Word to the Wise
Saturday, March 28, 2015 - 5th Week of Lent - Sat
[Ezek 37:21-28 and John 11:45-56]"What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation." [John]
These words are quoted from a meeting of the chief priests and Pharisees as a group called the Sanhedrin, which was the governing council for the Jews, especially in Jerusalem. They are a reaction to the latest of Jesus' signs, the raising of Lazarus from the dead. They also reflect the socio-political environment at the time.
That environment was one of military occupation and rule. The Roman empire maintained its power in many ways by military but also by cultural and religious means. Religious means included the cult of the emperor. Although the Romans exempted the Jews from praying to the emperor, the Jews had promised to pray for the emperor. Anyone who showed a possibility of rebellion against Roman power could expect the weight of Roman might to fall on him or her. Crucifixion was the usual punishment, and there had been an unsuccessful attempt at rebellion not long before Jesus' time. The composition of the Gospel of John took place about twenty or so years after the Romans destroyed the temple, so that memory was still fresh.
Tomorrow we will celebrate Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before the feast of the Passover. He would not only be watched by the Jewish religious authorities, but also by the Roman authorities as well. It was a tense time because of the large crowds and the potential for violence. We will celebrate in peace at our churches here in the USA, but in the Middle East, how will our brothers and sisters be able to celebrate? I hope all of us can be mindful of their suffering in this Holy Week and give thanks for our own capacity to celebrate without wondering if someone in the crowd is a suicide bomber! Many will be gathered in Jerusalem for the commemoration. We can pray for their safety and peace. AMEN
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