Burridge writes
Although Mary's anointing Jesus' feet hinted at a burial, rather than anointing the head as for a king, the next scene looks like a coronation. (p. 154)Jesus' entry into Jerusalem might very well have resulted in his coronation. Much of what John records in the first part of the Gospel can be looked at in terms of the ancient characteristics of divine/sacred kingship. There is the divine anointing, in this case the descending of the Spirit witnessed by John the Baptist--not to mention the implication of his divine parentage. Jesus provides for the people at the wedding at Cana and in feeding the 5,000. He heals repeatedly, even raising the dead. He judges with mercy when the scribes and Pharisees bring the woman caught in adultery.
Is it any wonder that the Sanhedrin is nervous? Can we doubt that the occupying Romans are any less nervous?
Burridge continues
Jesus, however, has consistently refused political kingship and withdrew into the desert last time to hide from them. Now he finds, not the conqueror's mighty horse, but a young donkey, a symbol of peace and lowliness. (p. 155)Yet sacred kingship is not entirely political. The king also bears the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood for the people. Jesus clearly knows this as demonstrated by telling us that he is the Good Shepherd and the Light of the World.
Burridge concludes
...far from a military campaign for one nation against another, the Good Shepherd is bringing his sheep from all the world into one flock. (p. 155)The King arrives to complete the final act of his sacred kingship.
Peace,
Jeffri
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