Lectionary for Lent 6B
Opening sentence. Open the gates of justice, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 118:19
Collect. Let us pray (that we may share Christ’s humility): Father of all, who gave your only-begotten Son to take upon himself the form of a servant, and to be obedient even to death on a cross: give us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. that, sharing in his humility, we may come to be with him in his glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reading. Philippians 2:5-11. Philippi was a Roman colony and the church there was founded by Paul as recorded in Acts 16:8-10. As a Roman colony Philippi was a place of wealth and power. People born there were recognised as Roman citizens with all the rights and privileges that afforded. In the ancient world this was a prized position and Paul himself held that privilege. It is likely that the members of the congregations in Philippi comprised some Roman citizens while others were non citizens, or may even have been slaves. Such diversity needed to be addressed and so Paul is writing out of concern for the congregation as well as writing to inform and encourage them.
The church had supported Paul in his work by sending him gifts and as we read through Philippians it is not hard to imagine that Paul had an extra feeling of affection for the congregation there. As he writes the letter Paul emphasises the centrality of Christ in his life and he is urging the Philippians to have a similar emphasis in their own faith. (Phil 1:21)
Thinking of the few verses before our passage we see that it is a reading which has a very practical application. Paul wants, even longs for, harmony and peace among the members. In a sense Paul is saying to the Philippians keep what I am describing to you about Jesus always in your minds.A unified congregation is also a strong congregation achieved by having its heart fixed on Jesus. Paul as an experienced pastor knows that judging and fault finding with one another can quickly tear a congregation apart. Unity is always the key and as Jesus Christ is the head Paul is urging each member to resist being self-seeking but work together with other members in humble cooperation, even as did Christ himself.
The verses which we read today form a reverent hymn to Jesus who humbled himself and was subsequently glorified, being made the true Lord of all creation. Paul describes the essential nature of Jesus Christ. As he begins the revealing hymn Paul urges the Philippians to let the nature of Jesus be reflected in their own attitudes and life together. From Paul’s understanding to experience Jesus Christ and begin to understand his humble nature is to find your mind changed. The way of Jesus Christ turns the values of the world upside down.
This is an ancient letter and it is easy to study it as such, yet we need also remember that the Scriptures are “living letters” and the truths that Paul is delivering to the Philippians are just as relevant to each of us as members of a congregation. Like them, we too need to keep in mind the nature of Jesus Christ and as we rely on his salvation find our own lives transformed and changed. In this way our congregations will be places of harmony and peace in a world so often in turmoil.
Prayer. Living Lord we give you thanks and praise that in your mercy you sent Jesus to be our Saviour. We thank you for the obedience that he showed throughout his ministry here in this world. We thank you that in the world to come all will recognise his as Lord. Grant that we his people here now may be true witness bearers of his glory and grace. In all we do may his Name be lifted high. Amen
Reading. Mark 11:1-11. Unlike the other Gospels, Mark only once places Jesus in Jerusalem. However, on arriving in Jerusalem the essential purpose for Jesus’ mission will begin to dramatically unfold.
The entry into Jerusalem conversely is recorded in each of the gospels, thus showing its significance. For once Mark’s description of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, while it contains all the essential elements is much more measured than the description that for example John gives in his Gospel.
Passover was a major festival. Many people would have gathered to celebrate and religious feeling would have been at fever pitch. This would also mean there would have been extra Roman Soldiers arriving into the city because of the prospect of riots; not to mention outright rebellion. As an occupying force the Romans were universally hated. This was especially true at this time for history records that the Roman soldiers stationed in the Jerusalem area were actually Samaritans and as such would have been doubly despised.
The words Mark uses and the slogans the crowds shout out show that the crowd saw Jesus as a coming king who would deal with the Romans. For them the echoes of ancient prophecy regarding the Day of the Lord would have been compelling. All of them would have remembered the prophecy from Zachariah, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” With that picture in mind it is easy to see why Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that day would be welcomed with such enthusiasm by the crowd.
Mark writes to remind us that here in this story Jesus is coming to take control. He didn’t need to explain how hated Rome and Pilot were: It went without saying, but Mark is presenting an alternative and as such he is setting Jesus against not only the Romans but against the Jewish religious authorities as well! Jesus was “of the people” in a way that was in contrast to the harshness of Rome and the arrogance of the religious authorities.. Mark’s record of “Hosanna!” can be interpreted as “Save us now” showing the anticipation the crowd had that Jesus would quickly take control to their advantage. As a popular leader Jesus was resolute; every facet of the story tells that Jesus has come to take control but the change that he had would bring was more far-reaching that the vocal crowd could imagine.
Prayer. Holy Lord, we marvel at the humility of Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem with such popularity. We thank you that he was not swayed by the cheering of the crowd but kept his heart pure and resolute, fixed frimly on doing your will. We thank you for his courage to walk the way of humble obedience and we give you grateful thanks that through his unswerving actions we receive your salvation. All praise and honour to Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God victorious over all creation. Amen
Collect. Jesus, you enter the holy city, approaching your passion and death; today the crowd acclaims you. May we sing your praises every day, for you are the servant Lord, now and for ever. Amen
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