SUNDAY 'S TEXT
Luke 18:31-Luke 21
Today is Palm Sunday. We begin Passion Week, culminating in the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter. This week, our scripture readings will take us through the end of the book of Luke (for the second time since January). We will wave palm branches today. We will sing, "Hosanna, blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" Our hearts will be stirred, and we know that the end is not grief and despair. The end is an empty tomb, and the angel telling the mourning women not to be afraid: "He is not here; he has risen!"
But before we get to Easter week, we have 4 chapters of Luke to read, and Jesus has much to teach us. Take a look at what we learn in Luke 18-21:
- a blind beggar receives his sight
- The chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, meets Jesus and his life is transformed
- the parable of the Ten minas
- the Triumphal entry - Palm Sunday
- Jesus drives out the money changers from the temple
- the parable of the tenants
- Jesus challenges the authorities' spies on loyalty to the government - 'give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.'
- Jesus teaches on marriage and confounds the Sadducees
- The Widow's Offering - only 4 verses, but a profound statement on wealth and power
- Jesus teaches on the signs of the end of the age
All of this in 4 chapters! All of this before the Last Supper. Before Judas betrays him. Before he is arrested and crucified.
Jesus uses his time wisely. He knew what his mission was, and he was completely obedient to his Father to complete his mission. Several times in Luke, friends tell him he shouldn't go to Jerusalem. But he says "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled (Luke 18:31)." He knows what awaits him there. But he continues to heal. He continues to teach. He continues to infuriate and confound the religious authorities. He continues to draw large crowds, who hang on his every word. And He continues to reach out to us, to ask us to join him in his mission.
No, he doesn't promise a life of ease for his followers. He doesn't promise riches and fame. But just as he asked the blind beggar, "What do you want me to do for you?" He asks us to come, follow him. As you walk through this week, and as you read again about Jesus' betrayal, death on the cross, and miraculous resurrection, stop and thank him for the gift of eternal life. What he does for us is far more than we can ever ask or imagine. Happy Palm Sunday!
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