What did the people who heard that Jesus was entering into
Jerusalem expect to see? They were
accustomed to seeing grand spectacles of Roman generals and politicians processing
through the streets of Jerusalem.
The Judean governor,
Pontus Pilate, and his soldiers entered Jerusalem from the west, riding on
spirited war horses, dressed in armor and shiny helms, beating war drums, and
waving legion banners. It was a show of pomp
and power through sword and shield. It was a bludgeoning reminder of Rome’s
occupation and rule over Jerusalem and the Jewish people.
In contrast, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was nothing like this. The four Gospel stories describe Jesus riding
into Jerusalem on a donkey or a colt from the east through the villages of
Bethphage and Bethany. Jesus sent two of
his disciples to go and untie the donkey they would find and bring it back to
him. The disciples laid their cloaks on
the donkey’s back and helped Jesus get on.
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem people came out to see him. They spread their cloaks upon the ground before
him. Others had cut leafy branches and
spread those upon the road as well. Shouts
of “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
filled the air with the waving of more palms as Jesus approached the path down
from the Mount of Olives.
The images found in the stories of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem are even
more powerful than Pilates’s parades. The
symbolism of the plain and humble animal Jesus rides depicts the prophecy as told
in Zechariah (9.9-10) of a king who comes in peace and humility. The disciples care and honor for Jesus are
expressed in their preparing the donkey and helping him. The praise and honor are continued through
the multitude of people by the laying down of their cloaks and palms as an
offering before Jesus. The waving of the
palms and shouts of “Hosanna” symbolize the coming messiah and God’s
salvation. Additionally, the Mount of
Olives, although only briefly mentioned in these stories is a significant place
for Jesus and his disciples throughout the New Testament and builds upon the
stories and prophecies found in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Mount of Olives was on route to Jerusalem
from the east. It’s named for the olive
groves that once grew upon its slopes. And
we know that an olive branch is used as a symbol of peace.
The Mount of Olives was a place of refuge and preparation for Jesus and
his disciples in many ways. Not unlike
our special places where we have spent time along our Lenten journey to pray
and draw closer to God. The Mount of
Olives is where Jesus went often to pray alone and with his disciples. It is a place where he instructed his
disciples about the future and coming peaceable reign of God. It was where Jesus prayed and asked God for the
strength and will to face his coming suffering and crucifixion. And it was in the Garden of Gethsemane at the
foot of the Mount of Olives where Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter struck a soldier
with a sword, Jesus’ rebuke of Peter’s violent action, and Jesus’ healing of
the soldier’s wounded ear. For Jesus and
for us the Mount of Olives symbolizes a place of prayer, preparation, humility,
healing, and peace.
So, why a donkey? Because Jesus’
entry into Jerusalem, that we along with Christians from around the world
celebrate on Palm Sunday, the sixth Sunday of Lent, and the beginning of Holy
Week, is a lesson about humility and peace.
It is not about pride, power, or pomp and circumstance. It is a lesson that our discipleship be one
of embodying the humility and peace of Jesus Christ.
As you continue on your Lenten journey toward Palm Sunday, how have you
experienced the humility and peace of Christ?
How have you shared Christ’s humility, healing, and peace with
others?
Scriptures: Mt 21.1-11; Mk 11.1-10; Lk 19.28-40; Jn 12.12-19 NRSV
