Holy Week and conflict

This week is referred to as Holy Week in the life of the church. It is the week in which we go from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem through his death, and ultimately to resurrection.

And all through this week, there is conflict.

It starts with Jesus entry into Jerusalem. It is a conflict of expectations. Jesus enters the city on a donkey by himself. Where is his army that will free Jerusalem from the Romans? Are they hiding in the hills waiting to strike? The people cheer “Hosanna” — set us free. They claim it in reference to their bondage to Rome. But Jesus knows their bondage is much greater than just Rome — it is the bondage of sin and death. He comes to set them free from sin and death. Rome will fall, but it’s just not nearly as important as conquering sin and death — things that have been around much longer than Rome and will be around longer than Rome could ever hope for.

The conflict continues — Jesus goes to the temple. He flips the tables of the money changers. He fashions a whip and drives the animals out. This causes a stir — will a riot break out? The temple authorities are exposed as being nothing more than agents of the empire — existing to maintain the status quo of oppression.

The conflict continues — Judas, one of the twelve who follows Jesus, agrees to hand Jesus over in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. The conflict comes to a head during supper on Thursday of this week and culminated with the kiss of betrayal in the garden. A sword is wielded and an ear is cut…