Easter PreThoughts #5

Maybe Wednesday before Palm Sunday…

As He had done on other occasions, Jesus was able to move through and away without bringing the enemies or crowds along.  He likely kept Himself in the midst of the peoples who were excited for Him although for wrong reasons (He to be their king and overthrow Rome).  Thus, the Pharisees were kept at bay.

The next morning – Wednesday (again, PK’s idea only), Jesus and His followers joined the crowds heading to Jerusalem for Passover.  Somewhere on the way, Mrs. Zebedee came to Jesus seeking privileges for her sons.  She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” (Matthew 20:21-22).

She had heard the talk on the road earlier about the kingdom and about disciples sitting on thrones or she too believed Jesus was moving to Jerusalem to become the next king David.  And, after all, her boys had been faithful followers and she had traveled extensively with Him serving Him.  Also her husband was a powerful man and had likely had been a significant contributor to the coffers.

I am suspect that in the day(s) prior, the boys had approached Jesus for we read in Mark 10, Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”  They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”  Their request created a major stir to which Jesus settled it with, “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many,” (44-45).  So, Mom’s request might have come after the boys had told her of their rejection and she decided to go to bat for them.

Jesus continued engagements with His disciples and people and possibly at times loitering in order to be away from the press of people.  One can only imagine all that was going through His mind.

In part, I think of His action on the slope of the Mount of Olives when approaching the City of David on Palm Sunday – Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, Luke 19:41.

I also think of His words concerning the city of God’s choosing – “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39.

Jesus, even amidst festive travellers and even friends, was likely somewhat melancholy and quiet.  The days ahead would be horrific and would change the entire world – our world – my world!  Yours???