In Bart Erhman’s newest publication, “Did Jesus Exist?”, the noted agnostic/atheist and Professor of Religion at the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, speaks to the unlikeliness of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Says Erhman, the Romans simply would not have allowed such a blatant display of civil disobedience, not by anyone. They would have crushed any such gathering proclaiming “the coming of a King” (other than Caesar’s arrival of course). This assumes the Romans were up-to-date on the Lord’s comings and goings, knew his route in advance and of course knew his E.T.A. (estimated time of arrival).
This argument is weak in my thinking. Mr. Ehrman, of course, can postulate what he wants, such theories sell his books. But I believe Mark, in his eleventh chapter, records this event accurately. I believe Jesus’ coming into Jerusalem happened so spontaneously, that, outside of untying that unattended colt in the neighboring village, few if any “arrangements” were made. And the people who responded did so out of an unmitigated yearning of a people longing for a King to save them, to rescue them, to free them from oppression and re-create what they recall as their rightful place in the world. They did so with total joy and unrestrained enthusiasm. And they did so out of primarily selfish reasons. Maybe us, too?
We know the personal freedom Jesus still comes to bring doesn’t free us from anything without first freeing us from our own self-interests and our own self-indulgence. His freedom can loosen chains alright, but first Christ must loosen the chains we put on our own heart, mind, hands and ankles. Only then will shouts of “Hosanna” be anything more than noise….
“Hosanna, Hosanna…come have Your way among us…we welcome you here Lord Jesus”…..
JBH
No comments:
Post a Comment