Protest Sunday: Embracing Community, Generosity, and Praise
Summary
Holy Week marks a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, as he leads his followers into Jerusalem during Passover, a time of heightened tension and religious significance. This entry, often referred to as Palm Sunday, is a profound declaration of victory and God's power. At Zao, we call it Protest Sunday, recognizing it as a strategic, organized protest against the oppressive Roman Empire. This event is not a spontaneous miracle but a carefully orchestrated act of defiance, contrasting the Roman military procession with Jesus's humble entry on a donkey, surrounded by peasants waving palm branches.
Throughout Lent, we've explored how the early church, as depicted in the book of Acts, embodied the teachings of Jesus. Today, we reflect on how these core practices are evident in Jesus's ministry, particularly on Palm Sunday. The early church's discipleship involved showing up, kicking in, spreading the word, building a culture of redemption, and offering radical praise. These elements are not just historical; they are a call to action for us today.
Showing up is about more than attending big events; it's about the consistent, often unseen work that builds a community capable of significant impact. Jesus's entry into Jerusalem was the result of years of preparation and the collective effort of many. Similarly, kicking in involves radical generosity, trusting in God's abundance to provide for the community's needs. Jesus's reliance on others for material support exemplifies this principle.
Spreading the word is crucial for the growth of the movement. The multitude that greeted Jesus was the result of countless individuals sharing the good news. Redemption culture, another key aspect, emphasizes accountability and the possibility of change, even for those who have caused harm. Jesus's ministry included people like Zacchaeus, Peter, and Judas, demonstrating the power of redemption.
Finally, radical praise is a profound act of faith, especially in the face of oppression. The cries of "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday were both a plea for salvation and a declaration of victory. This kind of praise, which acknowledges both the need for help and the assurance of God's deliverance, is a powerful form of resistance.
As we reflect on these elements, we are invited to participate in the ongoing work of building God's kingdom. This involves not just the grand gestures but the daily practices of discipleship that prepare us for transformative moments. May we be inspired to show up, contribute, share the good news, embrace redemption, and praise God with all our being.
Key Takeaways
- Showing Up: The triumphal entry into Jerusalem was not a spontaneous event but the culmination of years of preparation and community building. It reminds us that significant moments are made possible by consistent, often unseen efforts. We are called to show up not just for the big events but for the daily work that sustains our community. [35:05]
- Kicking In: Jesus's reliance on others for material support highlights the importance of radical generosity. This culture of kicking in, where everyone contributes what they can, is foundational to the kingdom of God. It challenges us to trust in God's abundance and to support one another materially. [45:03]
- Spreading the Word: The multitude that greeted Jesus was the result of countless individuals sharing the good news. This exponential growth of the movement underscores the importance of spreading the word. We are invited to be part of this lineage of faithfulness, ensuring that the message of liberation reaches future generations. [50:01]
- Redemption Culture: Jesus's ministry included people who had caused harm but were given the opportunity for redemption. This culture of accountability and change is essential for healing and growth. We are challenged to make room for redemption in our communities, even for those who have made mistakes. [56:32]
- Radical Praise: The cries of "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday were both a plea for salvation and a declaration of victory. This radical praise, which acknowledges both our need for help and the assurance of God's deliverance, is a powerful form of resistance. It invites us to praise God even in the midst of suffering and oppression. [59:37]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Holy Week
- [02:15] - The Triumphal Entry
- [05:00] - Palm Sunday as Protest Sunday
- [08:45] - The Early Church and Acts
- [12:30] - Show Up: The Power of Community
- [16:00] - Kick In: Radical Generosity
- [20:45] - Spread the Word: Building the Movement
- [25:30] - Redemption Culture: Room for Change
- [30:00] - Radical Praise: A Form of Resistance
- [35:00] - The Invitation to Discipleship
- [40:00] - Communion and Open Table
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Zechariah 9:9 - "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion. Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem. Lo, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
2. Luke 19:28-40 - The Triumphal Entry
3. Acts 2:42-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to his disciples regarding the colt, and what does this reveal about the preparation for his entry into Jerusalem? [32:36]
2. How does the sermon describe the contrast between Jesus's entry into Jerusalem and the Roman military procession? [27:57]
3. What role did the multitude play in Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, and how was their participation significant? [32:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the early church's practices as seen in the book of Acts, and how do these practices relate to Jesus's ministry? [01:03:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 shape our understanding of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem as a declaration of his identity and mission? [42:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus's entry into Jerusalem was a form of protest against the Roman Empire? How does this perspective challenge traditional views of Palm Sunday? [27:57]
3. How does the sermon connect the early church's practices in Acts to the events of Palm Sunday, and what does this suggest about the continuity of Jesus's mission? [01:03:39]
4. What does the sermon imply about the nature of radical praise, and how does this form of worship serve as a form of resistance? [59:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the concept of "showing up" as described in the sermon. How can you commit to the consistent, often unseen work that builds your community? What specific steps can you take this week to show up for others? [35:05]
2. The sermon emphasizes "kicking in" through radical generosity. What resources or talents do you have that you can contribute to your community? How can you practice radical generosity this month? [39:06]
3. Consider the importance of "spreading the word" as part of Jesus's ministry. Who in your life needs to hear the good news, and how can you share it with them in a meaningful way? [50:01]
4. The sermon discusses a "redemption culture" that allows for accountability and change. How can you create space for redemption in your relationships, especially with those who have made mistakes? [56:32]
5. Radical praise is described as a powerful form of resistance. How can you incorporate praise into your daily life, even in the midst of challenges? What specific practice can you start this week to cultivate a heart of praise? [59:37]
6. Reflect on the idea of participating in the ongoing work of building God's kingdom. What daily practices of discipleship can you commit to that will prepare you for transformative moments? [01:03:39]
7. The sermon invites us to confront systems of harm and injustice. What is one area of injustice you feel called to address, and how can you take action in your community to make a difference? [01:03:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Consistent Presence
Showing up is more than attending big events; it is about the consistent, often unseen work that builds a community capable of significant impact. Jesus's entry into Jerusalem was the result of years of preparation and the collective effort of many. This reminds us that significant moments are made possible by consistent, often unseen efforts. We are called to show up not just for the big events but for the daily work that sustains our community. [35:05]
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a small, consistent action you can take this week to support your community. How can you commit to this action daily?
Day 2: Radical Generosity as a Foundation
Jesus's reliance on others for material support highlights the importance of radical generosity. This culture of kicking in, where everyone contributes what they can, is foundational to the kingdom of God. It challenges us to trust in God's abundance and to support one another materially. By embracing this principle, we create a community where needs are met through collective effort and shared resources. [45:03]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one way you can practice radical generosity this week. What resources or support can you offer to someone in need?
Day 3: The Exponential Growth of Sharing the Good News
The multitude that greeted Jesus was the result of countless individuals sharing the good news. This exponential growth of the movement underscores the importance of spreading the word. We are invited to be part of this lineage of faithfulness, ensuring that the message of liberation reaches future generations. By sharing our faith, we contribute to a legacy that transcends time and impacts lives. [50:01]
"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can share the good news with this week? How can you approach this conversation with love and authenticity?
Day 4: Embracing a Culture of Redemption
Jesus's ministry included people who had caused harm but were given the opportunity for redemption. This culture of accountability and change is essential for healing and growth. We are challenged to make room for redemption in our communities, even for those who have made mistakes. By fostering an environment of grace and forgiveness, we allow for transformation and new beginnings. [56:32]
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance? How can you extend grace and support their journey towards redemption?
Day 5: Praise as a Form of Resistance
The cries of "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday were both a plea for salvation and a declaration of victory. This radical praise, which acknowledges both our need for help and the assurance of God's deliverance, is a powerful form of resistance. It invites us to praise God even in the midst of suffering and oppression, affirming our faith in His ultimate victory. [59:37]
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to offer radical praise today? How can you express gratitude and trust in God's deliverance despite challenges?
Quotes
This whole season of Lent has been culminating towards this week. This week, starting today, is called Holy Week, and it's this time in Jesus's ministry where after doing months or years, depending on the timeline you trust, of ministry out in the countryside with peasants and working-class folks, he gathers all of them and they head straight for the heart of power in their area, the city of Jerusalem, during the time of Passover. [00:22:41] (31 seconds)
And this entry of triumph, this declaration of victory and of God's power and Jesus's ministry, it's a big culminating moment. Now, we've been preparing for this moment through the season of Lent in our series, Act Out. We've been looking, actually, at the church that came after this moment to see how the followers of Jesus took those teachings and the life of Jesus and the relationship they had and built together the church, the early church, so close to the teachings and context of Jesus's life and really putting to test a lot of what they had learned. [00:23:42] (45 seconds)
Because when you really break down what's happening, you see that this is not just a spontaneous kind of preordained miraculous event as it's often treated. We have a tendency in the Christian tradition, especially in modern American Christianity, to hyper-spiritualize everything that Jesus did. [00:26:13] (20 seconds)
to pretend that it's just a miracle of God's providence that all of these people happen to show up and they all happen to have this same symbol that they were waving around and they all happen to coordinate this event, but not with any human effort. It all must have been magical and divine and above our pay grade. When in fact, looking not too deeply at all, you can see that this is a deeply organized event, an expression of power, strategically placed. [00:26:33] (29 seconds)
And so, this is something that we celebrate, this very particular expression of Christianity which confronts empire through strategic, coordinated, politically potent protest. [00:28:18] (16 seconds)
But I'd like to complicate that even further now that some of us have been in the habit of thinking of it this way. And again, if you're new to this way of thinking of it, I welcome you back to those resources. You can listen to my sermons or, better yet, there's a book called The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. That's where most of my learning comes from on this, or at least that was where I first had my mind blown on this. And so it's a great resource if you want to look into that aspect. [00:29:36] (33 seconds)
I think that, again, we're going to really take this apart and hold this up to our learning from the book of Acts. Because assuming that the early church was right about what it takes to be a disciple, and that we have been learning those lessons together, we should see that play out in Jesus' ministry in this snapshot of Protest Sunday. So let's find out, shall we? This series, based on what we have observed in Acts, we have determined that part of what it takes, we don't say this list is comprehensive, but part of what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus, to follow in the teachings and life of Jesus, to build the church in the model of the kingdom, is to show up, kick in, spread the word, build a culture of redemption. [00:29:56] (53 seconds)
When Jesus is talking to his disciples in preparation for this day, which he wouldn't have needed preparation if it was just sort of a random, spontaneous event, he says, go into town, and you're going to see a cult. It's a very specific cult. I'm going to give you some details about it. You'll see this cult tied up. Go take that cult. If anyone bothers you about it, be like, well, the Lord needs this cult. [00:31:10] (23 seconds)
And so when we think about these big type of events, these big protests, or these massive moments, it's easy to focus on just that one day. But what made it possible for Jesus to have this big coordinated effort with the multitude was actually the years of organizing that they were doing. [00:34:48] (18 seconds)
And a lot of it wasn't just the sexy palm waving. It was the really unsexy work of staying late to clean up after big gatherings or showing up to planning sessions to handle the logistics of ministry or figuring out where they were all going to sleep that night. [00:35:17] (18 seconds)
Jesus and the disciples and all the followers here were participating in a culture of ministry and collective power that required showing up, not just for the big day, but for the months and years beforehand, for the day in day out work of building a community that is so powerful that it can have these big disruptive moments of beauty. [00:35:35] (26 seconds)
And so my question to you then, observing that showing up was a foundational part of Jesus's ministry that we see play out on Palm Sunday, is if you had been a believer then, if you had been moved by Jesus's message of kingdom liberation then, would you have shown up? [00:36:50] (20 seconds)
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