Passion week has arrived, and one of the things I like to do to help me reflect on this week’s texts is to look at different artistic interpretations of Scripture, particularly from global perspectives.  Here are some Palm Sunday images, preceded by the recounting of Matthew.

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Matthew 21

21 1-3 When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: “Go over to the village across from you. You’ll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, ‘The Master needs them!’ He will send them with you.”

4-5 This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:

6-9 The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, “Hosanna to David’s son!” “Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!” “Hosanna in highest heaven!”

10 As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, “What’s going on here? Who is this?”

11 The parade crowd answered, “This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee.”

(Matthew 21:1-11 — MSG)

 

Palm Sunday by William Hemmerling

 

Jesus Mafa – The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem, Bénédite de la Roncière

 

He Qi, Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem

 

John August Swanson,  Entry Into the City