These thoughts were part of a series of Easter reflections prepared for, and by, members of Horley Baptist Church during April 2020. This reflection is based on Mark 11: 1 -11.
Imagine yourself as a bystander hearing a terrific ruckus coming down the road -loud shouting and singing! It’s a growing mob of people milling excitedly around this Jesus of Nazareth riding a donkey. Now you can make out what they’re shouting: ‘Hosanna to the son of David! Blessings to the one who comes in the name of the Lord!‘
Someone next to you says, ‘That’s what Zechariah prophesied! He is riding in as king!‘ Sometimes else: ‘The Romans are as good as finished!‘
Do you break away from the spectators and join the wild procession? If you do, you are in for a devastating disappointment! In just a few days, you and this crowd will watch your ‘king’ die a horrible death on a Roman cross. Maybe you should have kept your distance. It was ridiculous in the first place!
Then, a few weeks later, you and many others hear that he is alive again, that somehow, he burst out of his tomb! Another moment of decision, another amazing invitation: now, will I join the celebration? He just may be who he said he was: King of the universe! Even in the face of Covid -19? Yes! Oh, yes!!
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Contributed by Dennis Ginter; © the Author
