Identity, Interpretation, and Intent

As we celebrate Palm Sunday today, we will actually look at events which took place on the Thursday evening and Friday morning of Passion Week:  Peter’s denial of Jesus and a series of trials which ultimately result in Pontius PIlate’s decision to release Barabbas and instead send Jesus of Nazareth to be crucified.  At first glance, such a story may not seem to hold much for the reader in terms of application, given that it centers around such unique historical events.  However, as we consider the details, issues of personal identity, how we interpret reality and view the world around us, and what motivates our decisions in life are actually “front and center” in these passages.  This section of Luke holds great promise to both help us better understand and appreciate God’s love and strength as well as our common bonds as clay-footed pilgrims who have been made in God’s image and are offered the abundant path of redemption.