Readings

Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29

This psalm belongs to the feast of Tabernacles with verses 1-4 being a thanksgiving of the people while 5-21 are an individual thanksgiving and 22-29 are a mixture of motives.^[1]

What is important is that the psalm is performed at the temple gate and it is not hard to imagine Jesus joining the procession that was going to the temple for a festival rather than the people specifically cheering for Jesus.  As with so many instances the gospel writer is using tradition to express meaning about Jesus rather than give historical detail as we might expect.

Luke 19: 28-40

Craddock sees verse 28 as concluding the previous major section of the gospel he calls the travel section so the entry into Jerusalem, and what happens there, begins at verse 29.^[2]

A distinctive feature of Luke’s gospel, compared to the other synoptic gospels, is that Jerusalem is the destination.  In Matthew and Mark, the disciples return to Galilee after Jesus’ death but in Luke they stay to receive the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, this entrance scene is even more significant.

A distinctive feature of Luke’s account of the entry into Jerusalem is that it only involves Jesus and his disciples.  Disciples secure the colt, disciples place Jesus on the colt, disciples called him the king who comes in the name of the Lord, echoing Zechariah 9:9 rather than quoting it as Matthew and John do.  There is no large crowed, Jesus is honoured and praised by his followers and this is not the group which turns cold and later calls for Jesus’ crucifixion. Luke makes no mention of hosannas, of palms, or branches, all of which have nationalistic overtones.  Luke seems to want to bring a more universal Jesus to Jerusalem.  The final difference is the Pharisees who object to the activity of the disciples.  They may have feared the reaction of Roman authorities, or they may have been concerned for Jesus’ safety.^[3]

Sermon

This is a story we read year after year from all four gospels that have minor variations as each gospel writer builds their own perspective into the core story.

Likewise various commentators have added historical perspective to the imagery woven into the story.

The Palm Sunday story is an episode of anticipation.  The anticipation of the crowds who expect a miracle as Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Continue reading April 13th 2025- Rev Hugh Perry →

REFLECTION: Water for Life

When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water. No, not said by the Israelites in their predicament in Exodus 17, but by Benjamin Franklin nearly three hundred years ago, when rivers and wells figuratively over-flowed with water.

Although 70% of the world’s surface is covered by water, only 2.5% is fresh water and less than 1% is accessible for human use. However, the problem is not the supply of water; the earth has virtually the same amount today as it did when dinosaurs roamed the planet; the problem is simply people – our increasing numbers and the flagrant abuse, by some of us, of one of our most precious, and limited resources. For people in developed countries consume 10 times more water daily than those in developing countries [ 500-800 litres per day, compared to 60-150 litres per day].

When we realise it can take 4,000 litres of fresh water to produce one 250 gram steak and 64 litres of water to grow one tomato, then – as Benjamin Franklin put it – we begin to know the worth of water.          The question is, how we will use that knowledge?

Continue reading Sunday 30th March- Rev Chris Elliot →