The Shepherd’s Voice

Readings for April 5^th
Is 50:4-9a
Ps 31:9-16
Phil 2:5-11
Mk 14:1-15:47

Isn’t this a lot like life? Earlier in our service we were joyful, celebrating Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus, the upstart, the nobody, the carpenter, the itinerant preacher, the one who came into this world in a manger goes from obscurity to celebrity and back to obscurity.

The chief priests they were becoming afraid of Him, but the ordinary citizens were becoming enthralled with his signs and miracles. Jesus the humble carpenter was talking about strong and sturdy ideas that were becoming a cornerstone to life. However, to the chief priest these ideas were a threat to the status quo.

Did they misunderstand Jesus? Or did they have no room for an idea they could not grasp?

There’s a story in the Sun Newspaper a little while back about a brisk small mature lady who was planning a trip to Europe. She inquired at a travel bureau about a certain tour through Germany, the Black Forest, and Switzerland. The agent mentioned that this particular tour included the Passion Play at Oberammergau. The demure woman drew herself up to her full five-feet-one and replied with some disgust, “I’m sick and tired of all this sex stuff—and I’m surprised at you for even suggesting it!” Then she stormed out.—Vancouver, B. C., Sun

When we don’t understand the message we can get pretty turned around in life. We can become lost even though our passion may have been strong at one time.

Look at Peter. Jesus blesses the bread, explains how it relates to his own body and blood being sacrificed and then he tells his followers that they will all become deserters. Do you feel like a deserter when you fail God? Sometimes when I sin I feel like a deserter.

When a young servant girl sees Peter warming himself she says, “You were with Jesus.” Peter is caught completely flat footed. He says, “I never knew the man.” Have you ever denied your faith? We live in a hard world where it’s sometimes easier to say I never knew the man.

We also see a side of Jesus I don’t like. I like Jesus the King. I like Jesus the conqueror. I like Jesus the solid rock, but Jesus’ humanity starts to show a little. Jesus says, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me.” I don’t want to drink from this cup. Life is too scary here. But some how Jesus finds the courage to go on and He says – Lord if this is what you want.

Jesus gets through the trial. He makes it. He stands up in the face of despair. And he moves on until we hear him on the cross. “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani.” I personally find these words to be distressing, perhaps the most discouraging words in the Bible. Do these words disturb you too? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

We can be forsaken by people. We can be forsaken by pets, especially cats. But God, what is that all about? Wrestle with this concept this week. Dig deep! What is God saying through the passion of Christ? Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani. Come back on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday this week as we explore the passion of Christ more fully together.

Amen.