Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
The Entrance into Jerusalem
Jesus has arrived at Jerusalem. The authorities are aware of his presence in the general area and the crowds are anticipating a triumphal entry into the city as the Messiah/King – although there is no consensus of what that might mean.
Luke portrays Jesus’ entry into the holy city in four scenes (vv. 28–48), the first two concerned with the acquisition of a colt for the short trip from the Mount of Olives to the city and the entry itself (vv. 28–40). These two serve a common theme—namely, Jesus’ royal personage. As will become evident, the whole process from obtaining a colt to the crowds’ proclaiming Jesus king is wrapped in the eschatological expectation and scriptural allusion (esp. Psalm 118 and Zech 9:9).
There is a lot to unpack in these verses, so grab your favorite beverage and take some time on the back porch.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary on the Gospel
Christ’s entry into Jerusalem | Pietro Lorenzetti, early 14th c. | Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi | Assisi, Italy
The Passion Narratiive
The passion narratives provide the climax for each of the four gospels, catching up themes that weave their way through the evangelists’ entire portrayal of Jesus’ life and bringing them to a dramatic completion. In deft strokes the evangelists tell us of the final hours of Jesus’ life – his last meal with his disciples; his arrest in Gethsemane; his interrogation by the religious leaders; the trial before Pilate; and finally the heart clutching scenes of Jesus’ crucifixion, death and burial.
Although the Passion narratives of all four Gospels are similar in many ways, there are also significant differences among them. The Gospel of Luke is dependent upon Mark for the composition of the passion narrative – as Luke is in many aspects of the entire gospel – but Luke has incorporated much of his own special tradition into the narrative.
There is a lot to unpack in these verses, so grab your favorite beverage and take some time on the back porch.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary on the Gospel
Canva | G. Corrigan | CC-0
On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
