Title: Meaning of Suffering
Contents
I. Sunday
** triumphal entry into Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19)
The sufferings of the Lord begin with the entry into Jerusalem. A few days before the Passover, the streets of Jerusalem were crowded with people. Jesus, the Passover lamb, came in from the side of the Mount of Olives riding the lamb that the disciples had rescued. When he was in Galilee, many people who had heard his teachings and received help began to gather when they heard the news that Jesus was coming. In particular, those who saw the miracle of five fish and ate the bread thought that they should make Jesus the king of the Jews at this opportunity.
So he started to sing Hosanna Hurray. The crowd started to get excited. Some people escorted Jesus by breaking palm branches as a sign of victory, while others took off their clothes and spread them along the road as Jesus passed. “Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.” The streets of Jerusalem trembled as Jesus entered.
Jesus entered his city as a king according to the words of Zechariah 9:9. However, it was far from the king the crowd wanted and the kingship of Jesus. The crowd thought of him as the king of a limited nation, the king of the flesh (liberation from Roman oppression and solving the bread problem), but Jesus' kingship is the king of the universe and the eternal king.
II. Monday
* Cursing the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20, Mark 11:12-14, 20, 21)
After resting one evening outside the city at Bethany, Jesus headed for Jerusalem early in the morning. Feeling hungry on the way, Jesus went under a fig tree by the side of the road just in time. However, only the leaves grew and no fruit was obtained. Disappointed, Jesus cursed, saying, “No man shall eat fruit from you from now on forever.”
* Cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12,13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45,46)
Jesus, who had entered the city, went straight to the temple by that way. Jesus saw people in the temple making a fuss about changing money and selling animals. He couldn't help but lift the whip. I drive out animals and bring people who do business.