Even the Stones Would Shout Out

When we envision the triumphal procession of Jesus parading into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey or colt with cloaks or clothes or palm branches spread out before him (depending on the gospel writer), we're happy to cry out our hosannas, wave our palm branches, and shout out "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"  Especially in the safety of our sanctuaries this scripture (Luke 19: 28-40) seems full of praise and fulfillment:  The King we've been waiting for has arrived!

The Pharisees, responsible for their Judaic heritage, are all too aware of the parade full of pomp on the other side of town, through another gate comes Pilate with chariots, war horses, and the Roman soldier squadrons in their fullest military regalia - come to ensure that Roman rule (Pax Romana) is not threatened by this upstart prophet, Jesus.  The Pharisees are all too aware of the threat to their peace and order - a tension they maintain with the Roman government.

So, it's not surprising that the Pharisees would tell Jesus to rebuke his followers - quiet the crowd - keep the peace - be less passionate and more orderly.  After all, when we take our children to the recent St Patrick's Day parade or travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we want to be assured we're safe.  Policemen along the parade route are reasuring.

But Jesus' response is powerful:  "If these [disciples] were silent, the stones would shout out."

I wonder what Jesus means?  Stones are inert - gray, brown, black, speckled - often dirty - heavy.  How do we envision stones even shouting?  Would they shout out about the sinfulness of disciples who dare to keep silent?  Or do stones cry out about those who reject and turn away from Jesus?  Or is it possible that stones will proclaim the mighty acts of God in the face of disciples who maintain the safety of silence? Or is it that it's no more possible for stones to keep silent than it is for faith filled disciples to keep silent as Jesus rides by?

Any of these interpretations is valid, depending on your perspective.  Where do you find yourself in this parade?  Do we follow Jesus all the way and stand at the foot of the cross of crucifixion or do we betray our Lord with our silence on the sidelines?  One thing is sure:  No matter how paralyzed we are with our fears and temptations, Jesus will enter Jerusalem on his way to the cross and God will prevail over death.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley