As I read of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, a detail in the story puzzles me. Who are these guys who own the donkey’s colt Jesus rides into the city? Where did they come from and what’s really happening here? Why loan their livestock to strangers?
Is it like Obi Wan Kenobi playing a Jedi mind trick on the storm troopers to keep Luke out of trouble? Early in the original Star Wars film just before the Cantina scene, Imperial storm troopers are hunting down two droids, C3PO and R2D2. They surround Luke and Obi Wan – who are in possession of these very droids – demanding to see some identification, when Obi Wan steps in with some impressive powers.
Obi Wan to storm trooper in charge: You don't need to see his identification.
Storm trooper in charge to his men: We don’t need to see his identification.
Obi Wan to storm trooper in charge: These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.
Storm trooper in charge to his men: These aren’t the droids we’re looking for.
Obi Wan to storm trooper in charge: He (Luke) can go about his business.
Storm trooper in charge to Luke: You can go about your business.
Obi Wan to storm trooper in charge: Move along.
Storm trooper in charge to Luke: Move along.
So was Jesus pulling an “Obi Wan,” telepathically controlling the donkey owners, compelling them to unwittingly volunteer their animal for Jesus’ use? A similar thing happens a few days later with the upper room where Jesus and his disciples shared the Passover meal (Mark 14:12-15).
Cool as Obi Wan’s powers are, I think something far more exciting was going on here and even now, 2000 years later, it gives me pause at certain times – maybe when I’m tempted to rush to judgment about someone whose path has crossed mine. I think Jesus had followers his followers didn’t know anything about. Not everyone who loved Jesus was cheering on the roadside as he made his way into Jerusalem that day. I think Jesus had followers his followers didn’t know about.
I think he still does.
- Paul Abbott
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