Luke 19:28-40 (NRSV)
Read Luke 19:28-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 28After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Verse 29When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, Verse 30saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. Verse 31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" Verse 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. Verse 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" Verse 34They said, "The Lord needs it." Verse 35Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. Verse 36As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. Verse 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, Verse 38saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" Verse 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." Verse 40He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."
Devotion
Nothing can stop the voice of Jesus, or stop those who hear his voice. Palm Sunday begins joyfully with a multitude following and praising Jesus, but the week will end with Jesus on the cross, surrounded by only a core of faithful women and men. The shouts of praise will be replaced by wails of lament as Jesus speaks his last words on the cross. But this is not the end.
For as Jesus foretells, though his followers become silent, like Peter disavowing him in his final hours, the stones cry out as an earthquake rattles the land at Jesus' death. Even this is not the end, for Jesus will rise from the grave and forever change reality. His followers will go on to praise God and spread the gospel of salvation throughout the world.
The stones will indeed cry out and speak boldly throughout history. Today, we are those living stones, the temple of the Lord's dwelling, who shout out in response to Christ, our risen Lord. What are we saying? To whom are we speaking the message?
Prayer
Oh, holy God—Creator, Christ, Holy Spirit—guide my speech and guide my listening, so that I may hear you and speak of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.