Reflections on "A Fool's Journey" Mark 1: 1-11; Psalm 118: 19-29

I really enjoyed preaching this sermon.  I am short on time, so no other comments to make.

“A Fool's Journey” Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012; FPC, Troy

Move 1: Switch from Abraham and Sarah's journey to a journey Jesus takes.

a. Jesus has the journey all mapped out.

1. He has all the details worked out already.
2. knows where to get the colt.

3. he knows how this journey in Jerusalem will fulfill prophecy.

4. If there had been Mapquest, Jesus would have had the whole journey laid out step by step from what road to take into Jerusalem to what turns to make once they were there.

b. Jesus is on a roll.

1. As the Gospel of John tells this story, Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead.

2. Lots of magicians running around those parts doing some amazing things, but no one, no one but Jesus is bringing people back to life.

3. When the crowds shout, 'hosanna,” which means “save us,” they really believe that Jesus can do for them what he did for Lazarus.

100. In fact, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem might even rival the parade put on by Pontius Pilate.

1. In those days, the Pontius Pilate would plan a huge parade during Passover time.

2. It was for the benefit of all the Jews who were arriving in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
3. Pilate would have a huge parade with soldiers and majestic sights to remind the Jews that the Romans were in charge.

3. Jesus' parade was quite a bit different, but as the people shouted “hosanna,” it rivaled the royal parade in its celebration and hopefulness.

Move 2: In truth, despite the crowds that gathered, this was not a triumphant journey. No, it was a parade that would finish at the cross.

a. Jesus rides into Jerusalem knowing that betraywal waits for him.

1. he knows that the cheers will soon turn into jeers.
2. He knows that the shouts of “save us, save us,” will soon turn into ugly accusations, “save yoruself, if you are the Son of God.”
   b. Rock opera “Jesus Christ, Superstar” depiction of the parade into Jerusalem.
   1. “Hey sanna, ho sanna, sanna, sanna, hey sanna, ho sanna sanna sanna , ho sanna, hey sanna, Hey, hey JC, JC won’t you smile at me. Jesus Christ, if you’re divine, turn my water into wine. Prove to me that you’re no fool. Walk across my swimming pool. Hey sanna, ho sanna, sanna, sanna, hey sanna, ho sanna.”

2. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem actually proves that he is the fool.

3. Only a fool would ride in Jerusalem knowing that betrayal and death wait for him.

4. Only a fool would die for people who sin and run away.

5. Only a fool would love people who cannot and will not return the love.

6. Only a fool would set this Table that is before us with his broken body and his spilled blood.

Conclusion: On this April Fool's day, I invite you to believe in the foolishness of the cross; to believe that Christ loved you enough to ride into Jerusalem and the certain death and betrayal that waited for him.

I invite you to come to this Table and receive his gift.