Knowing Jesus #5: The Rocks Will Cry Out

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This week's text (Luke 19:28-40) tells the story of Jesus' "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem. But just what does this mean to us as informed readers of Luke's gospel? While Jesus claims the messianic mantle, he also redefines it. Luke is clearly working an angle here. He’s got a tale to tell, a sermon to preach, a message to get across. Do we have ears to hear it? Can we come to know Jesus through this text?

Throughout Luke's two-volume set (Luke-Acts), we detect some important patterns. Geography is one important thread: toward Jerusalem in Luke and away from Jerusalem in Acts. Luke's writing also appears to address the politics of the day. By politics, I mean Luke takes care to demonstrate that the way of Jesus & his followers is not a direct threat to Roman rule. The Ephesian town clerk's speech in Acts 19 is one strong example of this.

Jesus is certainly a king, Luke asserts, but not in the same way that Caesar is a king. They don't directly compete for power. Rome has nothing to fear from these Christians. Luke's account of the "triumphal entry" bears this out even further. There are no palm branches. There are no screaming crowds. It’s just Jesus' followers spreading coats on the ground to welcome him into Zion. And in keeping with the prophetic words of Zechariah 9:9, Jesus rides in on a young donkey. This is hardly the tale of a regal conqueror who wishes to rebel against Roman rule! Instead, Jesus is a humble ruler who comes in peace.

But there is subtle irony in Luke's message. This peace is not good news for everyone. Just as the 8th- and 6th-century prophets condemned Israel & Judah for their corruption, so too Jesus excoriates the Jewish leaders in Luke's gospel. They fail to welcome the messiah. Some Pharisees even attempt to silence the faithful followers who are giving glory to God on behalf of Jesus' arrival.

And while Luke takes care to avoid details that might provoke Roman accusations against Christians, Jesus' claim to kingship undermines everything that powerful people stand for—whether those powerful people sit in Jerusalem or Rome or anywhere else in our world. Jewish leaders have compromised their faith and sold out their people in order to gain wealth, power and prestige. The Roman rulers also have something to fear. While Jesus isn't forming an army, he is calling people to a different kind of peace. His peace is not pax romana—the way of peace established by Roman military might. Jesus offers an alternative vision of a peaceful community.

Do we have something to fear from Jesus? Or is the peace of Christ something you can wrap your mind around? As Jesus enters Jerusalem, you are invited to join this community. Do you hear the invitation of Jesus? Do you join the disciples in calling out, "Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven"?

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