Loving God, you enter our humanity through Jesus, teaching us the power of love and forgiveness. Enter our hearts this day, and fill us with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            Each of the four gospels includes certain stories or details that are unique to that particular gospel.  For example, you may have noticed today that Luke does not include the word “Hosanna!” in the Palm Sunday procession.  This is the only gospel that leaves it out, because Luke was writing to a Gentile audience, and Hosanna is a Hebrew expression (sundaysandseasons.com).  Instead, Luke includes an echo of the song of the angels as the people cry, “Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” (Lk. 19:38, cf. 2:14).

         Luke is also the only gospel that includes the Pharisees telling Jesus to stop his disciples from shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Lk. 19:38-39).  In response, Jesus simply tells them that the stones would shout out the message if his disciples weren’t doing it.  This confrontation with the Pharisees on the Mount of Olives is like fuel for the fire in the events that are to come.

         The Passion Narrative takes us to later in the week, where Jesus suffers a fate that is both political and unjust.  Even Pilate – who was not known for his clemency – declares that Jesus has done nothing that deserves a death sentence.  However, he apparently has no problem releasing a man who is a murderer and an insurrectionist, and sending an innocent man to be crucified – just one more perversion of justice.

         The thing that stands out, however, is not the behaviour of all of the powers that be, but the way in which Jesus continues to exhibit love and forgiveness, even on the cross.  It is in the gospel of Luke that Jesus prays for those who crucify him: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (23:34).  It is in the gospel of Luke that Jesus responds to the repentance and faith of the criminal beside him on the cross with the promise of Paradise.  It is in the gospel of Luke that Jesus’ final words reflect his trust and faith: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (23:46, Ps. 31:5).

         It is difficult for most of us to imagine being able to offer love and mercy and forgiveness while being mocked and tortured and crucified by others.  Many of us would be angry in a similar situation – railing against the injustice of it all, and spewing insults at those who are to blame.  Yet, Jesus is totally focused on his mission – offering himself for the sake of the world.

         On this Sunday when we remember both the procession into Jerusalem and Jesus’ suffering and death, there is something in each of these gospels for all of us.  For those who want to celebrate, there are joyful shouts of praise and salvation.  For those who are mourning and weeping, Jesus weeps with us.  For those who seek God’s forgiveness, Jesus announces it to us.  For those who see injustice in the world and dread the things that are to come, Jesus has been there and walks with us.  For those who are in pain, Jesus is present with us and understands.  And, for those who question why God would allow certain things to happen, most of those who were disciples of Jesus wondered the same thing when they saw their Lord and Teacher crucified.

         For us, of course, we have the benefit of knowing the end of the story.  However, there is no resurrection without death, just as there is no salvation without God’s love and mercy and sacrifice.  As the events of this Holy Week unfold, consider journeying with Jesus, marveling at his loving service, and gratefully receiving his forgiveness and love.  Thanks be to God for the salvation that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Sunday of the Passion(C)              Luke 19:28-40

April 13, 2025                                   Luke 23:1-49

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

© 2025 Lynne Hutchison  All Rights Reserved