Palm/Passion Sermon

Luke 19-23

What more is there to say? What words could ever make sense of these stories? What explanation could ever suffice? What more to say?

The stories we read today are from the core of the gospels; absolutely essential to the faith. As the hymn “God is Here” puts it: “here the cross has central place.”

So we meet to tell the old old story, once again. Of Jesus’ triumphal entrance to Jerusalem, of his shared meal with the disciples, his betrayal and Peter’s denial, of the farcical trial and, eventually, Jesus’ death on a cross.

At the foot of the cross we stand today, with palms still green, fresh from welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem, now sullied with blood and sin.

So as we read the story, we wonder, “Who’s story is this? Who did we read about today?”

First, surely, it is God’s story. God’s story of goodness over evil. God’s story of not abandoning us, even when we deny our Lord, even as we still disobey. It is God’s story of care for God’s children throughout the ages.

Second, of course, it is Jesus’ story. A sad one now, but infinitely powerful as well. A cross for an innocent man. A life of sacrifice, a life of perfection, a life showing the way to live — caring for others, claiming the good and rebuking evil. Bringing healing and wholeness to the world. This is, for certain, Jesus’ story.

But, finally, the story is ours as well. The story of us denying our Lord just as Peter did. The story of us betraying the truth as did Judas. The story of our lack of sacrifice, and tendency to shout “crucify him” with our actions. But, thanks be to God, it is our story of redemption as well. Our story — God’s story, Jesus’ story, but our story — of grace, forgiveness, of new life through power of the Holy Spirit.

So perhaps there is nothing more to say. Perhaps it is best to allow the words of scripture, the story of God’s provision, our denial, and Jesus’ forgiveness to speak for itself. Maybe words, as powerful as they are, are not the thing for today.

Instead, let us just reflect. Reflect on how our story intersects with God’s story. Reflect on the cross, its power to forgive, and our grateful response. Reflect on how we must return, a week from now, to look at the cross again. But then….empty. Empty, as will be the tomb. Reflect because after reflection, after contemplating these stories afresh, reflection might lead to action.

There is nothing more to say. But there is always something more to do. Reflect, believe, and respond: Jesus, the crucified one, is Lord of all. Amen.