Luke 19:29-40 Silence and Shouting Palm Sunday
Adapted from a skit written by Paul Glass
Reader:
The king enters the city
on his war horse
while across town
love rides a donkey.
Guns and towers, vast machines,
engines. Generals boast
of victory, parade their glory.
The powerful strut and shamble,
loudspeakers announce their lies.
If there were money in darkness
they’d dismiss the sun.[1]
Matthew and James enter excitedly with a palm branch each
Matthew: That was amazing, just amazing! It couldn’t have gone any better if we’d planned it ourselves! I mean I’m not going to lie; I was a bit nervous heading into Jerusalem today. It was absolutely dripping in Romans. And with Jesus riding that donkey…it was hard to be inconspicuous. But I told myself we’d just wander in quietly, check things out, and we’d be gone before anyone noticed. But we didn’t even make it to the city gates before it blew up!
James: (laughing) It was when the people at the side of the road started cheering—that’s when my heart rate skyrocketed. Couldn’t you just feel the energy, the excitement? It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I got completely swept up in it! All this time we’ve been listening to Jesus preach, hearing him say all these incredible things, seeing him do incredible things…I knew from the beginning we were a part of something big. But I never imagined it could be like THIS. Not in a million years did I expect this.
Matthew: And the noise! All the praising and shouting and singing…my ears are still ringing from the Hosannas. I’m telling you for the rest of my life I will fall asleep hearing all those people chanting: “blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” It was so beautiful and so powerful.
James: Did you notice the people in the trees? They were waving so hard I was worried they’d fall.
Matthew: Yes! And there was that group of old men on the corner as we turned towards the city. They were shouting so loudly there’s no way they’ll have voices left in the morning.
James: It was everything I’ve dreamed of…hoped for…waited for since we started this journey! People are finally giving Jesus the adoration and respect he deserves. Seeing in him what we’ve always seen. That he is the Messiah, the One we’ve been waiting for!
Matthew Well, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, that’s for sure. The beginning of the Passover and the city packed with people. Like I said I was nervous seeing all the Roman soldiers there…they were not happy. But one thing’s for sure — Rome won’t be able to ignore us now! The city will be buzzing for weeks after this kind of entry!
James: The Romans were definitely not happy, and neither were the Pharisees. Did you see their faces? If looks could kill. Those silent glares said everything and more.
Matthew: Yeah… but what do you expect? We always knew they wouldn’t understand. Once we get more people on our side though…
James: Speaking of which we really should start thinking about how we’re going to make the most of this. Really take advantage of it you know. Use the momentum and attention to our benefit and reach as many people as possible.
Matthew: True, but maybe we should include Jesus in this planning?
James: We will! We will! Once we’ve got a fully formed set of ideas to take to him.
Matthew: But it’s just that he never does what we expect him to. He might have a totally different idea of what to do next. I think we should check with him see what his next move is.
James: Nah today it was clear that he is TOTALLY on the same page as us. Didn’t you see him out there? Fully declaring what he stands for. Telling the Romans and those religious leaders “Look – here I am – and this is where the revolution begins”. That message was loud and clear.
Matthew: You really think so?
James Absolutely… political power, that’s what we need. We have to do whatever we can to make our voices HEARD. If you took even half of that energy, half of that enthusiasm that was on the streets today… I mean he had those people in the palm of his hand. They would have done anything for him if he’d asked!
Matthew: But…he didn’t ask, did he? I mean you’re right with the crowd we had today we could’ve done something spectacular. We could have stormed the Governors’ house. Or I heard that Herod’s in town, I bet we could have easily taken over the palace. But Jesus didn’t ask for that, didn’t seem to want that. Riding that donkey, seeing people put their cloaks on the ground…it’s like he just wanted to see them all happy and smiling, not a weapon in sight.
James: Don’t you see though? That’s exactly why he needs us. We’ve got to show him how to take advantage of this situation. We must remind him that in order to gain more power he has to get the people on his side and keep them there. We’ve got to make some noise, some very loud and long-lasting noise. He’ll be fine with it.
Matthew: It’s just he’s the only reason I left home and joined this group you know?
James: I know. Me too. But I’m sure he knows what he’s doing. He’s got his eye on the main prize now I can tell. We just need to nudge him a little in the right direction.
Matthew: Maybe you’re right. We could really use a hero right now. Someone who can lead this revolution. The last thing we need is another street corner preacher who fails to live up to expectations.
James: And that’s what we’ve got in Jesus! Today proves it. He’s just been biding his time, building up to this, waiting to make his strategic move. Keeping quiet until the perfect moment. You heard him when the Pharisees told him to silence the crowd… what did he say?
Matthew: “I tell you, if these were silent the stones would shout out”.
James: Exactly. The next few days are going to be extraordinary. Mark my words – by the end of this week, things will never be the same again.
Reader
Quiet.
Just for a moment.
Only for a short time.
Silence …
Just enough time and space to listen.
Our world is so noisy – chatter and sound everywhere.
Oppressive – deafening – difficult to escape.
Oh for a moment to stop, be still and listen.
Listen to the sounds that flow all around us.
Hear quiet words of wisdom spoken softly.
Catch the voice of the spirit as it prompts us forward.
Wonder at the word of God
as at last you hear it.
Listen carefully for the word and put it into action.
For only if you listen to God will you ever know what is needed.
How can you follow if you do not listen first?
It is in faithful listening that everything else falls into place.
So, in the silence, listen.
Let God draw close.
For something happens in the opening up.
A transformation takes place in the quietness.
And suddenly in our lives it is as if we step to one side and make room.
Make room for God to be seen and heard.
In the words that we say, in the actions that we take …
It is as if God is the one who is felt and seen and heard.
And because of that silence, because we listened first,
We are able to teach of God to all who will hear.[2]
Amen.
[1] written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (adapted)
[2] Glass, Paul S. (2012) Creative Ideas for Using Scripture in Worship. 124-125.
