Sermon 28th March 2021– Palm Sunday Text: Mark 11:1-11 – My rights
MY RIGHTS is a phrase we are hearing more and more these days – It’s my right to do this or not do this. It’s
my body, my choice. Palm Sunday is an example of Jesus choosing the greater
good rather than his own rights.
On Palm Sunday we celebrate what is called Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into
Jerusalem. But this is the entry that Jesus had been telling his disciples
about when he said: that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the
hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he
must be killed. With the crowds shouting their support for him it must have
been tempting for Jesus to follow Peter’s suggestion instead when he responded
to Jesus - “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Jesus could have
demanded his own rights and gone on to be their earthly leader – but for how
long? But Jesus chose not too, as St Paul stated: though he was in the form of God, did not
regard equality with Godas something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a
servant. being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he
humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a
cross.
Jesus didn’t succumb to temptation but continued towards Jerusalem and
ultimately his death.
Let us not think for a moment that this was an easy decision for Jesus
simply because he was the Son of God. As well as being God Jesus was also human
like you and me and agonised over what Jerusalem would mean: In the Garden of
Gethsemane Jesus says: My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of
death,” Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from
me.
But Jesus then considered the greater good rather than his own rights
and said: Yet not what I will, but your will be done.” Jesus chose the greater
good over that of his own rights, a lesson that is sorely missing in today’s
“me” generation.
So much today is not thought of for the greater good but for my own
rights. It’s all about my rights – my opinion – my desires. And when something
violates “my” rights we demand action. My way – or we threaten to sue looking
for compensation. We choose and keep leaders based on opinion polls rather than
how good their policies are. And the trend these days for Governments once they
are elected is not what good they can bring to the people but how we can ensure
we are elected next time. And these days we are not prepared to go through some
period of pain for the greater good but want my rights.
There is this “demanding my rights” feel about the way many approach
life today. We see it in politics – we see it in the church – we see it on the
roads – in schools – in universities – in sport – in our daily routines – we see
it in the Covid restrictions which people disagree with (such as mask wearing).
Jesus on the other hand led a humble life. He had rights that he did not take
up. He did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited. Jesus was
truly God but he emptied himself of any right to use it to his advantage.
When we was arrested and Peter wanted to defend Jesus honour, Jesus said
– Don’t you think I could call on my
Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of
angels?
But how would that have served the common good? Instead - Jesus humbled
himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross.
We are called in Paul’s 2nd reading to let the same mind be in you that
was in Christ Jesus. And therefore we forgo our rights for the greater good. And
that’s okay because you will not miss out.
Instead, Jesus says, a greater reward is reserved when he says - your
Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Instead of allowing
our anger to govern and our thoughts, words and deeds, we allow the peace of
God that goes beyond understanding to watch guard over us.
You only have to look at the anger of people when their rights are
violated. We see people explode with road rage – or standing there at the shop
counter demanding their rights – yelling at the person on the end of the phone.
We saw so much of that during our Covid restrictions with people demanding “My
Rights”.
But look at Jesus and how he kept his composure even to the point of
death when he cried out to his father – not to avenge his blood but to forgive
them for they don’t know what they are doing. And because of his humility, Paul
says, God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name. Sometimes
the rights of the greater good exceed the individual rights as we see on Palm
Sunday when Jesus goes from hero to outcast because he refused to demand his
right to Kingship. True kingship was awaiting him and also you as you claim the
crown of glory for yourself.
Your life may not always go according to your expected rights but that
is what the cross represents. It represents forgoing at times our own rights
for the greater good. And the greater good is that all people coming to the
knowledge of God and being saved. Whatever it is that you are doing you have an
opportunity to show the grace and love of God to others particularly when you
refrain from showing anger and instead showing love. Instead of demanding “my
rights” we look for ways that we can serve others as Jesus did becoming a
servant of all. It’s a sad quality that is missing in today’s society as people
will usually respond by saying “I know my rights”.
God had the right to turn his back on humanity when we disobeyed him but
it was while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. And this is the mind
that we too should have that sometimes in advancing God’s kingdom we forgo our
rights for the greater good of sharing the gospel. But Jesus promises no one
who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the
sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age,
and in the age to come eternal life.” But seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
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