Many Christians are familiar with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. According to all four gospels, the week Jesus was crucified, he entered Jerusalem for the Passover festival riding on a donkey’s colt. He was acclaimed by crowds of followers who laid cloaks and branches on the ground before him and proclaimed him as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Today we commemorate this on Palm Sunday, the Sunday prior to Easter.
There is great meaning in Jesus choosing to enter Jerusalem on a donkey! Not only did it fulfil an Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, but it also sent an important message in Ancient Near Eastern culture. In those times, a king entering a city on a horse meant war and conquest; a king riding in on a donkey indicated peace and goodwill. Many of his followers crying, “Hosanna!” (which means, “Save us!”) expected Jesus to topple the ruling Romans using politics or force. Instead, Jesus came as the humble Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Today, many people still expect an assertive, warlike king to save them. We see it in the wars raging overseas and in the many political forces who try to win votes with radical statements and ideas (we are fresh out of election season, after all!) As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us remember that the true King defeats his enemies not by overpowering them, but through love and self-sacrifice. Hosanna to the Prince of Peace!
James.