The Trouble with Jesus
by Constance Hastings
The Trouble with Jesus: People have to see that real power he carried, the kind people always twist, before they’ll ever understand what he was really about.
Man, this is why you never you never really blew up. Rolling into town on a donkey like you’re headlining a circus? Your haters must’ve been clowning you nonstop. Don Quixote probably looked at you and said, “Yeah, that’s the vibe.”
Jesus, you weren’t just delusional. You were in a whole different galaxy. Let the crowd hype you up if they want. They’ll figure out real quick where this road ends. Don’t expect applause when it gets real. Folks switch up faster than a skater doing a spin on ice.
Resigned Acceptance
Jesus had been on a decided path, locked in, for weeks. The old scrolls say he “set his face” toward Jerusalem, meaning he wasn’t backing down, wasn’t drifting, wasn’t hesitating. And on that road? He dropped his most classic material: Good Samaritan, Lost Sheep, Prodigal Son. People got healed, body and soul, inside and out. Folks started tagging along thinking they were joining the next big movement.
That day, he led his disciples in the familiar manner of rabbi and his followers, walking ahead as they followed, stepping in his very footprints. Anticipation was simmering.
Not far from Jerusalem Jesus gives instructions as if he already knew the script. He sends two of The Twelve to grab an unbroken colt from a village. If questioned, the reply is to be, “The Lord needs it.” All happened without challenge, no drama, no questions.
His mood shifted. Whereas before Jesus pushed through crowds like he owned the street, now he’s quiet, almost surrendered, submissive. Three years ago, his resistance had been strong. “My time has not yet come,” he’d protested. Today? He’s done arguing. He’s walking straight into whatever’s waiting. No turning back. God’s plan was rolling. Thy will would be done.
Stage of Irony
The Twelve are hyped, ready for what’s ahead. They throw their coats on the donkey like it’s a royal saddle. The crowd catches their energy and carpet the road with their own clothing. From the top of the Mount of Olives, heading toward the city, people are shouting, singing, losing their minds over the miracles they’ve seen.
Convinced by Jesus’ deeds, people whose lives were changed beyond what any could have hoped, they call him King. They swear peace is right around the corner. They nearly tasted the promise.
You’re right though to ridicule it, this parody, a caricature of royal processions, notorious Roman victory parades. This triumphal entry displayed a jittery donkey, not a battle-strong stallion. Their “hero” had never called up an army or plotted a coup against the regime. The people thought they’d only be saved by military rebellion and nationalism. Jesus had told them to turn the other cheek and love their enemy. Instead, he’s being promoted as the general they always wanted, everything he was not.
Destiny
No matter. No point trying to fix their expectations now. They weren’t going to get it. Only by watching a different kind of power, the kind nobody understands at first, would they figure out what he was about, realize his purpose. Let them have their parade, story twisted and misdirected as it was.
Meanwhile, the religious leaders are sweating bullets. Pharisees shouted for him to shut up the crowd. Sure, they’re scared Rome might crack down, but Jesus wouldn’t be the only recipient of its force. They’re scared of losing their own status. Shaking ground would only sink them all. Funny thing is, Rome doesn’t even show up. (Luke 19:39)
Jesus sees past them. His time had come, and history would center, pivot, even be measured by his life. Should mortals be short sighted, the design of God would not. People might not understand him for what he was, yet in their confused shouting they still hit on truth. King of their hearts, Prince of Peace in their souls, Jesus’ reign reached into heaven.
Granted, this procession was a sham, a joke. But destiny doesn’t care about optics. The world has to respond in some way.
The whole city was electric, buzzing. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds replied, “Jesus, Prophet from Nazareth.”
No matter. He just rode on. Let the moment be what it was. He went along for the ride.
Like this? Find it and more in the book offered below!
Named 2024 Notable Book Award by Southern Christian Writers Conference!
The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away by Constance Hastings Ask for it wherever you buy your books, or just Click Here.
For those who have read The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away, please leave a review and help spread some "Jesus Trouble!" Click Here.
Subscribe to The Trouble with Jesus Blog Here.
