Holy Week is an exercise in how God turns the world and its priorities and preferences upside down.
On Palm Sunday a crowd shouts “Hosanna!” (“Save us!”) as Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem through the backdoor, riding a donkey. To some, it is an embarrassing contrast to Pontius Pilate who also arrives at the Holy City in time for Passover. But Pilate is accompanied by a retinue of chariots, horses, and foot soldiers, dressed for battle and armed with swords and spears. Upside down.
After staying the night in nearby Bethany, Jesus returns to Jerusalem on Holy Monday, where he finds the temple courts filled with corrupt money changers. He literally turns their tables upside down.
On Holy Tuesday, religious leaders see Jesus healing in the temple and hear some children shouting “Hosanna!” and these actions make them furious. (Huh? Upside down.) Jesus starts to teach – many of Jesus’ teachings in the gospel of Matthew about feeding the hungry, visiting those in prison, clothing the naked, giving to the poor, service as a sign of greatness, occur on this day. The leaders become particularly angry when they realize that he indicts them in his condemnation of ‘false prophets.’ They begin to plot an ambush and Jesus is forced into hiding.
That afternoon, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives with his disciples. He tells them that he will be handed over to be crucified. Meanwhile one of Jesus’ disciples tries to strike a deal with those who want Jesus arrested. “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” (Yes, one of his closest friends betrays him – upside down.)
Jesus returns to Bethany to spend the night. Scripture is silent about the events of Holy Wednesday.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus sends Peter and John ahead into Jerusalem to secure a place for the Passover meal. That night, Jesus does an astonishing thing by taking off his outer robe, getting on his knees, and doing the job of a slave by washing his disciples’ feet. And then he says that they should do likewise. That love does likewise. Upside down.
During this meal we call the Last Supper, he shares bread and wine with them and says that this is his body and blood – and every time his followers eat and drink of it, they will remember him. And Jesus gives all of the disciples this gift of the bread and wine – even the one he knows will betray him. Upside down.
After the meal, Jesus goes outside into a garden (the Garden of Gethsemane) to pray. Knowing what is about to take place, Jesus prays in agony. Luke’s gospel says that his sweat becomes like drops of blood falling to the ground. Just as he finishes praying, Judas arrives and betrays Jesus…not by pointing a finger in anger but with a kiss of all things. (Upside down.)
Early Good Friday morning, Judas is overcome with remorse and hangs himself. Meanwhile Jesus is accused, condemned, mocked, and beaten. He’s spit on; scourged; and pierced with a crown of thorns. A weak Roman ruler by the name of Pilate does not believe Jesus is guilty, but out of ‘expediency’ and for political gain, he breaks the law and sentences him to death by crucifixion anyway. (Upside down.)
Roman soldiers obey an unjust order and nail him to a cross. No one protests. Jesus dies.
But…but…but…in the greatest ‘upside down’ ever, death does not hold him!
Before we get to Easter though, experience Holy Week. Wave the palms, hear the story of the passion, receive the supper, contemplate the cross.
See you on Sunday and Thursday and Friday next week as the drama of Holy Week unfolds.
In Christ,
Pastor Jen