Shouting and Silence

In this Lenten sermon series, we study the stories and parables that defined Jesus’ final chapter in ministry. The story of Lent is a story of messy middles. Jesus is on the road, but he’s not there yet. Jesus is telling stories, but the crowds don’t understand. Jesus is leading a parade, but it’s not the one they expected. Jesus is risen, but the disciples can’t forget the cross. The story of Lent, the story of our faith, is a story of messy middles and nuanced surprises. So this Lent, we are remembering that faith is more complex than this or that, black or white, true or false storytelling. This Lent, we are wading into the middle of these sacred texts to find God and to stretch our own understanding and we hope you’ll join us. Welcome to an in-between Lent. This is the light before the dawn.

Jesus doesn’t instigate his own parade. Instead, just his quiet presence alone inspires the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn’t the point—even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed and when it’s just noise.