1 April 2007

Luke 19:28-40

“Do you know your King?”

In case you were wondering, Dr. Shadrach Meshach (S.M.) Lockridge was born in 1913 and died April 4 of 2000. He was born in Texas and spent his entire life in ministry. He was very active in the Civil Rights movement and helped Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Rev. Jesse Jackson in the fight for equality and human dignity for African Americans. 

Very much in the African American tradition, Pastor Lockridge tries to explain to us what Jesus means to him. Using simple language he touches our minds and souls. Hearing him speak and seeing some of the images of Jesus from around the world we are moved by his sincerity and conviction of faith. 

He has a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has asked good questions about who Jesus is. He has done his research. He quotes Scriptures.  He understands the historical impact that Jesus Christ has made in the world, from the academic arena to politics to personal convictions.

Yet, he is not interested in political arguments of who Jesus was and is. He is not interested in Christian apologetics. He is not interested in defining for us the true historical Jesus. He is not interested in explaining to us with theological terms the life of the Christ.  However, I am sure if asked, he could have given us a great theological explanation of the King he serves. I am sure if asked, he could have given us in detail the impact that his King has made in history.  But, more than giving us facts, this African American Pastor really wants to know if we know Jesus. 

“Do you know Him?” was his question. I am sure that you can agree with me that Dr. Lockridge had in mind more than simply knowing about Jesus. “Do you know Him” is a question about having a person relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I have read a few papers written by Deena Reene Elizalde Graybill. I have read her Masters’ Paper done for the Nursing Department of the University of Illinios at Chicago (UIC).  By what I have read, I can tell you that she loves nursing and is very concerned for the health care of those underserved and marginalized in our communities. I probably can learn more about Deena Reene Elizalde Graybill if I read more of her papers and perhaps if I read papers or articles written about her. However, this is not necessary, and do you know why? Because I have a relationship with her.

I know a lot more about her than what a paper tells me. I know a lot more about her than what I might read about her in some article. You see, I know her. I have a relationship with her. I talk to her. She tells me what she needs and what she is most concerned about.  And, I share with her what I need and what I’m most concerned about. I know what makes her sad. I know what makes her laugh. I know what makes her angry. I know what scares her. I know who she loves. I know who frustrates her. I know what is important to her. I have a relationship with her. I know her. 

You see, the question “Do you know him” is asking “Do you know Jesus Christ like you know your best friend, like you know your spouse?” Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you know what is important to him? Do you know what makes him sad? Do you know what makes him angry? Do you know what scares him? Do you know who he loves? Do you know what frustrates him? 

Do you tell him your concerns? Do you tell him what makes you angry, sad and happy? Do you talk to him? 

I can tell you what the book of Luke say about Jesus. For Luke, Jesus is the Messiah and the King that is getting ready to turn the world upside down. For Luke, Jesus is the Messiah and the King that will inaugurate God’s Kingdom here on earth. For Luke, Jesus is the Messiah and the King that will judge the living and the dead. For Luke, Jesus is the Messiah and the King that will alter the course of history forever. 

So often we read the “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem and spiritualize it. We think that Jesus coming to Jerusalem as a King sitting on a donkey or a colt is a future description of what kind of King Jesus will be, humble and peaceful. So often we make remarks contrasting this humble King with the militaristic, selfish and powerful kings of today’s world. Then we say, “our king is different” “our king is humble” “our king is peaceful.” “He is not blood thirsty.” “He is not interested in world dominion.” “He is not interested in developing weapons of mass destruction.” “He is not interested in killing others for his personal gain.” 

Yet, the question remains, “Do you know him?” Do you really know Jesus Christ? Do you know your King? Do you know what he is doing coming to Jerusalem on the day when King David is praised and remembered? Do you know what he is doing and the thoughts and the provocations he is inciting by riding on a colt? Do you know what type of political and civil unrest he is provoking by allowing “the whole multitude of the disciples” to scream in the midst of this Jewish celebration “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” (v. 37, 38)? Do you know what he is doing? Do you know your king?

Luke makes it very clear that Jesus is getting ready to turn the world upside down. Only Luke puts the parable of the “Ten Pounds” just before Jesus enters Jerusalem. The parable is simple. A king has to go away for a while. He leaves money with his servants.  However, it is very apparent that the people hate him and do not want him to rule over them. Upon his return he inquires about the money he left behind. One servant said “I made ten more pounds with the ten pounds I got.” He is praised.  A second servant said “I made five pounds with the five pounds I got.” He too is praised. The last servant said, “I made nothing.  I saved the money.” The king is angry with him and takes the money and gives it to the one who made ten pounds. Toward the end of the parable Jesus tells the crowd of disciples, “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them- bring them here and slaughter them in my presence” (vv. 26, 27). 

It is with this background that we find Jesus entering Jerusalem. “After he had said this, he went on ahead, going to Jerusalem” (v. 28). Do you know your King? 

What is the connection between this parable and what takes place in Jerusalem? There are many, but let me make just a few connections. First, the parable spoke of a real king with a real kingdom. When Jesus is called king by the crowds of disciples, he is viewed as an actual king returning to his kingdom. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the LORD!” (v. 38a), the crowds screamed.  The disciples were not spiritualizing the kingdom of Jesus. They spoke of an actual king with an actual kingdom. Second, Jesus’ kingdom and kingship was peaceful.  It was not going to be a forceful and bloody take-over of the kingdom of Herod. The words, “Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” (v. 38b), speak of actual peace. The idea was not for soldiers to die, for blood to be shed. And third, those who received the king in the parable and those who received Jesus did not want them to rule over them. The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop” (v. 39) . 

You see, the world does not want Jesus to rule.  The world does not want the peace that He brings to us. Like the citizens of Jerusalem, the world does not see Jesus nor embrace his kingdom.  Even today we can hear our king say to the world, “if you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (v. 42). 

Do you know your king? Do you know that he is not embraced and welcomed by many here on earth? Do you know he is in fact hated by many? Do you know he is concerned for justice and righteousness? Do you know he has a kingdom, an actual kingdom, that he has already inaugurated? Do you know he is concerned for peace? And that if you work for peace, you too will be hated? Do you know your king will judge the living and the dead? Do you know that even his enemies will one day bend their knees and call him king?

Do you know that your king wants to know you? Do you know that your king loves you? Do you know that your king wants to hear from you? Do you know that your king wants to have a relationship with you? Do you know that your king wants to serve you? Do you know that your king wants your praise and your honor? Do you know that he welcomes and craves your loyalty and embrace?