This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday or the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It is a Sunday where we profess our love for Jesus. Where those in the story who upon seeing Jesus enter Jerusalem profess their love for him. As I have reflected on this passage from Mark’s gospel this week the question of love has come to mind.
Unbidden a song came into my mind. It is a terrible, yet catchy, ’90s song entitled What is Love? The opening lines go like this:
What is love?
Baby don’t hurt me
Don’t hurt me
No more
That the crowds who received Jesus as he entered Jerusalem loved him appears apparent. However, what does it really mean to love? How deep was the love of those gathered? What did Jesus think of what they were doing? Jesus who knew that the events of Good Friday were looming.
Was he echoing the words of this song? Don’t hurt me?
God is love. This is something that we as Christians profess. In Jesus Christ we see that love. We ask ourselves what does it mean to love Jesus and what do we do that causes him to hurt?
Text: Mark 11: 1-11
Questions for Sunday
- Does anything strike you as odd about this story?
- How do the people gathered demonstrate their love to Jesus?
Prayer for Sunday
Loving God, allow me to fully understand the depth of your love for me. All me to respond to your love in all aspects of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.