisis was
brewing. Jesus had set his face like flint toward Jerusalem, and the rulers of
Israel had set themselves up as a bulwark. As Jesus saw it, he had
no choice: Jerusalem was the center of Israel; the Passover feast was the
center of Jewish worship; the whole people of God were represented by the
pilgrims; this was the moment for a final decision: Was the reign of God
breaking in through the person of Jesus, or not? The crisis had reached a head.
It was no wonder that “…the whole city was shaken.”
The rule of God is breaking in on us today. Jesus has
come as the king foretold by Zechariah: “Say to daughter Zion, ‘Behold, your
king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a
beast of burden.’” He is unarmed, not relying on military might, not shrinking
from the crisis, and already foreseeing how the conflict will end.
He has come to the temple where the worshippers have
gathered as the kingly representative of the reign of God. With zeal, he will
turn over the tables and chairs and hearts that persist in petty business. He
will begin rebuilding his temple, laying down his life as the cornerstone.
He has come to celebrate the Passover feast. This will be
his last meal. He will drink no more of the fruit of the vine until he drinks
it new in the reign of God. With his own hand, he will hand over the sacrifice
that will enable the People of God to act in accord with God’s rule.
The story of Jesus’ passion is still ringing in our ears. There is a common saying today, “He has such a passion for what he does!” But I ask you, is there any greater passion than what we have just heard? We should all be shaken.
