What triumph?
Commentary
A scared band of disciples anxiously watching out of the corner of their eyes as they come into Jerusalem. A crowd of people who probably don't have the slightest idea of what is going on, ready to shout "hosanna" on Sunday and "crucify him" on Friday. Glowering temple officials in the back row wondering what they are to do with this man. Zealots slipping along through the crowd looking for a moment to slit a throat. And, a man, a quiet man, riding on a lowly ass. What triumph?
Well, he had managed to overcome the temptations that had come. Temptations to razzle-dazzle the crowds, to buy votes, to compromise. All seemed quicker ways to gain support. He knew it wouldn't last.
And he had managed to stay free of the plans of his disciples. With little doubt they were ready to shift gears and proclaim a revolution if he'd just act as a messiah ought to, call down those angels and give them the signal.
And he had beaten the temple leaders for the moment. They had no power to stop him from making his point in the dramatic fashion of the Old Testament prophets. Too often we look for triumph in the wrong places, or we imagine things that never happened. These kinds of triumph are most real and most lasting.
OUTLINE I
The Badge of Courage
Isaiah 50:4-9a, 9:9, 10; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1--15:47, 15:1-39 (11:1-11)
Introduction: All too often we are so caught up in our imaginings about the first Palm Sunday that we lose sight of the danger which was present. With little doubt Jesus knew about his wavering disciples, the hot-tempered zealots in the crowd, the fickleness of the masses and the hostility of the temple hierarchy. Nevertheless, he rode on. Why?
A. Courage is not timidity. Jesus knew the Isaiah and Zechariah scriptures well. Like Isaiah he could move in and out among his enemies with cool confidence. When one is certain of the presence and protection of God, boldness becomes commonplace. Refer to the disciples as they move onto the streets as reported by Luke in Acts.
B. Courage is not foolishness. There is no evidence here that Jesus was ever careless or reckless. His confidence in God did not make him less aware of the need to plan, to be careful, and to be wise. Because he was confident, he could think clearly and outwit his opponents.
C. Courage is not disguised fear. All of us can tell those wonderful stories about persons who when cornered and left with no alternative did something bold. True courage is best shown by those who know that they are going to lose and still persevere. Jesus' courage rested on nothing else but God's promises.
Conclusion: Suggest ways in which Christians today can exhibit courage at work, in the home, at school and on the street. End with the words of the hymn, "O Young and Fearless Prophet."
OUTLINE II
The Fading Cast
Mark 14:1--15:47; 15:1-39 (11:1-11)
Introduction: In the scripture for today we see Jesus moving ever closer to the cross and gradually being abandoned by his friends and left alone.
A. They All Go to Sleep: They must have been unaware of the gathering storm. How could it have been otherwise? Fear would have kept them awake. Isn't that the way it often is with us? We just aren't involved. We haven't been attentive. Maybe it was their way of escaping the danger. Is it ours?
B. Judas Betrays: There are several interpretations of Judas' betrayal. Some say he was greedy; others suggest he was impatient, or he was a zealot and wanted to force Jesus to come out in the open and lead an uprising. In any case, note that Judas falls prey to the temptations that Jesus had faced on the mountain. How do we deal with what seem to be logical and practical solutions?
C. Peter Denies Him: That must have really hurt. Surely Jesus hoped that some day Peter's actions would measure up to his mouth. But, once again, Peter had over promised and gone down the drain. Do we over promise and then fade when the heat is on?
Conclusion: Point out how easy it is to grasp what seems to be practical, to avoid reality, to over promise. And, in our own way, deny and betray him still. Use verses 2 and 3 of the hymn, "O Young and Fearless Prophet," as a confessional and a seeking -- after new strength.
OUTLINE III
The God Who Claims Everything
Philippians 2:5-11
Introduction: Point out that in all probability this is Paul's finest summary of the meaning of the gospel. It is the heart of the good news about who Jesus is and what he has done. The doxology at the end of the selection rises to poetic heights as it seeks to claim all of creation for God and his Christ.
A. In Heaven: Surprise! Though most of us imagine heaven to be the dwelling place of God and that all is peaceful and serene there, it is interesting to note the gospels treat it as a place yet to be subdued. Is all still not well in heaven?
B. On Earth: There are many who write the earth off as expendable. They sound as if God cares only for heaven. Read the Bible again, especially Romans 8:19-23, and other scriptures like it.
C. And Under the Earth: In Jewish thought this is Sheol, the shadowy realm of the dead. Read the book of Job again for some picturesque descriptions of this territory. Then point out that this dimension of creation is also to fall to his dominion. Read and study 1 Peter 3:18-22 and see how the early church was concerned for those already dead. The thought had long been there. Consider Psalm 139:7-12. Paul knows his scriptures.
Conclusion: Even though many have been driven to the mourners' bench by the threat of a never-ending hell, the good news is that we are meant to respond to a God who will pursue us into eternity. We will be lost only if we insist on it.
Well, he had managed to overcome the temptations that had come. Temptations to razzle-dazzle the crowds, to buy votes, to compromise. All seemed quicker ways to gain support. He knew it wouldn't last.
And he had managed to stay free of the plans of his disciples. With little doubt they were ready to shift gears and proclaim a revolution if he'd just act as a messiah ought to, call down those angels and give them the signal.
And he had beaten the temple leaders for the moment. They had no power to stop him from making his point in the dramatic fashion of the Old Testament prophets. Too often we look for triumph in the wrong places, or we imagine things that never happened. These kinds of triumph are most real and most lasting.
OUTLINE I
The Badge of Courage
Isaiah 50:4-9a, 9:9, 10; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1--15:47, 15:1-39 (11:1-11)
Introduction: All too often we are so caught up in our imaginings about the first Palm Sunday that we lose sight of the danger which was present. With little doubt Jesus knew about his wavering disciples, the hot-tempered zealots in the crowd, the fickleness of the masses and the hostility of the temple hierarchy. Nevertheless, he rode on. Why?
A. Courage is not timidity. Jesus knew the Isaiah and Zechariah scriptures well. Like Isaiah he could move in and out among his enemies with cool confidence. When one is certain of the presence and protection of God, boldness becomes commonplace. Refer to the disciples as they move onto the streets as reported by Luke in Acts.
B. Courage is not foolishness. There is no evidence here that Jesus was ever careless or reckless. His confidence in God did not make him less aware of the need to plan, to be careful, and to be wise. Because he was confident, he could think clearly and outwit his opponents.
C. Courage is not disguised fear. All of us can tell those wonderful stories about persons who when cornered and left with no alternative did something bold. True courage is best shown by those who know that they are going to lose and still persevere. Jesus' courage rested on nothing else but God's promises.
Conclusion: Suggest ways in which Christians today can exhibit courage at work, in the home, at school and on the street. End with the words of the hymn, "O Young and Fearless Prophet."
OUTLINE II
The Fading Cast
Mark 14:1--15:47; 15:1-39 (11:1-11)
Introduction: In the scripture for today we see Jesus moving ever closer to the cross and gradually being abandoned by his friends and left alone.
A. They All Go to Sleep: They must have been unaware of the gathering storm. How could it have been otherwise? Fear would have kept them awake. Isn't that the way it often is with us? We just aren't involved. We haven't been attentive. Maybe it was their way of escaping the danger. Is it ours?
B. Judas Betrays: There are several interpretations of Judas' betrayal. Some say he was greedy; others suggest he was impatient, or he was a zealot and wanted to force Jesus to come out in the open and lead an uprising. In any case, note that Judas falls prey to the temptations that Jesus had faced on the mountain. How do we deal with what seem to be logical and practical solutions?
C. Peter Denies Him: That must have really hurt. Surely Jesus hoped that some day Peter's actions would measure up to his mouth. But, once again, Peter had over promised and gone down the drain. Do we over promise and then fade when the heat is on?
Conclusion: Point out how easy it is to grasp what seems to be practical, to avoid reality, to over promise. And, in our own way, deny and betray him still. Use verses 2 and 3 of the hymn, "O Young and Fearless Prophet," as a confessional and a seeking -- after new strength.
OUTLINE III
The God Who Claims Everything
Philippians 2:5-11
Introduction: Point out that in all probability this is Paul's finest summary of the meaning of the gospel. It is the heart of the good news about who Jesus is and what he has done. The doxology at the end of the selection rises to poetic heights as it seeks to claim all of creation for God and his Christ.
A. In Heaven: Surprise! Though most of us imagine heaven to be the dwelling place of God and that all is peaceful and serene there, it is interesting to note the gospels treat it as a place yet to be subdued. Is all still not well in heaven?
B. On Earth: There are many who write the earth off as expendable. They sound as if God cares only for heaven. Read the Bible again, especially Romans 8:19-23, and other scriptures like it.
C. And Under the Earth: In Jewish thought this is Sheol, the shadowy realm of the dead. Read the book of Job again for some picturesque descriptions of this territory. Then point out that this dimension of creation is also to fall to his dominion. Read and study 1 Peter 3:18-22 and see how the early church was concerned for those already dead. The thought had long been there. Consider Psalm 139:7-12. Paul knows his scriptures.
Conclusion: Even though many have been driven to the mourners' bench by the threat of a never-ending hell, the good news is that we are meant to respond to a God who will pursue us into eternity. We will be lost only if we insist on it.
