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Read Philippians 2:5-11.
Sunday’s innocent little procession was perceived to be the mark of an insurgency, and it had to be crushed. But then, Jesus had been on a collision course with Rome since his birth. Simeon’s dark prophecy spoken to Mary predicted, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed. . ." (Luke 2:34 NRSV) At Jesus’ public debut 30 years later, he began his ministry with this declaration: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:15 NRSV). Now after three years of hearing him preach and teach, and seeing him heal the oppressed people he encountered, the Roman authorities were on high alert.
The Passion narratives reveal that Jesus was executed for three political reasons. Luke’s account tells us that Jesus’ accusers said, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king" (Luke 23:2 NIV). In John’s Gospel, the crowd warned Pilate, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar" (John 19:12 NIV). If Jesus was viewed by Rome as being subversive, opposing the payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be a king, his entry into Jerusalem astride a donkey was highly provocative.
The Roman empire typically made a show of force during the Jewish passover as pilgrims filled the streets of Jerusalem to celebrate their own liberation from another empire centuries earlier. Contrast Jesus’ "triumphal" entry into the city with the military might associated with the Roman empire. Jesus’ humble procession of peasants spoke truth to power by casting an alternate imperial vision—a vision of the kingdom of God.
As Christians, we are called to join Jesus’ procession. Christ’s call beckons us to share a subversive message with our community, our nation, and yes, the world. No, His was not subversion for its own sake or to initiate an improved political agenda. Christian subversion utilizes the model of Jesus, "who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:6-8 NIV). May we have Jesus’ attitude—the attitude of a servant.
Prayer: Almighty God, you sent Jesus to earth to die for us. Our mere thanks is insufficient. We offer You our lives and ask that You instill in us the very mind of Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Ingrid Dvirnak
ABCRM Newsletter
Cheyenne, WY
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