Article
Palm Sunday and Quarantine
April 5, 2020
"And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:40
The triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem caused quite a stir among the people. The ordinary people rejoiced; while, the religious and political elite conspired. The people had finally found their promised king. Those in authority realized the existential threat Jesus posed to their perceived power. Within days, these two viewpoints would rise to a crescendo of violent mortality; Jesus would be executed.
Although the scribes, Pharisees, and priests were able to silence Jesus within five days of this epic scene, no one could hold back the worthy praise people offered to Christ on Palm Sunday. If the people fell silent, the stones would begin "croaking, shrieking, or screaming" like a wild animal.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, the King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." Zechariah 9:9
Palm Sunday was the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. This prophecy points to the humility of Christ. He would not be riding on a fine stallion or parading through the streets in a chariot; instead, the King of kings would ride among His people on the back of a donkey. Though humble, this King brings salvation and righteousness. He is the King the people need, not necessarily, the king people expect or want.
This Sunday is perhaps unique within the history of Christendom. Worldwide restrictions on gathering for worship will keep most church buildings empty throughout Holy Week. The annual ritual of some people to attend church on Easter will not materialize.
Instead, many people and families will be tasting the bitterness of disease and death. A record number of people will die this week separated from families and friends with little hope of even having a proper funeral. Instead of the sick and dying being surrounded by loved ones in their last moments of life, they will be in the presence of masked strangers who have sacrificed their mental and physical health along with separation from their families to provide comfort and treatment. Arduous sacrifices will be the new normal this week leading to Easter. Some people are already at their breaking point. They need supernatural strength to continue.
Christ came to suffer our afflictions and to experience our grief. The One who knew no pain, disease, sin, or death came to earth to taste what being human encompasses. So often, we fail to grasp the enormity of Christ's decision to empty Himself of position, power, and perpetuity. He lovingly chose us over His glorified place within the Godhead. He willingly became flesh to be a sacrifice for broken people. He decided to leave a place of eternal life to live among the lost and dying. He willingly tasted the pain of suffering and death to redeem people who were His enemies, knowing nothing of His true identity.
Nameless and faceless people are caring for the sick today. They will care for them tomorrow and the next day. The suffering may never be able to look upon the face of those caring for them. The real identity of these caregivers may never be revealed to family and friends of those who die from this illness. Yet, they are choosing to place their health at risk to help the dying.
We are not merely celebrating Holy Week from the confines of our abodes. We are witnessing what Holy Week is through the plight of the dying and the sacrifices of their caregivers. We are experiencing the profundity of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday: Why risk everything to save those who are dying? It will not bring you fame or fortune. Why risk your life? Other people may never understand your sacrifice.
The depth to which love for others compels the human soul to risk everything for a hopeless cause demonstrates the love Christ has for us and gave us as the example of devotion to define our existence. This kind of love is more powerful and compelling than any political, economic, social, religious, natural, scientific, or demonic power.
Our church buildings may be empty this week. Our lives may be in a state of stagnation for a while longer. However, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate the spiritual movement of God's power this week. Seek to find it. Pray to attain it. Ask to experience it for yourself. God has our attention. Find His love this Holy Week. So you, too, can cry out, "Hosanna, in the highest! My Savior lives!"
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