BibleProject | Holy Week & EasterSample

No Such Thing as a Life-Saving Sword

On the first day of Holy Week, Palm Sunday, cheering crowds welcome Jesus into Jerusalem like a king, waving palm branches, spreading garments before him, and singing praises. But one week later, on Good Friday, the crowds want Jesus dead. Why? The palm branches and garments give us a big clue.

Nearly two centuries earlier, Israel suffered oppression under the Seleucid Empire until a rebel leader named Judas Maccabeus led a successful revolt, restoring Jerusalem and the temple, a victory still celebrated today during Hanukkah. When Maccabeus triumphantly entered Jerusalem in 164 BCE, crowds sang praises and waved palm branches (2 Macc. 10:7). So waving palm branches (John 12:13) and laying garments on the ground (Matt. 21:8-9) expressed hope for victory over evil.

Centuries before that, in a story from 2 Kings 9, crowds also lay garments before Israel’s King Jehu during his coronation (2 Kgs. 9:1-13). And right after he takes the throne, Jehu slaughters all his enemies.

The Palm Sunday crowds around Jesus also cry “Hosanna!” (Matt. 21:9), which is from the Hebrew hoshi‘ah na’, meaning “Save us!” Jesus is receiving a royal welcome from crowds who expect him to mimic the violent, sword-wielding rulers of old.

Jesus leads disciples, though, not warriors. He rides a young donkey instead of a warhorse, fulfilling the prophet Zechariah’s prophecy about God sending a peaceful king (Zech. 9:9-10). Jesus arrives gently, with no violence or domination. Instead, he heals, forgives, and crushes evil by loving his enemies.

Anticipation buzzes through Jerusalem that first day of Holy Week, and Jesus arrives as the unexpected king, inviting all who ask God to “Save us! Save us!” into the nonviolent way he saves.

One week after Palm Sunday, Easter will prove that there is no such thing as a life-saving sword. But there is life-saving love. It's wielded by Jesus, and it’s indestructible.

Reflection Question

• How does today’s video either confirm or challenge your understanding of the “good news” that Jesus preached? (Remember: Jesus is preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom long before he dies or resurrects.)