March 16, 2008

Palm Sunday Message

The Rev. A. Thomas Carlson

Scriptures: Matthew 21:1-11

Philippians 2:5-11

The story is told of a mom and her three-year-old son, Christian. Christian wanted to act out Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem. He declared he would be Jesus and his mom would play the part of Hosanna. "Who was Hosanna?" mom asked. The three-year-old replied, "why, the donkey, of course! Why else would crowds yell 'Hosanna!' when Jesus rode through the streets?"

This mom, an author, asked herself whether the crowds understood the word "Hosanna!" any better than her three-year-old did, for just a week later these same citizens would witness Jesus' unjust death.

This is Palm/Passion Sunday and preachers everywhere are debating whether to focus on the palm parade or the journey to the cross. Already we have seen our children lead a Palm Sunday parade after hearing the story according to Matthew 21:1-11. The triumphant entry was and still is a wonderful, exuberant scene. But what about the days that followed?

Now, Palm Sunday should have another success story but under the shouts of Hosanna, other things were happening. The one we consider today didn't come out a winner. Turn to the 26th chapter of Matthew: Judas Iscariot. (Someone Googled Judas Iscariot in an attempt to find the meaning of Iscariot and came up with Judas Escargot—or Judas the snail!)

Basically, he was different than the others but it was the choice he made that really set him apart from the rest. They called Jesus "Lord." The best Judas could come up with was "Rabbi" or teacher. While the others had good intentions of even dying with Christ, Judas set out to betray Him. While the kiss was considered a sign of honor, Judas would make it the sign of betrayal.

Sometimes we ask why Judas chose this path; certain scholars say he really was a terrorist at heart and felt putting Christ in this situation would cause Him to turn on Rome and start the revolution. Others contend that since it was prophesized that the Messiah would be betrayed, Judas had no choice. I'm not so sure that he had no choice on the matter. I think he made a terrible choice and underneath all the flurry of palm waving, there is a lesson for you and me in the story of Judas Iscariot.

First, then, there was that bad choice and we've been known to make a few of our own over the years. We will make a few more before we die! Thankfully, our bad choices aren't quite like the one Judas made. Thank God. This simply reminds me we are all sinners saved by grace.

Secondly, there are consequences when bad choices are made. Our evening newscast includes many accounts of bad and horrific choices which are often followed by a clip of handcuffed prisoners being led into a courtroom to hear the judge set a high bail!

Sometimes a bad choice simply ruins a person's career and even more (i.e.; the former governor of New York State).

Thirdly, there could have been a different scenario but Judas is our example of one who makes a bad choice and then compounds it with another bad, suicide, choice. Those bad choices end up defining who that person is (in New York the one elected as "Mr. Clean" is now known as "Mr. Plea Bargain").

It doesn't have to be that way. Consider this possible scenario: after the resurrection Judas approaches Jesus, asks for forgiveness, and receives it. That is the bottom line as far as Christ is concerned. Jesus would have forgiven Judas as He forgives all those who, with humble hearts, request the same.

What could have been for this disciple, is what can be for you and for me!

We began this message with a conversation between a three-year-old and his mom. We conclude it with a child's letter to God. "Dear God, is there anything that you cannot do if you make up your mind? I change my mind all the time. Do you change yours? My Uncle George died because he drank too much. I liked him because he read to me. Please change your mind about him. Love, Bobbie."

Uncle George made a bad choice, maybe a lot of bad choices. Don't worry, Bobbie, Christ came to show His love for people who make bad choices. That's the only hope most of us have. That is a basic truth we glean from the passion account, even the part that includes the story of Judas.

Underneath the shouts of Hosanna and the waving of palm branches other things are happening! Judas Iscariot is just one little piece of the action. I invite you to come on Friday night to hear the rest of the story. Amen.