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Luke 19:28-40

Adrian Plass, “The Visitor” – founder of the church coming, verger organising great service.  Visitor comes at different time, wanders in, talks on way up aisle to excited little woman,  Sits on chancel steps and says, “Anyone got a sandwich?”  Service descends into chaos – visitor in one corner with crowd around – excitement, dancing, tears, laughter, others joining in, rest of congregation shuffling uncomfortably and go out.  Crowd leaves for local pub(?)  Verger very upset and unhappy.

Like that on Palm Sunday?  All four gospels so important.  Different detail but colt (word of knowledge? Pre-arranged? Colt sent back!) Palms, cloaks, shouts, praises.  “God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord”.  Cf  Psalm 118:26 – sung as pilgrims approached Jerusalem. 

Disciples did not understand (John 12:16) – like the verger! – but caught up in joy and praise.  Matthew and John looking back see fulfilment of Zech. 9:9, king’s entry into Jerusalem – rejoice!  Messianic prophecy.

Unrecognised by Pharisees – “Stop them!” – or recognised and refused… (Luke 19:39) – like the verger…

Jesus –“If they keep quiet the stones will cry out”.  Is he deluded?  What does it mean?

“All creation waits for the revelation of the sons (and daughters) of God” (Rom. 8:19).  Heavens, earth seas, mountains, rivers, all rejoice at coming of God (Psalm 96 &98)

It is real – our involvement with God in all creation.  Jesus is Lord of the universe, upholds it by the word of his power (Heb. 1:3).  No wonder talks of stones shouting.  This entry is key point in God’s plan to bring all things under Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:21-22).  Precursor of the cross and redemption.

What does Palm Sunday mean to us?  NZPB P404 says “Your death we show forth, your resurrection we proclaim, your coming we await.  Amen, come Lord Jesus”.  At that early church expected his presence to show with psalms, hymns, words, healings by the Holy Spirit. 

If “the Visitor” comes into the church today, what is my reaction?  Welcome, laughter, tears, joy?  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”? Or “What’s all this about?  “Stop them and let’s get order here”.

[Pause and search hearts]

The verger was home struggling – finally ran to church at 1am

-        saw a man on chancel steps – Jesus “I have been waiting

for you”. 

Jesus IS coming – will come now if ask him. “Look, I am at the door knocking.  If anyone opens the door I will come in and eat with them and they with me”. (Rev. 3:20).  Every day!  “Come Lord Jesus”. (Rev. 21:20) and expect the unexpected.