In order to engage fruitfully in the See, Judge, Act method of bible study we need both an open mind and a willing heart. Our desire is to truly listen to the voice of the Spirit in our midst. Take a deep breath as you invite the Spirit to whisper into your soul as you study ...
Luke 19:28-40 After Jesus said this, he went on toward Jerusalem. As Jesus came near Bethphage and Bethany, towns near the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent out two of his followers. He said, "Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here to me. If anyone asks you why you are untying it, say that the Master needs it." The two followers went into town and found the colt just as Jesus had told them. As they were untying it, its owners came out and asked the followers, "Why are you untying our colt?" The followers answered, "The Master needs it." So they brought it to Jesus, threw their coats on the colt's back, and put Jesus on it. As Jesus rode toward Jerusalem, others spread their coats on the road before him. As he was coming close to Jerusalem, on the way down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of followers began joyfully shouting praise to God for all the miracles they had seen. They said, "God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! (See Psalm 118:26) There is peace in heaven and glory to God!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell your followers not to say these things." But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if my followers didn't say these things, then the stones would cry out."
Context: Our biblical text for the week relies heavily on Old Testament passages and prophecies. Jesus moves closer to the climax of his life with his arrival in Jerusalem. On the day of the Lord, the Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives says Zechariah in 14:4. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem follows the first century ceremonial pattern of procession for royalty and military leaders. The colt (some versions translate this donkey) is a symbol of humility and echoes Genesis 49:10-11, Zechariah 9:9-10, and 1 Kings 1:33-37. As people spread their coats (some versions translate this cloak) upon the colt and the ground, they reinforce their praise to the “king” which echoes 2 Kings 9:13. Their hymn of praise emerges from Psalm 118:26, which is a part of the Hallel. The Hallel consists of psalms of praise to God. The Pharisees continue to challenge Jesus and there will be continued strife between this group of religious leaders and Jesus with confrontations in the temple up until the story comes to a close with his arrest in the Garden. Jesus responds to the Pharisees rebuke of the people and their praise with a reference to stones that emerges from Habakkuk 2:11.
See (Read the Text closely/Examination:) In this movement we pay attention to the story, the characters, and their context. Read the text slowly. How would you describe the scene as it unfolds in your imagination? Can you see Jesus coming down the road? Are you surprised to see this man who would be “king” riding on a donkey? Can you see the colorful cloaks that are spread on the path and hear their praises to Jesus from their sacred Hebrew scriptures? Can you smell the dust and the donkey? Can you feel the joy that fills and surrounds the crowd? How do you feel watching?
Experience the passage as a follower of this man called Jesus. He sends you on a strange journey to get an elusive donkey from people you don’t know. How does it feel to do what Jesus asks you to do? Does it feel like stealing? What would you need to know to make it feel less like stealing to you? The owners confront you with a simple question. You give a simple answer … and move on. Does it seem like a strange interaction? Why do you think it was so easy? How are you feeling as you throw your cloak on the donkey for Jesus to sit on? Are you surprised at the reaction of the people as you follow Jesus riding on that donkey into Jerusalem? Can you feel the excitement in the air? How does it feel to join together with the people in their shouts of the Hallel? Does it feel like Jesus IS the king? Suddenly you hear some of the Pharisees grumbling … how do you receive their objections? What do you think of the reply Jesus makes to them?
Experience the passage as a Pharisee. What is your objection to the people who are praising God through the Hallel? How might their objection be legitimate? What do YOU think of the reply Jesus makes to you?
Experience the passage as Jesus. What are you feeling as you approach Jerusalem? How do you feel about your followers? How do you feel about the Pharisees?
What is the overall message the writer of this story wishes to convey? What do you think the writer is trying to say to his community? Can you hear that message coming through without explanation? What does Jesus want to say to your community?
Judge (Look at your Life/Spiritual Discernment:) In this movement, we are seeking to examine our own lives as we live in community. Keeping the context of the passage and your examination of the text in mind, meditate on these questions: In what ways does this passage speak to our community today? What is the good news we need to hear with the people who are praising Jesus as the king? How should I view my community in light of what I see in the interaction between the Pharisees and the People? How should I view my community in light of what I see in the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees? Who are the “stones” that will cry out if we don’t? What would they cry out? How does this passage challenge the way I live my life? What changes do I need to make in ... my behavior, my perspective, my way of thinking or my way of praying in light of what I have learned through this text? What invitation do I hear the Spirit whispering in my soul?
Act (Take action in Light of your Faith/Transformation:) We are called to work so that the reign of God can be realized in the world today. As we work with creativity and compassion, we follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Meditate on these questions with the expectation that God will show you how to take action as you sincerely seek empowerment of Spirit: What steps does my community or do I need to take in order to respond to the invitation of God through this story? Who needs to be involved as I work through my thoughts and feelings about this issue? How will changes happen? How can I challenge people who want to tear the community apart with their criticism and negativity? How can our community support positive people as they praise God with joy? How can we be a part of that kind of praise and worship? What would my life look like if the reign of God were realized in my heart? in my community?
Pray this simple prayer of praise from the Hallel: "God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! There is peace in heaven and glory to God!" Amen.
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