Sinner and Saint

You Belong To Christ

Good Shepherd Sunday, 2007

John 10:22-30

“You belong to Christ”

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

            Happy Hanukkah! Yes, happy Hanukkah! Our Gospel lesson takes place during the Feast of Dedication…the feast of Hanukkah. The feast Hanukkah was established to commemorate the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over the Greek-Syrians and the rededication of the Temple, which had been desecrated by the Greek-Syrians, to the worship of the true God. It was during this feast and worship to God that “The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." (John 10:24)

             Isn’t it interesting that these people boldly proclaim the rededication of the Temple to the true God and their own rededication to the true God and then go reject the True God standing in their midst. I pray this isn’t what takes place in our churches on Easter and Christmas when many a “Christian” returns to Church to rededicate themselves to Christ only to return to their normal lives the rest of the year. The Jews in our text had already made up their mind about Jesus and were not asking that he tell them if is the Messiah so that they may believe but asked so that they could punish, accuse, and destroy Jesus. “Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.” (John 10:25-26)

            Today we really celebrate what has come to be known as Good Shepherd Sunday as the text for this day speaks to us about Jesus our Good Shepherd. Each of us gathered here is one of Jesus’ sheep. As unfortunate as it is…herding up the sheep for Sunday morning is much like, as Dean Sasse says, herding cats. Nevertheless our Shepherd calls us His own, takes care of us, and looks for us when we are lost.

            “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) “A traveler relates that one day he came to a well at the time when the shepherds watered their flocks. Many different flocks came there at the same time. The sheep of the various flocks mingled, and no attempt was made to keep them separated. The traveler thought that the shepherds would have a tedious and difficult job separating them. But when the time came, each shepherd went his way calling his sheep, and every sheep followed its shepherd. Every sheep of Christ knows and follows His voice.”

            All people in this world have a shepherd. All people in this world have a “god”. All people will follow their shepherd’s voice no matter where it shall lead them. But there is only one Good Shepherd and only one True God. As Christians we have been given faith. By this faith we hear Jesus’ voice and know it. We hear our Lord when he calls us but those who do not have faith ignore Jesus’ voice and hear false gods that lead them only to eternal damnation. Verse of our Gospel lesson says, “But you do not believe because you are not my sheep.” Non-believers don’t follow or listen because they don’t have faith. They are not Jesus’ sheep.

            There are times when we can’t really see the difference between Christians and non-Christians. Christians sin like all other people in this world. This is why we must confess our sins to God our Father. We must daily drown our old Adam. We remember our Baptism. As Christians we are not perfect; we are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. As Christians our hope is in God. It is in a God that leads us. It is in a God that gives us all of our needs. It is in a God that won’t give us up to sin, death, or the devil.

            “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

            As Christians we live with the joy that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will not let us be snatched away; nor will our Father in heaven. God will not let sin snatch us away from Him. God will not let doubt or fear; or the devil himself snatch us from His forgiveness. We live with the joy of forgiveness and salvation won for us by Christ on the cross.

            In a letter written A.D. 250 by Cyprian to his friend Donatus (which could be dated A.D. 2007 and not lose meaning): ‘This is a cheerful world as I see it from my garden, under the shadow of my vines. But if I could ascend some high mountain and look very far, what would I see? Brigands on the highways, pirates on the seas, armies fighting, cities burning, in the amphitheaters people murdered to please applauding crowds, selfishness and cruelty, misery and despair under all roofs. It is a bad world Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy that is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are the Christians—and I am one of them.”

            My brothers and sisters in Christ. We live in a bad world, a very bad world; filled with abortion, homosexuality, and hatred. We have seen buildings laid waste burning to the ground, warfare, and murder. We have seen drugs, alcohol, and sex take over the lives of loved ones. We see gambling and stealing. Violence in our schools and streets. There is misery and despair all around us as well. But we have learned the same secret as Cyprian. We live with the same joy as we are surrounded by chaos and sin. We have been given faith. We have been given the ability to overcome this world. We as Christians have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for all of our sins.

            With faith let us hold fast to the promise of our Good Shepherd and share the bold proclamation to others that “I am Jesus’ little lamb, ever glad at heart I am; for my Shepherd gently guides me, knows my need and well provides me, loves me every day the same, even calls me by my name.” “Day by day, at home, away, Jesus is my staff and stay. When I hunger, Jesus feeds me, into pleasant pastures leads me; When I thirst, he bids me go where the quiet waters flow.” “Who so happy as I am, even now the Shepherds lamb? And when my short life is ended, by his angel host attended, He shall fold me to his breast, there within his arms to rest.” Amen.

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Heaven on Earth

Easter 3, 2007

Revelation 5:11-14

“Heaven on Earth”

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

            Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a world without war, violence, torture, or suffering? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a world without disease, sickness, and injury?  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in peace, harmony, and love? You wouldn’t be alone in this desire…in fact I believe that the majority of people wish that this was true. It was on this hope of perfection that Sir Thomas More built his imaginary city of Utopia. Communism was also built on the desire for a perfect state built upon “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” (Liberty, equality, fraternity). In fact a popular hymn of communism was titled “Heaven on Earth” with the key verses saying:  “It depends only on us when for all of us Heaven will be on Earth.”

             Heaven on Earth. Is that just a far-fetched dream or an impending reality? The world has thought that the world was good, that people were inherently good and were getting better. But does that sound like our world today? Are people naturally good? Is the world or anyone really getting better? This past week our nation was left devastated by the murder of 32 students and faculty at Virginia Tech University. April 20^th marked the 8^th anniversary of Columbine. We are in an ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are in a heightened alert in our watch for terror. There are wars and rumors of war. There are murders in our cities; there are murders of our children through abortion; there is the extermination of life through euthanasia. People are murdered for various reasons on a daily basis! Are people and this world good and getting better?

             In a conversation this past week my Father admitted to me that he thinks we are in the end times. We live in a culture of violence and the world is getting worse as it continues to reject Jesus as Lord and follow man made religions of law in Mormonism, Buddhism, and Islam. At best our world is just as evil as it ever has been and the only thing we are getting better at is how to kill mass numbers of people at a given time.

            All the while we look to our jobs for a comforting way out of our troubled lives. We look to alcohol to forget our pains. We commit adultery as a break from our problematic marriages. We seek drugs to reach our utopia…our heaven on earth. We look inward to the only person we can trust and do what is best for ourselves. Do we seek and find Utopia…? Heaven on Earth…? Or a living Hell? 

            It is no wonder that Christians of every generation believed that they lived in the End Times. Even the Apostles thought they lived in the End Times because of the world’s climate. The Early Christians faced persecution and death for their faith on a daily basis. Rome was destroying all in its path…including the Temple in Jerusalem. The belief in false gods of mythology ruled the day. Homosexuality was not only practiced and tolerated but thought of as a normal option. Adultery and drug abuse was normal…not sinful. My has the world changed…

             It was in this horrible time that John was given the vision…the Revelation…of heaven. What is it that John saw that gave him so much comfort and peace? “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.” (Revelation 5:11-14)

            St. John saw heaven itself in all its glory and shares that sight with us. John had heaven on earth. John’s hope rested solely on the Lamb of God who died for his sins and was raised again. John was given the peace of mind that he would be with all the saints that died before him; that he would be with his Lord forever and ever. John’s hope and peace met the divine worship of Christ in heaven.

             My brothers and sisters in Christ heaven may be found on earth…at least partially for a short period of time. When we come together in worship we receive the Peace of God that comes in forgiveness of sins. In worship we join together with all the saints singing that wonderful hymn: “This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are his. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation: Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” (Lutheran Worship DS II)

            Here in worship we are forgiven our sins, promised eternal life, given the strength to go on each day, and the body and blood of our Lord. Together with all the saints and angels worship the same Lord Jesus Christ here and now as we are lifted to the heavenly realm by God. Indeed this place is heaven on earth.

            It is here that we come together, sinful people, to encourage one another, to share our troubles with one another, to weep with one another, and to be strengthened with one another. One might still ask why Church…why Worship is so important? It is because this is Heaven on Earth! It is uplifting, joyous, and comforting to know that we worship our Lord with our loved ones at the same time singing the very same words to our Lord and Savior.

At this time of murder, broken heartedness, and despair we are blessed to have the Liturgy. We are blessed to have such wonderful words of praise in our Hymns. We are blessed to be with all the Saints. We are blessed because of the faith we have been given in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through Jesus Christ and Him alone we are saved and promised everlasting life in paradise with all the saints. Amen.

Where are the marks?

Easter 2, 2007

John 20:19-31

“Where are the marks?”

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

            There is an old legend of St. Martin. One day he sat studying Scripture, when there came a knock at the door, and a stranger appeared of lordly look and princely attire. “Who art thou?” asked Martin. “I am Christ,” was the answer. The confident bearing and the commanding tone of the visitor would have overawed most. But Martin simply gave his visitor one deep, searching glance and then quickly asked, “Where is the print of the nails?” He had noticed that this one certain mark of Christ’s person was wanting. There were no nail scars on those jeweled hands. Confused by this searching test question and his base deception exposed, the Prince of Evil—for he it was—quickly fled.

             That is only a legend, but it suggests the one infallible test that should be applied to all truth and life. There is much in these days that claim to be of Christ. There are those who would have us lay aside the old faiths and accept new beliefs and new interpretations. How shall we know whether to receive them? The only true test is that of St. Martin: “Where is the print of the nails?” Nothing is truly of Christ that does not bear this mark on it. A gospel without a wounded, dying Christ is not the real Gospel.

             “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20)

            The disciples hid, locked away in seclusion, from the Jews out of fear of their own arrest and execution. Out of nowhere Jesus suddenly appeared in the flesh. The disciples knew that Jesus was alive but this sudden appearance filled them with wonder and awe. Jesus said to them: "Peace be with you!" This is not just an empty greeting. Peace is only found in forgiveness of sins. The first thing Jesus does is forgive their sins and declare that all is well. Offering forgiveness Jesus goes on to show them His wounds. The disciples knew that this was indeed their Lord and Savior.

            Jesus now instructs the eleven disciples and all the others gathered…to us and the entire Church: “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:21-23) Here Jesus gives to His Church the Office of the Keys…a mark that others may see that they too may know where the true Church is…A mark that we have as a Church when we use corporate confession and absolution at the beginning of the service.

            Confession and absolution are indeed marks of the true Church…but there are more. It is by the marks of the Church that we can identify where Christ is and comes to us…it is by the marks that we know where the true Church is gathered. The other marks of the Church are Word and Sacrament. Where you find God’s word taught and preached correctly…where you find Baptism and the Lord’s Supper administered rightly…there you will find Christ with his wounded hands and body waiting to give you His eternal blessings. Once again, Jesus calls us to go out, share the wonderful news of Salvation with others and invite them to come and see the wonderful blessings that our Lord gives to us in Church.

            But there are many who do not believe. There are many that will not take a person’s word but must see for themselves. “Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:24-25)

            Because Thomas was absent the other disciples went to tell him what had happened…that they had seen Jesus. But Thomas did not believe. Thomas lays down three conditions. If not met, he will not believe, a firm denial. Thomas wanted to see the marks on Jesus’ hands, put his hands in the marks and put his hands in Jesus wounded side. Thomas wasn’t just doubting. In this state of unbelief he speaks in a superior, demanding fashion. He was not so "gullible" as were the rest of the disciples.

            Many in this world do not believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many of us often have doubts of our faith…doubts of Jesus’ love for us. Many times we want to see proof of God’s existence that we may believe. Yet we ignore the gifts that are given, namely faith. We ignore the proof of creation. We ignore the love given to us. We want to see, no we demand to see God act in our lives meeting the conditions that we set before him. Seeing after all is believing.

             “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:26-29)

            Again Jesus appears in full glory offering to Thomas, especially, forgiveness of sins and the peace that comes with forgiveness. Jesus scornfully meets all demands made by Thomas. The commands are almost word for word the same as Thomas' demands. Thomas ended with a categorical denial. Jesus ends with forgiveness and faith. Jesus knew the demands of Thomas…Jesus knew his heart and what was lacking.

            Jesus knows each of our hearts. Jesus knows what we are lacking as well. “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31) All of Scripture was written that you may have faith.

            Yet Jesus gives more marks that you may have confidence in your faith. Jesus gives us the marks of forgiveness and love as Christians…these marks as well as others are a product of your faith in Him. Have confidence in the mark of the faith given to you in Baptism as you were united with the Christ who was wounded on the tree and offers life eternal with him. Jesus is waiting with open arms and with open hands…hands marked by the nails. These are marks of Jesus perfect love for you by his death on the cross. Amen.

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Is it true?

Easter, 2007

1 Corinthians 15:1-12

“Is it true?”

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

            OK, so here's the biggie... The core of the whole matter... Did the resurrection of Jesus Christ really happen? Did Jesus really rise from the dead, and is this event important...? Will we also rise from the dead like Jesus? The Christian faith is founded on the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ…both God and man. Since the foundation of biblical Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then the historical veracity of his life, death and resurrection are tantamount. For as Paul declared in his letter to the Corinthians: “if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.” (1 Corinthians 15:14-15)

            St. Paul sets out to show that a denial of the resurrection of man or the resurrection of Christ cannot be allowed for a moment. There were, it seems, false apostles or very ignorant members at Corinth, men and women that claimed there was no resurrection of the dead. Paul, therefore, includes a detailed defense and exposition of the doctrine in this letter to the Corinthians.

             “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

            At this point we may wonder what the gospel is that Paul proclaimed to Corinth. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

             But Paul must go on, not only for the benefit of the Corinthians but for our benefit as well. Paul says that Jesus “appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep, then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also.” (1 Corinthians 15:5-8) Paul is it pains to prove historically that Jesus was raised from the dead.

            There are many today that deny the resurrection of Jesus as ever happening. Some believe that Jesus’ followers stole the body, others believe that Jesus faked his own death and that the disciples revived him at the last moment. There are even Christians that deny the miraculous and see the resurrection as being a spiritual thing. The point for all the skeptics is that we can’t perform a resurrection and nobody has seen a resurrection…therefore there could not have been a resurrection. All of these are a rejection of God’s Word. If you reject Scripture you reject God.

            “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:16-17). If Jesus was not born a real man, died a real man, and raised a real man…than your faith is worthless and we are still under God’s wrath.

            “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20) But how do we know this is true…since we cannot perform a resurrection and none of us has ever seen a resurrection?

            Dr. Greenleaf, the Royal Professor of Law at Harvard University, was one of the greatest legal minds that ever lived. He wrote the famous legal volume entitled, A Treatise on the Law of Evidence, considered by many the greatest legal volume ever written. Dr. Simon Greenleaf believed the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was a hoax. And he determined, once and for all, to expose the "myth" of the Resurrection. After thoroughly examining the evidence for the resurrection — Dr. Greenleaf came to the exact opposite conclusion! He wrote a book entitled, An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence Administered in the Courts of Justice. In which he emphatically stated: "it was IMPOSSIBLE that the apostles could have persisted in affirming the truths they had narrated, had not JESUS CHRIST ACTUALLY RISEN FROM THE DEAD.” (Simon Greenleaf, An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence Administered in the Courts of Justice, p.29)

             It is still possible for us to use this same evidence today to strengthen our faith in Christ and know that Jesus did rise from the dead. There are two important laws that should be mentioned in regards to the evidence for the Resurrection.  Rule 401 and Rule 608 of  the Federal Rules of Evidence: 401 “Relevant evidence’" means evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence. Rule 608 deals with the evidence of Character and Conduct of Witness.

            It should be noted that historically there were never those that denied that Jesus actually died. Medically speaking, Jesus could not have lived given the harsh torture, the harsh crucifixion, and the physical pain induced. Jesus did die that is beyond doubt even from secular historians like Josephus or Philo.

            Paul gives us the relevant evidence of eyewitness accounts. Paul names Peter, the Twelve, and more than five hundred of the brothers as well as himself as witnesses of the Resurrection. These eyewitness accounts would be valid evidence in court. The other question would now be how trustworth are these accounts.

            These witnesses had nothing to gain by holding to the resurrection in fact that had everything to lose: prestige, trust, wealth, and even their lives. These witness also did not try to prop themselves up but acknowledged their own sinfulness and shortcomings (Scripture speaks of Peter’s denial of Christ, Thomas doubting, Paul persecuting, and many other instances of the disciples failing Jesus). The disciples also acknowleged the death of Christ as being despicable: Jesus Christ died a curse. He died as a criminal. He died in open shame and disgrace. In the eyes of the world, Jesus Christ died a total disgrace!

           Certainly if they were going to lie about all this they would have spoken better of themselves and written better things as well. We also see that Paul tells the Corinthians that most of those that witnessed the Resurrected Christ were still alive. Paul says this so that they may go and speak to these other people. There is not one writing from the time of Christ that denied the claims that Jesus rose from the dead!

            On top of all this proof we have the proof of our own lives. We know that the Resurrection…that faith in Jesus…is true because of  the effect it has on our lives. “I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives. He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there.” The Lord Is Risen! (He is Risen indeed Alleluia!) Amen.

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Hosanna

Palm Sunday, 2007

John 12:12-19

“Hosanna”

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

“Everyone loves a parade.” Indeed, parades are wonderful events! They are usually occasions for celebration. Many of you have probably attended a parade celebrating a holiday, such as Independence Day, Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day. Perhaps you plan to attend an Easter parade this coming weekend. Parades are even held to celebrate people, such as one honoring a hometown soldier who returns from serving in the Middle East.

In our text today from John 12, we have depicted for us a parade. The crowds don’t throw ticker tape, but they wave palms and lay some of them down before Jesus. A brass band doesn’t play John Philip Sousa, but choruses chant psalms. The honoree is not riding in a Cadillac convertible, stretch limo, or even on a float, but on the back of a donkey. This is a parade unlike any that you’ve ever seen. It’s a parade for a king—in fact, for the King! But he is a King who isn’t what the crowds expect. The crowds appear to glorify this King in the procession. But the fact is that this is just the start of a weeklong procession that will ultimately lead to the King’s suffering and death.

Processions in the ancient world served to glorify rulers and generals. In the motion picture Alexander (2004), which depicts the conquests of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC, the conquering hero enters into the city of Babylon and is welcomed by adoring multitudes. Alexander parades through the central corridor of this ancient and glorious city mounted on his stately white horse and flanked by his generals. Behind him follow rank after rank of soldiers who have devoted their lives to their leader’s military campaigns. The citizens of Babylon greet Alexander with cheers and songs of praise. They throw flowers and leafy branches before his path. They reach out their hands in hopes of touching this man they consider to be half-god. Alexander’s entry into the city of Babylon was one in which he was glorified.

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the King of Israel!’” (John 12:12-13) Here we see a huge crowd praising Jesus triumphantly as He comes to Jerusalem. The crowd appears to offer similar glorification to Jesus as Alexander received in the movie. The crowd waved Palm branches which were a symbol of their pride in the nation of Israel which they hoped would be freed from Rome. The people shout with great acclimation that the King has come to the capital…to Jerusalem. In the minds of the people this could have become the equivalent of our Independence Day.

As far as the people understood; Jesus seems to be claiming glory by assuming the posture of a Davidic king. “Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, ‘Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’” (John 12:14-15) A donkey might not sound very impressive but the fact is that kings of the line of David processed by riding donkeys. In 1 Kings 1:28ff we are told of King David making Solomon King. David even had the priest, Zadok, and Nathan the prophet place Solomon on his own donkey and led him to the city of Gihon to be anointed King of Israel. Zechariah also foretold that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of  Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Huge crowds had gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover. It is said that up to 1 million pilgrims could have been in Jerusalem at the time Jesus entered on Palm Sunday. These gathered welcome Jesus into the capital city of Israel as King. The people were awed at what they heard of him and all the miracles he had performed. “Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, ‘See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!’” (John 12:17-19) Even Jesus enemies were now threatened by the following and popularity of Jesus.

But the crowds misunderstood Christ’s mission; they expected him to be a military leader. They were not the only ones…the disciples also misunderstood Christ’s mission expecting him to be an earthly ruler. In January of 2000, I was able to go to Israel as part of a class while attending Concordia University Wisconsin. I was able to see the Temple Mount, the great walls of the old city, the area where most scholars believe the Temple to have stood. The grand entrance to the area would have been from the East passing in front of the Roman fortress and garrison. If Jesus were to come in as a King to conquer this is where he would have come in…but instead Jesus came in from the South, through a small entrance. Jesus did not want to incite the Romans for his “kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

But we, Christians of the 21^st century, misunderstand Jesus’ mission too. There are many who believe, teach, and profess that Jesus will come back again to rule over this world for a certain number of years before the end of the world. There are others that believe that Jesus will come back and after judgment day rule all the saved and forgiven people on this world. There is no basis in Scripture for either of these beliefs. As Lutherans we do not believe this for Scripture plainly quotes Jesus telling us “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) But we too misunderstand Christ’s mission for we want Jesus to serve our self-determined needs and wants. We want Jesus to take away all of our problems. We want Jesus to help us win the lottery. We want Jesus to save our marriage. We want Jesus to give us our dream job. We want and want and want…and forget that Jesus gives all that we truly need…which is better and greater than our wildest dreams.

            Jesus procession in to Jerusalem truly leads to his ultimate glorification—his death on the cross. “At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him that they had done these things to him.” (John 12:16) Jesus true glorification did not take place on that first Palm Sunday but on Good Friday.  Jesus identifies his own glorification with his death with the words “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:23-24) Glory through dying…glory through dying for others mistakes…it is hard for the world to understand the concept of glory through death. How can you believe in a God that dies…that dies on a cross…that dies being mocked…that dies with common criminals?

               Jesus’ death is his most glorious moment because it is the accomplishment of his mission to redeem sinners. Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfill God’s plan of salvation, revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures. God’s plan of salvation is that his Son bears the curse of sin so that sinners are forgiven. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17) Because of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, you are reconciled to God…you are forgiven. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

This very Palm Sunday we again come together to glorify our ultimate King…we glorify Jesus as our King because we know where Jesus went and what Jesus did on the cross for us. On this Palm Sunday we look ahead to Jesus’ suffering and dying on Good Friday and the joyous celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter. Jesus reigns as our King in heaven. The victory has been won. You are forgiven! Amen.

Now may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.