A reflection for Tuesday in Holy Week. It is written from the point of view of a bystander gathering to listen to Jesus.

Written 25 March 2024.

Suggested Scripture: Mark 11:20-13:37

We’ve come to listen to Jesus teach,
just one more time.
To hear what he has to say to the people.
To learn from this great teacher
who brings curiosity,
new energy,
new hope,
a buzz wherever he goes.

But perhaps, we’ve also come to watch a ‘scene’ –
how will the authorities react as Jesus teaches,
now he’s in the holy city?
There’s bound to be unrest amongst those
who do their best to keep us all in their order.

The interactions – they don’t disappoint.
Time and again, the leaders challenge Jesus,
try to trip him up with devious questions –
to which there can be no good answers.
But, as we witness once again,
Jesus is the one with that one response
to silence even the most honoured scholar of the law.

It seems clear as the authorities,
once more, shrink away,
their interactions with Jesus are not over.
They will be back –
but for now the spectacle is over –
we are free to listen with no distractions,
as Jesus preaches, and interacts with his followers,
and engages with those who truly believe in him.