"i Am": Jesus' Greatest Declaration

Perhaps some had a disappointed look on their face as they peered through the crowd, catching a glimpse of a lone figure coming down the road. Rumors had spread as people calculated his next move. Yet, many were expecting to see him sitting tall and proudly astride a spirited war-horse. Instead of a spirited horse, one with flaring nostrils and blazing eyes, a young colt, or donkey appeared to be carrying the only person making a grand entry into Jerusalem. Every available eye was fixed upon the King. But this King was different than many had expected.

On Palm Sunday our attention is drawn to the account of Jesus entering Jerusalem. According to the Gospel of Luke, this is the first recorded trip Jesus made to Jerusalem since he was there at the age of twelve. Those who had been following Jesus were excited. They had witnessed him healing people, now the grand finale.

Some felt that Jesus would set up his kingdom.

He would provide food and housing for the homeless,

Freedom for the prisoners unjustly bound by harsh judges,

Healing and sight for the lame and blind,

Liberation for the oppressed, and

He would guarantee a true Jubilee--the landless would have land.

Be assured that every follower, and many potential followers, had a long list waiting for the new king. Naturally none of them had a selfish motive. In Luke 19:37 we observe that there was a multitude of disciples who were joyfully praising God for the deeds of power they had seen.

Jesus did not have an active ministry in Jerusalem; apparently these disciples came from regions between Galilee and Jerusalem.

Now the itinerant preacher-prophet-healer had finished the journey to Jerusalem. The impatient people lining the road wanted justice and they wanted it now. This was test time. Would Jesus produce? That was the question on everyone’s mind. If he doesn’t, you watch them, they will walk away.

In Luke 9:51 Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

The journey culminates in Luke 19:27 and Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem. Read the book of Luke and pay attention to the uniqueness of Jesus’ public ministry—what he taught and what he did. It is the story of an incredible journey.

An appropriate title for the Journey Narrative could be, “Jesus’ journey to peace and justice.” (Williard Swartley, htm.) The theme of peace and justice is seen best in Luke, it is the theological emphasis of the Gospel according to Luke. A book by John Dear, Jesus The Rebel, explores the radical life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth and shows how his witness speaks directly to our contemporary world of violence, war, poverty, and nuclear weaponry. It is about Jesus’ call to discipleship, he shares his own journey of Gospel peacemaking. In jails, soup kitchens, shelters, and war zones, Jesus the bearer of God’s Peace and Justice is reborn and invites us to be transformed in our homes, workplaces, churches, communities, and hearts.

JUSTICE: 10:29; 12:57; 16:15, 18:3, 5, 7, 8; 18:9, 14; 20:20;

23:47 (Culminates here)

PEACE: 10:5-6; 19:38, 42 (Culminates here)

There is something familiar about the praise that meets Jesus as he enters Jerusalem riding a colt, a donkey. The “Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!” sounds familiar. It is similar to the announcement of the angels at the birth of Jesus.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (Lk. 2:14)

In Luke 2 the vision was fully known only by the heavenly beings; now the people are praising God for what He has done through Jesus. Yet, most of them don’t fully understand--they have too easily become focused on the immediate. Jesus sees beyond the praise that has miracles as a prerequisite for praise. His thoughts were deeper, broader, than they could ever comprehend.

On many occasion even his disciples, not to mention many others, questioned, “Who is he.” Jesus knew that this was a hot question.

27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." (Mk. 8)

My perception is that Jesus paid particular attention to who people thought he was. And he knew that many had misunderstood.

Can you picture it? The disciples are jubilant as they walk with Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. They were probably like a basketball player looking toward the crowd, rallying the fans, encouraging them to rock the roof. It was deafening. Everyone thought they were on the winning team. Jerusalem was going to stand tall and victorious--for God is on our side! Peace and justice were marching into Jerusalem--they both spoke.