Two Processions Two Kingdoms

The life of Jesus seems to be constantly in the shadow of the political and religious leaders. In the first 2 chapters of this gospel, Luke notes that in the days of King Herod of Judea, [1:5] and then “Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)”    [2:1-2]

Matthew tells of the journey of Joseph, Mary and their young son Jesus into Egypt to escape the massacre of the children. A massacre that was ordered by Herod.

Today’s reading also has a political shadow.

Jesus and his followers were not the only procession that day.

Coming in the main gate of Jerusalem would be Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of the area with cavalry and soldiers in imperial uniforms. Governors at this time lived most of the year on the at Caesarea Maritimia or ‘Caesarea on the Sea’, but when there were festivals in Jerusalem,  then the Governor and  extra troops would come to Jerusalem to  ‘keep the peace’. That means crush any opposition that might happen. [See Borg and Crossan The Last Week]

Think China, or even Sydney, during the Olympics or the G8 meeting. These large events attract protesters, and it means that the powers that be will put in extra police or troops to keep the order.  The Roman Empire is sometimes called Pax Ramona, but it was peace built on oppressing anyone who disagreed, killing people who spoke out against you and people living in fear.

In the way Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, he is mocking the entry of kings and rulers. They would enter on a war horse, triumphant from battle, or just making sure every knows who is in charge. There is reference to Zechariah, but also the apocryphal book of Maccabeus. In 167 B.C. Antiochus precipitated a full-scale revolt when, having already forbidden the practice of Judaism on pain of death, he set up in the Jewish temple an altar to Zeus and offered pig’s flesh upon it. Mattathias and his five sons led the campaign to reclaim the temple and Judean independence. In the ensuing guerilla campaign against Antiochus, many died. “On the twenty-third day of the second month, in the one hundred and seventy-first year, the Jews entered Jerusalem with praise and palm branches, and with harps and cymbals and stringed instruments, and with hymns and songs, because a great enemy had been crushed and removed from Israel.” (I Macc. 13:51)

Jesus enters on a colt, rather than a war horse. The disciples spread their cloaks on the colt for Jesus to ride.

The story of the triumphant entry to Jerusalem is a bit like the birth story. There is more than one in the gospels, they are different, and we tend to merge them. This year we read from Luke, and Luke doesn't have the crowd praising Jesus and calling him king – it is “the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen”

These aren't a crowd that are loving the procession, then days later cry ‘crucify him!’ – this is disciples praising God because of what they have seen. This group have seen Jesus healing, the raising of the widow’s son, people being forgiven and offered a new life, the feeding of the 5,000, transfiguration, exorcism, the blessing of children and Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, They have heard Jesus tell stories about sowing seed, the good Samaritan, the rich man and Lazarus, the lost parables, they have heard about hospitality, inclusion, the cost of discipleship, and Jesus has told them of his impending death. And here they are, part of this street party, praising God for the mighty acts they have witnessed.

And they don’t shout Hosanna, but they are ‘shouting a phrase that echoes back to the birth narrative in Luke: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory to the highest heaven!” The angels declared peace on earth, and goodwill to all. Now, the disciples echo that call back. And when some Pharisees tell Jesus to order the disciples to stop, Jesus declares if they were silent, the stones would shout out.’  Rev Mindi http://rev-o-lution.org/

So two processions, one full of military muscle, the other Jesus on a donkey with some others coming into Jerusalem.

Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey is subversive and mocking, but it isn't a threat to a military power like the Romans.  It could have gone unnoticed by the authorities.

But Jesus knows he is being watched. It isn't only the Roman authorities he needs to be wary of, but the religious authorities as well. The Romans knew that religion was one thing that people would fight for, so they would co-opt the local leadership on the grounds that as long as the religious leaders kept the local people obedient, they could continue in their positions, and people could continue with their worship. As long as it didn't interfere with Roman rule. 

Jesus isn't taking on the Romans at their own game, Jesus came to change the game.  To change the game from oppression and power and fear, to freedom and grace and love.

Jesus came to change the way things were done, not to overpower the Romans, or anyone else. And he knew where that might lead.

Protesters today still risk being arrested,
     for praying in Government offices for the release of children in detention,
     for preventing mining companies getting access to farms,
     for stopping the transport of waste products.
The people who protest in these ways know they risk going to prison or being fined.

Jesus knew the potential for arrest and death, the Romans were known for taking care of trouble makers swiftly and permanently.

Living as the people of God is more than praying for peace, or healing, or grace; it is living out the kingdom in spite of the scorn of those around us.
Living as the people who are Christian, named for Christ, means following in the way of love and hope and generosity, even when that is dangerous.

Here we have two processions and two kingdoms,
one kingdom is a kingdom of fear, power, oppression and death. The other kingdom of peace, freedom, healing and life.

One Kingdom reliant on state power to keep people under control
The other reliant on the Holy Spirit to enliven people.

One Kingdom where the Temple is a place of economic activity
The other where the Temple is a place of healing and wholeness.

Jesus came to bring about a new order, a new kingdom.
how do we live into that new order?
how do we live as people of peace and hope and faith, in a world of fear and greed?