Holy Week: Palm Sunday
The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices… As [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.”
In the classic Greek tragedy, the hero of the play suffers from a flaw in character which will inevitably lead to a terrible downfall. The audience is able to see it coming, but is powerless to stop it as the character walks straight into the disaster.
That’s what is happening here. Jesus arrives at his beloved city of Jerusalem, the place whose very name meant “city of peace.” He comes with wonderful news: God desires to forgive and restore his people. The Messiah they have awaited is here at last!
But they won’t listen, and Jesus knows what the result will be. Rejecting God’s gift, they will seek an earthly savior. Some years after Jesus’ return to heaven, they will rebel against the Romans, thinking that God’s plan is for their political freedom. The Romans will destroy the city and kill men, women, and children in a terrible massacre.
The people cheer, but how does Jesus feel? He hears the people’s joy – but he grieves because they will not receive their Savior. When do you share both Jesus’ joy and his grief? In this Easter season, can you be sad and joyful at the same time?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love to rejoice with you. Teach me also to grieve with you, so that my heart like yours overflows with love. Amen.