Palm Sunday Year A 2nd April 2023
Lectionary readings:
Isaiah 50 v4-9a; Psalm 31 v9-16; Philippians 2 v5-11; Matthew 27 v11-54.
Majestic humility.
The (second) prophet Isaiah was preaching during the time of exile in Babylonia. The OT reading, appears to be related to an individual, possibly the prophet himself. It could also relate to the loyal remnant of Israel or to a future servant of God.
Keeping the faith in a time of persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.
Isaiah said, “I let them beat my back and pull out my beard. I didn’t turn aside when they insulted me and spat in my face. But the Lord God keeps me from being disgraced. So I refuse to give up, because I know God will never let me down. My protector is nearby; no one can stand here and accuse me of wrong. The Lord God will help me and prove I am innocent.” (Isaiah 50 v6-9a).
King David said, “I trust you Lord, and I claim you as my God. My life is in your hands. Save me from enemies who hunt me down. Smile on your servant. Have pity on me and rescue me.”
(Psalm 31 v14-16).
Gospel writer Matthew, is in no doubt as to who was responsible for the death of Jesus. He lays the blame on the Chief priests, the leaders and the teachers of the Law of Moses. He writes, The chief priests and the leaders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be killed. (Matthew 27 v20).
Pilate was not convinced that Jesus was guilty of the charges bought by the Temple leaders. Matthew writes, Pilate saw that they was nothing he could do and that the people were starting to riot. So he took some water and washed his hands in front of them and said, “I won’t have anything to do with killing this man You are the ones doing it!”. Pilate set Barabbas free.
Then he ordered his soldiers to beat Jesus with a whip and nail him to a cross. (Matthew 27 v24,26).
Paul in his letter to the Philippians, tried his best to explain the mystery of Easter with these hymn like words, (Philippians 2 v6-11).
Christ was truly God.
But he did not try to remain equal with God.
Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us.
Christ was humble.
He obeyed God and even died on a cross.
Then God gave Christ the highest place and honoured his name above all others.
So that at the name of Jesus
everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth and under the earth.
And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree,
“Jesus Christ is Lord!”
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.