Sunday 28 March 2021

Psalm 31

Background

As we start on our journey through Holy Week, we begin with a fundamental question about Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Who is this man who now faces his imminent death and why is he in this situation? It’s a question articulated for us by Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea in AD 26–36, who uses this title again (v. 9) when he addresses the crowd baying for Jesus to be executed. It is then made into a statement as the charge against Jesus written on the inscription nailed above him on the cross (v. 26) and was used as a term of mockery and abuse both by the soldiers (v. 18) and those stood watching the crucifixion.

John’s Gospel gives us more insight into the controversy relating to this statement which has both religious and political implications, and which was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek so that it could be widely read, albeit only by those with a level of literacy to be able to do so. The chief priests argue with Pilate that the statement should be “This man said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'” (John 19:21). Mark has already described the interrogation of Jesus by the chief priests and religious council where their central question of Jesus was “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mark 14:61). Then Jesus acknowledged that he was, but to what Pilate may see as a more political charge of being 'King of the Jews' he provides a more ambiguous answer, “You say so.” (v. 2)

This question is therefore an important theme running through this narrative and is central to Mark’s Gospel. Mark repeatedly stresses that Jesus told people he healed that they should say nothing about what had happened or who they believed he was until the right time. Whether a cleansed leper (Mark 1:44), or Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:43), a deaf man (Mark 7:36), a blind man (Mark 8:26) and even the disciples themselves on the road to Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:30), Jesus told them to say nothing to anyone about what had happened or who they believed him to be. Needless to say, most of them couldn’t keep quiet about their amazing encounter with this special person.

We have an advantage in that we know the outcome of the events of this week, but as we reflect again on what happened and why, perhaps we too should try to place ourselves in the position of those who lived through these days at the time and ask ourselves who is this Jesus? Will we, at the end of the week be able to join with the solider at the foot of the Cross and declare “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (v. 39)

To Ponder:

• Imagine you were in the crowd watching each event that occurred on this day and think about how you would have reacted at that time.
• Other than Simon of Cyrene who is compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, no one else offers any support to Jesus and this is reflected in his cry “My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?” Are there people you know who feel alone or isolated today, and are you able to help support them in any way?