April 11-17, 2011
Editorial
Editorial: A Passion Week marked by suffering and rejoicing
Translated by Lydia Ma
The first Passion Week nearly 2,000 years ago was perhaps the most dramatic and cataclysmic sequence of events ever in human history. The week began with Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem on a colt, greeted like a king by multitudes shouting “Hosanna!” This crowd had most likely waited decades or since the Maccabean revolt before seeing the rise of a champion with potential to overthrow the much-hated Roman authorities.
Had they followed Jesus around prior to that week, it was obvious at that moment that they were oblivious or disinterested in Jesus’ real message. But when it became apparent that Jesus wasn’t going to satisfy the people’s hysteria or satisfy their thirst to avenge Roman rulers, the crowd wasted no time in turning their anger against him instead.
Faced with a similar crazed mob a few days later, it was no wonder Pontius Pilate very quickly realized people were quickly getting out of control and pacified them by freeing Barabbas and crucifying Jesus.
Were they wrong to expect a deliverer? Not at all. But Jesus’ destiny was more than what they’d ever dreamed of – he was going to be a savior, not merely a conqueror or a magician. He wasn’t going to bring about salvation through brute force.
The power God displayed through Moses would manifest itself again through Jesus – albeit in a completely different manner – and both would serve the same purpose of delivering God’s people. God’s power through Jesus would be displayed through Jesus’ humility, crucifixion, passion, forgiveness, and death.
Suffering is an unavoidable part of human life and for this reason the Son of God was sent to the world – so that he would share in our human suffering and bring us hope through his resurrection. This ultimate triumph over suffering is at the core of a Christian’s belief. People often say the “process” is more important than the “outcome”, but in this case, the “outcome” is just as important and just as certain because Jesus rose again in glory.
That being said, when we observe Passion Week this year and remember the process Jesus went through, let us also participate in it with Jesus and the rest of this suffering world.