The Rocks Will Croak

Jesus answered, “I tell you, if [my disciples] were silent, the stones would shout out.” – Luke 19:40 (NRSV) 

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. The whole multitude of disciples will flood the roadside with shouts of praise and cries of solidarity as Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem. It’s a crowd so big and loud, we’d never hear what the rocks have to say, no matter how loud they scream.  

As Jesus turns toward the cross, his followers get quieter and quieter. His friends see the reality of arrest, trial, and crucifixion, and they disperse through acts of betrayal, denial, and silence. Is that when we hear the stones?  

The Greek verb, krazo, is usually translated as “cry” or “shout out,” as it is in reference to stones here in Luke. Krazo is used frequently when people cry out for Jesus, seeking a release from suffering or danger. Jesus always hears and always responds.  

The first definition of krazo in a Greek dictionary, however, is “croak,” like a frog: these rocks will start croaking. If it’s not absurd enough that stones might start screaming in the face of an oppressive empire to proclaim that Jesus comes in the name of the Lord for the salvation of all people, imagine if they started ribbiting. God will do whatever it takes to get God’s point across. 

As we head into the deepest part of the Lenten wilderness, we might notice the steadfast sounds of creation, even when the support of human community falls short. Jesus trusted that he would never truly walk the lonesome valley by himself. He carried the assurance that God will do whatever it takes to get the point across, even when people fall silent. In the dark and lonesome valley, the rocks will start to croak. Perhaps the bushes will roar. The stars will purr. The streams will sing birdsongs. God, ever-present, will never fall silent.  

Prayer
God of the boisterous parade and the lonesome valley, tune us to hear the unexpected ways you break through the silence, and remind us that we are never alone.

About the Author
Joanna D’Agostino is the Senior Pastor at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, Ohio.