Sarah Thompson speaking at Bethel College during their 2015 Martin Luther King Day event
This Sunday there will be a new face in the Rainbow “crowd.” Sarah Thompson, Christian Peacemaker Team Executive Director, will be our guest preacher. Click here to read more info about Sarah:An excerpt from an article published in January by Bethel College
I look forward to what she has to share with us on this Palm Sunday, a day of thinking about crowds, Jesus, power, violence, and transformation.
The story of Jesus’ “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a dramatic story found in all four gospels (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). The clash of expectations, people, and emotions makes for a rich story, and it has inspired countless hymns, poems, and reflections.
The one I’m about to share was written recently by Rainbow member Lonnie Buerge. I think it’s a provocative, thoughtful re-telling of this story. As you read this and as we prepare for worship on Sunday, consider these questions: Who are the characters in the crowd? Where might we find ourselves in this crowd? What are our hopes, expectations, and fears?
Can he be what we want him to be?
By Lonnie Buerge
And so it comes together
in Jerusalem
the Holy City.
The crowds are assembling
breathing excitement
an intoxicating blend of both
hope and fear.
Everyone dressed in their very best.
Children scrubbed clean and combed.
All watching, waiting, wanting
an arrival, an entrance, a coming to be.
Oh Jesus, Jesus our hope.
The authorities are nervous
How to keep control
Maintain order at all cost
Keep the lid on.
Plans are ready
in case.
Just
in
case.
Oh, Jesus, Jesus our threat.
The priests are waiting
Calmly, carefully, no need to
be nervous.
No need to create
any expectation.
No need to stir the status-quo
No change.
Keep it orderly.
According to tradition.
According to the rules.
Oh Jesus, Jesus our challenge.
The disciples are with him
Friends, band of brothers
bound by so much to each one
Love for J.C.
Team of men,
band of brothers.
Oh Jesus, Jesus our comrade.
Mary is there.
Alone, quiet, scared.
Heart beating with fear
Expecting, denying, hoping
Loving a son.
Remembering the start
Recalling the life
Oh Jesus, Jesus my son.
Mary Magdalene is there.
Wondering how it might have been.
How she could have loved him,
how he could have loved her,
how they would have been together
how they might have lived.
Oh Jesus, Jesus my love
Judas is there
On the team
that he loves and who love him.
Hoping for more, never quite enough.
Wanting a glance
Hoping for a nod
That Jesus will be what he wants.
Oh Jesus, Jesus the promise.
Jesus, Jesus
Who are you?
Jesus, Jesus
What will you be?
Will you be
What we expect?
Will you be
What we want?
Jesus, Jesus
Do not disappoint us.
Do not disappoint us.
Come, come to Jerusalem
The holy city of God.
