Many of us have witnessed the
arrival of celebrities if not in person at least via television.
Think of the fanfare on Oscar night as each star arrives with
comments about their attire and their escort. Remember the reception
the Boston Red Sox received after winning the 2004 World Series.
Local service personnel have received special welcome upon their
return from Iraq. While each of those involved in the aforementioned
celebrations have those who personally know them and more who
recognize them we often hear someone ask when someone seems to
get a fanfare, "Who
is that?"
Jesus was no exception to this. He had His family
and close friends. He was also known to hundreds, if not thousands,
who had heard Him teach or had witnessed one or more of His wondrous
deeds. He was known to the religious leaders of Jerusalem because
He was a major irritation for them.
When Jesus came to Jerusalem on what is now known as the first
Palm Sunday the city of Jerusalem, according to Matthew, was
in a state of turmoil. This could mean the citizens were showing
extreme excitement, confusion or division. The question on a
great many minds was, "Who is this man?"
This morning we begin what is known as Holy Week. I'm
in the minority in that I refuse to rush past today and move
immediately to Thursday or Friday by preaching on the Passion.
That will have to wait its rightful turn in four or five days.
This morning I invite you to look at the man. Who is this Jesus
anyway?
He has many names including: Son of Man, Son of God,
Savior, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Wonderful Counselor,
Rabbi or Teacher, Prophet, Priest, Fisherman, Miracle-worker,
Lord, Master, Emmanuel, Beloved Son, Light of the World, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Son of David, King of the Jews and God
Incarnate. I think the CIA or FBI would have their hands full
attempting to do an identity check they deemed reliable.
Jesus comes to Jerusalem without the things normally associated
with celebrity status. He has no money or possessions save the
clothes on His back. He has no fancy transportation. He comes
on the colt of a donkey, on an animal that has never been rode
upon before this date.
Jesus' message has been straight-forward even if it has been
new and in defiance of long accepted standards. We are to love
our enemies. We are to pray for those who attempt to do us harm.
We are to continually forgive those who have offended us. We are
to be people of peace. We are to love God and each other. We are
to hunger and thirst after right relationships with God and with
all others. We are to be willing servants even ready to wash the
feet of others. We are to be disciple makers, baptizers and teachers
who bring the truth and saving love of Jesus to others. We are
to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless and visit
those in prison. We are to show mercy and compassion as well as
work for justice for all people. We are not to judge others but
simply love them. We are to love God with all our heart, soul,
mind and strength. We are not to worry about tomorrow nor are we
to store earthly treasures. We are to ask God for what we need;
we are to bear good fruit and we are to treat others the way we
hope to be treated by them. This seems to be the essence of Jesus' teaching.
His teachings help us understand who He is.
Jesus is more than a teacher. He is also a healer. He helps
blind people see. He enables crippled people to walk. Those with
leprosy have their skin restored. He is able to heal those with
emotional disorders. He is even able to bring back to life those
who are dead.
Jesus does not use conventional medicines. Rather, He uses
prayer. Often He forgives sins. Sometimes He merely speaks a
word or touches someone or they touch Him. Once He used a salve
of mud made from dirt and spit. He sometimes heals without actually
being present. He cures people with faith, people with no faith
and people whose friends have faith.
Jesus is also a miracle worker. He once turned water into wine.
He is able to calm storms by commanding the winds to cease. He
is able to feed multitudes when there is little food. He enables
fishermen who have no fish to suddenly catch large quantities.
He is also able to command a tree to die because it did not bear
fruit.
Jesus brings people hope. He befriends those who are outcasts.
He knows the importance of women, children, foreigners and others
considered to be unimportant. He doesn't have much time
for those who believe to know everything nor is He impressed
by the practice of empty religious rituals.
Jesus is a man of prayer. He was baptized and transfigured
and in both instances a voice from Heaven, presumably that of
God, declares that Jesus is God's Beloved Son and people
should listen to what He says.
Volumes have been written about Jesus as thousands have attempted
to share what they believe about who He is. Only one thing really
matters this morning as far as each of us are concerned.
Who is Jesus for me? What do I believe about whom He is and
what have I done because of those beliefs?
"Behold your King is coming to you, humble and mounted on
a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah
9:9)
The crowds, that first Palm Sunday, cried, "Save us!"
What do we cry out today? I suppose it depends upon whom we
believe He is. What do you believe? |
