They Took Branches of Palm and Went Out to Meet Him

This meditation is based on a passage for April 18, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: John 12:9-19

Reflection and Question: All four gospels tell of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and today we will look at John’s version. It highlights, as the others do, the adulation of the crowd. What makes John different is that he comments on the reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus’ popularity. They murmur among themselves, “Look, the world has gone after him!” The place of popularity and power in this story, especially in relation to God’s commandments, reminds me of the struggle today over lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender inclusion in the church. Where do you see the divide between popularity and power in the church today? Is either side right?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, on Palm Sunday, we join the crowd waving our palms and shouting Hosanna. We know You were not yet glorified then but we believe You are now through Your death and resurrection. This is why we wave and shout. Amen.