Historical photos show soldiers returning from World War 2 to a ticker tape parade down the canyoned streets of New York City with thousands lining the sidewalks in celebration of the courageous, victorious heros who have vanquished the enemy. Different eras and different cultures have rituals which accomplish the same societal function.
In Jesus’ day such occasions featured a military leader astride a steed with festooned soldiers in tow parading down the main drag of Jerusalem to great acclaim. Jesus has come to Jerusalem for the High Holy Days, the celebration of Passover. He knows his enemies are plotting to entrap him. He knows they have been waiting and wondering if he will appear for Passover or if he will lay low to avoid trouble. There is much speculation and suspicion. Who will make what move and when? Jesus is bold and direct. He makes his moves out in the open, without fear, grounded in faithfulness.
In the gospels we are told of a procession through the streets of Jerusalem lined with the faithful who have come to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. The population has swelled for the festival. Jesus comes riding into town on a donkey; not a heroic horse, but a beast of burden. For Jesus comes not as a symbol of war, but he comes in peace. His ride on the palm lined street symbolizes the antithesis of the victory march of a military leader. Jesus comes in humility, as one who serves the least and the lost. He comes as one who represents the opposite of Empire, domination, subjugation, and power maintained through intimidation and violence. He is not afraid. He is not intimidated even though he knows there are those waiting to kill him. He does not come to dominate or subjugate but to truly liberate. All people. For all time.
Palm Sunday and the ensuing week invite us to think about what kind of savior this Jesus really is and we receive him.
Prayer: We come to our holy week, our festival, our celebration of liberation this week. The story is familiar. But in the days ahead, may we find new meaning in the words and images that convey the greatest expression of Divine Love yet revealed in human history. May we be open to receiving that love into our lives and sharing it with the world whatever the cost. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 