But should I have jumped off my steed, stripped, turned cheek and walked a mile down the road? Feel free to check my theology as it’s probably quite holey - ie bits missing

Last night was Palm Sunday so we looked at Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem amidst the palm branch waving mob. While Jesus approached from the east, Rome likely marched from the west to reinforce the Jerusalem garrison. As the Passover festival swelled Jerusalem’s population 500% to celebrate being freed from tyranny Jesus’ actions weren’t just another guy riding on a donkey.

He knew what he was doing. To me it seems like the best of street theatre protesting at the forces of empire. From the west march a procession of empire’s legions, from the east rides the saviour from Israel just as the mob expect their liberator. The mob suges with expectation as Passover so often brings revolutionary clashes. But it’s late so Jesus and his mates go home. What?

I think he was using the opportunity to make a statement against empire and the way they (also we) come in power and violence to solve problems. He came in humility on a donkey mocking the procession of mighty warhorses and chariots happening on the other side of the city. Yet even the mob wasn’t prepared for Jesus’ radical weapon - perfect love. Within a week the mob combined with empire to violently provide Jesus with the opportunity to use this weapon of love in the cross.

So all this got me thinking about how can I ever hope to match this master of protest. Other examples of great 1st century ideas Jesus suggested included:

> Turning the other cheek when hit. If a master was to slap a slave backhanded turning your cheek would require the master to slap you openhanded and therefore say he was equal to you.

> If someone was so stingy as to request your coat to repay a debt strip off. Back then the person looking at someone naked was shamed.

> If a soldier presses you to carry his gear a mile, go to the next mile post after. Roman soldiers weren’t allowed to force the inhabitants of lands they invaded to go more than one mile as they might revolt. One mile was just enough opression to let the vanquished know who’s boss and make life a little easier on the side.

So what would Jesus suggest when a gang of Bangkok cops are pulling over poor motorcyclists for bribes? During the sermon last night I resolved to work out beforehand what to do. In the end I thought maybe I could kneel in the dirt and embaress the cop into letting me go.

So true to bizare Bangkok I was pulled over for not riding in the most left lane. I’d just turned right into the road and the left of 3 lanes was full of parked cars. Basically anyone who obeys this “rule” all the time would have a short lived riding experience in chaotic Bangkok. So there’s plenty of opportunity for cops to “uphold” the law.

The cops spread out in a rugby line across the road so I pulled over knowing what was coming. I got of the bike and removed my helmet. I answered their questions in Thai automatically without thinking and handed over my license. Realising it was going the usual way I decided to try out my new idea so I knelt down in the road dirt and asked for mercy. The reaction was swifter than I expected. Before anyone could see me, two cops pulled me to my feet. The cop dealing with me brazenly said he was ready to help. I gave in and passed over 100 baht.

Ahhhh I sold out. Usually the bribe would be 200 baht (for a farung) or I’d spend a few hours getting my license back at the station and paying 400 baht. But that’s not the point. Cops shouldn’t be exploiting motorbike riders (who are poor and they know they can intimidate) through a technicality in the law to line their own pockets.

Any ideas? What response would Jesus make? I think next time I’ll force myself to speak only English. Maybe even lie face down but any other ideas or comments are welcome.