The events in these chapters...
Illustration
The events in these chapters are called often the Passion Story.
But a passion for what? The drama of the final trip to the cross includes many individuals. Each of them has concerns somewhat different from the others. They are all deeply involved in the circumstances of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
But whose passion story is this? In a primary sense it is Jesus' passion -- a love that affects all situations, renders all individuals accountable to God's overwhelming judgment and grace. But passion is part of the characters' lives as well. There is shouting and anger, tears and pleas, recriminations and remorse. And passion, in the sense of living out deeply held convictions, affected everyone present regardless of their emotional state. No one remains dispassionate.
Many congregations often use the readings for this Sunday as a congregational play, a verbal acting out of the Passion Story. Much humor and shrewdness goes into designating the characters. Who will play Jesus? Should the church council be the Sanhedrin? Who will be Peter or Judas? What will the congregation feel when they take the part of the crowd and shout crucify him! his passion? It is ours, too.
-- Hedahl
But a passion for what? The drama of the final trip to the cross includes many individuals. Each of them has concerns somewhat different from the others. They are all deeply involved in the circumstances of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
But whose passion story is this? In a primary sense it is Jesus' passion -- a love that affects all situations, renders all individuals accountable to God's overwhelming judgment and grace. But passion is part of the characters' lives as well. There is shouting and anger, tears and pleas, recriminations and remorse. And passion, in the sense of living out deeply held convictions, affected everyone present regardless of their emotional state. No one remains dispassionate.
Many congregations often use the readings for this Sunday as a congregational play, a verbal acting out of the Passion Story. Much humor and shrewdness goes into designating the characters. Who will play Jesus? Should the church council be the Sanhedrin? Who will be Peter or Judas? What will the congregation feel when they take the part of the crowd and shout crucify him! his passion? It is ours, too.
-- Hedahl
