Palm Sunday C (RCL) – A Preacher’s Ponderings

Sabbath rest

Palm/Passion Sunday; 10 April 2022; Sunday of the Passion C (RCL); Luke 19:28-40; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-6; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:14 – 23:56.

The readings for Palm/Passion Sunday always present the preacher with a challenge. Each of the Gospel writers’ Passion narrative has its own theological emphases, and there is too much reading to preach on it all. In fact, one is often tempted just to let the passion preach itself, and to add nothing. However, these readings always need some unpacking, and the unique circumstances of each year require interpretation.

Talkin’ about the passion

14 April 2019
Palm/Passion Sunday
Year C (RCL)
Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 22:14 – 23:56

None of the Gospel writers, it seems to me, are very interested in developing a doctrine of atonement, in which Jesus’ death in some way deals with the problem of human sin. Paul is certainly interested in developing a theology of how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection establishes a new righteousness, but the Gospel writers wrap any such attempt in a narrative. Continue reading “Talkin’ about the passion”