Palm Sunday - Entry into Jerusalem

 

Duccio di Buoninsegna, Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem. 1311.  Opera del Duomo, Siena

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, "The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately. " This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,  "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."  The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"  When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?"  The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

                                                                                                Matthew 21:1 -11  (NRSV)

 

            The main intention of medieval artists creating religious art was didactic, to translate stories from the Bible into visual narratives for the largely illiterate populace. Although the craftsman of the middle ages was aware of artistic techniques such as perspective, to create a more realistic presentation, these conventions were not considered to be important. Stylized symbols were more highly valued as they could be repeated in a traditional manner, making them more readily recognizable and memorable. This is why medieval art appears flat and sometimes even primitive to our modern eyes.  

            Duccio was one of the innovators who bridged the artistic gap between the middle ages and the Renaissance. For example, in Entry, Duccio sets Christ back in the picture plane (compared to earlier conceptions of this scene). This establishes a new kind of spatial depth. He also introduced a wider variety and greater intensity of emotion, resulting in a more animated effect. Note that the reactions of the multitudes range from curiosity to awestruck; some are exchanging glances, some offer hospitality, others are frantically gathering palm leaves with which to honor the visitor. 

            Andrew Graham-Dixon, a leading art critic, adds this comment:  "Duccio has, I believe, added his own message to the faithful. Below the road along which Christ rides unkempt grass grows up against an ochre wall; and into that wall the painter has set a door, leaving it ajar like an invitation. I think this was his way of allowing the viewer into the sacred scene. It is a small detail, but a significant one, carrying as it does the suggestion that those who hold fast to their faith will also, one day, be permitted to enter the city of God."                                                                                        http://www.andrewgrahamdixon.com

Questions on which to meditate:

If you had been in the crowd, how would you have reacted?  Do you identify with anyone in particular who is portrayed in this scene?

The people depicted here are expecting a King, someone who will conquer the Roman Empire. Yet God's plan was different, much bigger than their expectations. Have you placed expectations of your own on God? Do you have faith in God in some areas of your life, but fail to trust Him in other areas?     

Prayer:

Ask for strength, for yourself, your family, and your community. Pray for faith, even when God shows up in ways we don't expect or sometimes even want.