been particularly skillful as he lasted in office for nearly twenty years.

This was the Jerusalem Jesus entered on Palm Sunday. His message was deeply critical of the temple and the role it had come to play in the domination system of empire and Jesus pronounces forgiveness apart from temple sacrifice. Jesus's message and activity put him in conflict with the temple authorities from the moment he arrived in Jerusalem.

As we consider Palm Sunday we need to be clear that the conflict which led to Jesus's crucifixion was not Jesus against Judaism. Jesus was part of Judaism not apart from it. His protest is about a domination system legitimated by God. Jesus's is a Jewish voice arguing about what loyalty to the God of Judaism meant.

Two processions entered Jerusalemhis charm when we bumped into him again in Boots and I accused him of stalking us.

The events of Palm Sunday remind us that spin is no modern invention, says David Monkton

Rev Dr David Monkton The Guardian, Saturday 4 April 2009

Palm Sunday began an intensely dramatic and significant week in the life of Jesus, marking the climax of his work and ministry. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was a staged event designed to gain maximum effect. The gospel writers make no secret of this. The clue to the pre-planning lies in the words spoken to the owner of the "beast of burden". The phrase "The Lord has need of it" was a password to a prearranged agreement.

This journey into the city is seen by the early church