April 4, 2004
Luke 19: 28-40; Psalm 118:1,2, 19-29
The relationship of the scripture from Psalm 118 to the passage from Luke is traditionally viewed as an important example of Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled in New Testament behavior and experience. One should keep in mind that the Hebrews were in the process of developing a religion which not only related to their personal lives but also very much to their life as a nation. They believed that their nation, i.e. the Jews, were chosen by God to be a special people (nation) above all other nations in the world. Not only did they believe that God looked on them with special favor but they also believed that God was also in control of their history as a nation with that history being absolutely dependent on their response to the Commandments of God at any given point in history. Without diminishing the values (self esteem, accountability, evolvement of a "moral code" just to name a few) of this belief, the idea of the Jews as a chosen people is no longer consistent with the more recent Judeo-Christian belief in God as parent of all people on the earth and with all people on the earth relating as "brothers and sisters". As the world continues to be diminished in functional size by technology, transportation, and communication, such a view becomes increasingly unpalatable. Arrogance on the part of any religion extends the time required to experience a worthy goal, namely that all human beings on the face of the earth view themselves as a family with One Source and a need to work hard at relating to one another in a loving and helpful way. An abiding belief in the idea of God controlling history, both on a national and personal level, tends to create a fertile breeding ground for much superstition embraced as religion/spirituality, and is currently exemplified in such statements as "it just was (or was not) meant to be. It is remarkable that persons living in a time when human beings are clearly utilizing more of the power afforded them to create their own current experience and future destiny, choose to regress in a denial of their own responsibility and accountability in relation to power which is theirs for the entire world to witness. Even more remarkable is that fact that this is done in the name of a religion which is functionally a superstition and which has no power except as it is experienced in the form of self fulfilling prophecy.
Psalm 118 is both an expression of praise and a prayer of hope. Although the Psalms were recognized as important religious literature at the time of Jesus they were not yet accorded the status of "scripture" by Jewish religious authority. Although this fact has no bearing on the value of the Psalms it is a fact of interest. Instead of this passage being a prophetic utterance as the result of supernatural revelation, it should be viewed as an expression of praise and hope which Jesus embraced within himself and therefore chose to behave in a manner which fulfilled the "praise and hope" aspect of the psalmist on this very important occasion in the life and career of Jesus. Jesus understood very well the dangers of his going to Jerusalem on this special occasion of celebrating the Feast of Passover. Not only did he realize the danger to himself but he was warned by others that this trip to Jerusalem might not be a good idea. In spite of the danger, he viewed the occasion of having an unusual potential for "driving a stake" which would affirm the spiritual and moral leadership which he wished to provide. He was willing to risk the danger of death in order to stand by his principles and thus emphasize his message to the throngs present at the celebration.
The passage from Luke should be taken for exactly what Dr. Luke intended it to be as indicated in the opening verses of the Book of Acts. He was attempting to share the story of Jesus and of the churches beginnings, as this story had been related to him. The story included the behavior of people who really did not understand the motivation and/or goals of Jesus, but who tried to fit him in the mold of what they wanted. They wanted a great political leader and were willing to embrace a military leader if that was necessary to become free. What appeared to be a "triumphal entry" turned out to be a "trip gone wrong" as became so apparent by the end of the week in the crucifixion of Jesus. The people with political and military power felt they could not risk the challenge of the Jesus personality who was proving himself to be attractive to many. This trip into Jerusalem should be viewed as triumphant in that it clearly indicates the intention and ability of Jesus to triumph in spirit! In the physical and emotional world it opened the door to a week doomed to end in horror!