The Question of the Cloak

Intro

Luke 19:28–40 “28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.””

The cloak: himation (hǐ-MĂ-tǐ-ǒn)

The himation, a large rectangular garment worn either as an outer cloak or on its own, was one of the most enduring garments within Greek society. It was worn by both men and women with varying agency, across centuries and different regions. While its immediate appearance may suggest uniformity and simplicity, its varied uses conveyed important information about an individual in regards to their status in society, gendered roles, and ritual significance. The way in which an individual wore the himation, from its draping, coverage, and ornamentation, were all markers of identity, modesty (or its absence), and social control. This chapter will explore these functions of the himation, analyzing its role as a symbol of Greek identity, a tool of gendered modesty, and a garment of philosophical and ritual significance.

Three groups of people mentioned in this story, revealing three responses to the King:

Jesus’ Disciples : Devotion that obeys

Walked with Jesus for 3 - 3 1/2 years

followed his direction without bargaining

laid their cloaks on the donkey

they were present for the journey … even to the cross

Quite literally putting Jesus in the driver’s seat

Full devotion is more than admiration; it’s submission

Crowd of followers: Devotion that celebrates.

Cheered for Jesus

big, loud, exuberant public display of “worship”

laid their cloaks on the pathway, a sign of honor

Jesus, I’ll honor you publically, but I will not follow you.

Are we guilty of giving Jesus our songs but not our schedules?

It’s possible to shout ‘Blessed is the King’ and never surrender to the King

Pharisees: Devotion withheld

Criticized Jesus and his followers

They did not worship, surrender, or lay anything down

hung onto their cloaks

Jesus, I’ll keep control and critique from a distance

A critical spirit often comes from a heart that refuses to bow

Conclusion

In each case, the actions came from the heart.

Luke 6:45 “45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

What will you do with your cloak?

lay it on the donkey, “Jesus, you can direct my life.”

lay it on the road, “Jesus, I’ll honor you publicly… but will I follow you fully?”

hold it tight, “Jesus, I’ll keep control and critique from a distance.”

Jesus is not looking for fans. He is calling disciples