"Blessed is the one who comes
in the name of the Lord."
(John 12:12, NRSV)
"Follow me."
These words, a call from an itinerant teacher to two brothers, young fishermen Peter and Andrew, launched a ministry in relationship that still persists to this day. In a world bent on destroying connection and care, Jesus called these two young men into a future they could not have ever imagined. They would indeed follow. Into and through encounters with the blind, sick, and even the dead - they would watch as the power of God Almighty came through that teacher. Facing demons and dangers of this world and beyond, they followed a man they hadn't known in the least when he first called them. I often wonder how many times they secretly wished to be back in their father's boat mending nets.
The call was heard by others, including the twelve disciples we know by name from the Gospel accounts, but also by the thousands who were fed, healed, and made whole. The call was heard by Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, where he gave up his evil plot to destroy the Followers and became one of them. The call was heard by great leaders throughout history, leading to the conversion of societies and the acceptance of the Truth by millions. The call was heard by your loved ones, long passed, and no doubt, you've heard the call too.
Before returning to Jerusalem days before what would be his arrest, farcical trial, and execution, Jesus once again bade his disciples to follow. They did, reluctantly for the most, and I am certain they were as unprepared for the following that day as they were years earlier when they first dropped their nets, laid down their tax registry, gave up their lives.
Now, standing on a hill overlooking the Holy City, these same disciples face their fears head-on. They've given up everything, and they know the faith they have in this teacher, the Son of Man, the Son of God. They are not prepared for everything that may happen, but rather, they are ready for anything that comes their way.
***
During the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, a call came in to a customer service representative from United Airlines flight 93. On the other end of the call, 32 year-old mural artist Todd Beamer described the situation on board. As he and the other passengers transitioned from fear in the face of terror to determination in the face of adversity, his last words heard on that phone call were, "Are you ready? Okay. Let's roll."
Beamer had been educated in Christian private schools throughout his childhood and adolescence, and earned his degree in business from Wheaton, a Christian liberal arts college. Though we will never be able to know what motivated Beamer on that fateful day, his words reflect a faith and determination not unlike that of Jesus' earliest followers. Right over might. Faith over fear.
***
In the days that followed Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he would be welcomed and honored, he would be guest and host, he would be servant and master. He would be befriended by strangers and betrayed by friends. And ultimately he would be led to Calvary by the guards, followed by those same disciples.
When have you faced a situation with faith over fear? When have you had to choose what is right in the face of threatening might? When have you followed Jesus even though it meant the road ahead was uncertain but surely dangerous?
As we prepare for Holy Week, let us move into this Palm Sunday with the faith that led first two, then twelve, then millions. Let us put our trust in Jesus, who may take us to our cross, but will also be waiting for us on the other side of it. And may we have the courage, despite our doubts, to encourage one another along the way.
In other words, "Let's roll."
In Christ,
J.M.D.