Some Good Old Movies

I love catching old movies and I especially love it at this time. This is when we have ‘Ben Hur’, ‘The Robe’ and even ‘The Ten Commandments’. There is one movie that I have only seen once and am on the lookout for. It is called ‘Barabbas’. Much of what we read in the gospels is related to the culture of the Roman Empire. Actually, these old movies give us a good insight into that time period. All the pomp and circumstance! The great and triumphant entries after battle! The power and control that the Romans had over their occupied territories!

When you try to understand the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, what we call Palm Sunday, in the light of the Roman Empire – it offers a very different attitude. We want to remember the event as something very holy and as a time when – maybe – the people actually recognized Jesus for what he was, but maybe not. The events unfold as a charade on the Romans. They often rode into a town with great parades and the Jews were forced to participate. The Romans rode in on great steeds, while Jesus chose a donkey.

I see this scene as a direct ‘in your face’ confrontation to the Romans! And so another nail goes in the cross. The Romans killed Jesus and the Temple scribes and priests co-opted their authorities to stay in their good graces.

I hope you will be able to watch some good old movies in the next few weeks. And, if anyone sees ‘Barabbas’ on the schedule – call me! Oh, my new Austin cell number is: 740-6480.

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae