Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

March 25, 2018

Mark 11:1-10; 15:1-39

The Way of the Cross Gives an Opportunity to Decide

"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord..."

We come to the last of our Lenten meditations on the way of the cross. This morning we see that the way of the cross gives an opportunity to decide.  Pilate’s question, “What then shall I do with Jesus?” makes everyone responsible to give an answer. How you answer depicts your faith in Jesus and determines your destiny. In the Passion story there are various answers given to Pilate’s question. Today, as when they were first asked, the same answers are possible.

What will you do with Jesus?

I.        You can Praise Him? – 11:1-10

A.     A new section in the Gospel of Mark begins. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. The rest of His ministry will take place within the confines of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

B.     Nothing is left to chance. Throughout His Passion Jesus is in charge. Beginning with His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem Passion Week has begun. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a deliberate Messianic action – He offers Himself as the people’s Savior knowing full well that this will provoke the leaders of the ruling Council to take action against Him.

C.     And yet, the people praise Him. They shout, Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  This is a direct quote from Psalm 118:25. The people understand what they are saying. Their praises are a prayer – a prayer for the Lord to continue to save and sustain His people.

Transition: One option is to praise Him. Another is to mock Him.

II.     Mock Him? – 15:16-20

A.     At the headquarters of the Roman Governor the soldiers place a purple robe upon Him. On His head a crown of thorns. The robe was probably an old military cloak, whose color suggested royalty. The crown of thorns was made of briers which grew in the region. Both the robe and the crown were parts of the mock royal attire placed upon Jesus.

B.     While under the care of Pilate the soldiers mock Jesus. They cry out “Hail, king of the Jews!” which is nothing more than a mocking salutation. Similar to the Roman salute, “Hail Caesar!”

C.     Finally, they struck Him with their fists. They beat Him with a staff.  It was customary in the Near East that when in the presence of royalty one was to offer a kiss. The homage Jesus received? They spat in His face!

Transition:  Some will praise Him. Others will mock Him. Still others condemn Him.

III.   Condemn Him? – They crowd shouted in one accord “Crucify Him!”15:13

A.     A Romans means of execution was that of crucifixion. Heavy wrought-iron nails were driven through the wrists and the heel. If the life of the victim lingered too long, death was hastened, by breaking the victim’s legs.

B.     Only slaves, the lowest of criminals, and offenders - who were not Roman citizens - were executed in this manner. Yet Jesus. An innocent victim. Dies in a tartar’s stead.

Transition: There are plenty of options the world may choose to consider when asked what one should do with this Jesus. For the believer. There is but one choice to consider.

IV. Confess Him. With the Centurion we say; “Surely this man was the Son of God!” - 15:39

A.     The Centurion was a commander of 100 men in the Roman army. Mark specifically mentions that he “saw how Jesus died.” The strength of Jesus’ cry indicates that Jesus did not die the ordinary death. Normally, one suffering crucifixion suffered long periods of complete agony, exhaustion and finally unconsciousness before dying. Not so with Jesus – Within three hours He was dead! He willingly gave up His spirit.

B.     Pilate announced to the chief priests as well as to the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man!” What would be a similar circumstance in our world? It would be almost as if a grand jury announced in the press, “there is insufficient evidence to go to trial…” to which, the Governor, expedites an order for an execution! Is this a miscarriage of justice? Possibly so. Yet, in these events of Christ’s Passion we find such a miscarriage of justice brings forgiveness and restoration. Jesus’ death produces life.

What will you do with Jesus? Will you mock Him? Will you condemn Him? Will you praise Him? Or, will you hail Him? Now, let you be the judge.

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