I remember as a child how I enjoyed the spectacle of a good old fashion parade.
Waiting on the side of the road, and anxiously trying to hear the blast of a siren or music from a local group; then followed by some very colorful floats pulled by a nice decorated or appealing vehicle. Even some I remember it has a farm tractor or horse.
The mere event was and still poses a very enriching experience that has a true impact on just how we perceive an incoming procession.
Then, you have the delicacies to aid in the enjoyment. From cotton candy, to soft drinks. Then into the balloons or small banners to wave on the oncoming stream of splendor, you cheerfully smile, wave, and loudly yell to express your enthusiasm. Can you relate to that?
When you think about parades, you think of marching bands, large balloons in the shape of our favorite cartoon characters, the newly elected beauty pageant queen, and maybe the Mayor or another town official among many other possibilities.
It has been said that cavemen would walk back into the village with the animals they killed during the hunt on their backs or hanging from poles so that everyone could see what great hunters they were. This is the very definition of a parade.
In the modern culture, when one mentions parade it is usually in the context of a holiday parade: Christmas or Thanksgiving. The most famous of all would most likely be the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This parade brings millions of people to the streets of New York City and millions more via television. The Macy’s parade has kicked off the holiday season for many years and has won numerous Emmy Awards for its giant balloon characters and performances. We are so proud of this wonderful achievement!!
Setting aside all the fluff and splendor that a parade has, how much thought is given in the preparation of it?
The Macy’s parade, for instance, has plans in place a whole year prior to the event! Just think, how long you have to prepare for such a brief display. All the hours and manpower to show off a tremendously expensive and colorful event for just a few hours.
Nothing could compare to what Jerusalem was witnessing right before them. Christs triumphant entrance to Jerusalem was no PARADE! More of a welcoming committee, of people that not only heard of Christ, seen him work, but knew who he truly was!
Raise your palm branches up!
This Palm Sunday, we have the palm branches that signify a glorious event of Christ triumphantly entering Jerusalem in such a way that it was foretold. Not just a year before, but hundreds of years. It is a preparation in the making of a man, born of God, God in man, living as flesh and spirit amongst us even today.
Why was Jesus so incredibly welcomed with so many people that day?
The same reasons we have today, these people needed hope! These people needed a friend that actually listens to them! These people needed a solution to their problems! These people needed exactly what we need today, a Saviour! But that is a concept friends, that at that time, wasn’t fully comprehended.
So to express their love and joy, scripture tells us the people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, laid them out on the ground before Jesus as He rode into the city. Not only was palms used, their coats as well. The palm branch represented goodness and victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death.
The act of self-forgetfulness cause by a great enthusiasm was done here! What excitement!
1. Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which was symbolized peace and humility, which directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy of Zech. 9:9. In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. Just think, seeing the Holy One, Christ the King, Prince of Peace, riding on a Donkey!
They all are witnessing the presence of a man that turned water into wine! The man that healed the deaf, the mute, the blind and the sickly!
The Savior that walked on water, casted out demons, saved souls and now not truly realizing it, in the coming days, will be beaten, crucified and die for all of us!
2. When the people shouted "Hosanna!" they were hailing Christ as King. That word actually means "save now," and though in their own minds they waited for an earthly king, God had a different way in mind of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.
3. The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He knew in His heart that it wouldn't be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him. His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Savior.
Palm Sunday should remind us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any the mind of man could ever conceive or plan. Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present day world. Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over death. This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we can be set free of death.
We have so much to be grateful for this week. The enemy knows that, and you can bet, he's going to do everything he can to try and distract us away from the true meaning of what this Holy Week means. Don't let him win.
Palm Sunday friends! Just as the people of Jesus day lifted on a tide of hope, joy and love, nothing could match it for exhilaration and zest.
Just as the parade of people lined the road to welcome in Jesus to Jerusalem, we too must welcome him into our lives!
Not just on this Sunday, next Sunday or even the Sunday after that!
Every single DAY!
Let's us choose to focus on worshipping our Lord, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of the Resurrection, and the new life found in Him alone. Grace. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
Inclosing friends!
I want to focus a little on a area where the donkey was received.
Scripture tells us clearly “They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them What are you doing! They told them what Jesus had said and they allowed them to take it.” The LORD HAS NEED OF IT! The LORD NEEDS THAT COLT!
So lets look at it a little differently!
If this man in Jerusalem who owned the colt had treated the disciples who came for it as often we treat GOD’s calls for help today, the conversation might have sounded something like this:
“Here, what are you doing with that colt?”
“The Lord has need of it”
“What do I care? I need it myself! Go on and let it alone?”
This is rather rough language. Putting such harshness in words towards Gods purpose and plan.
Our conversations and relationship with God is vital not to mention important!
God needs our time: “Sorry, but my time is limited, besides, it is mine!”
God needs our strength: “Sorry, I can’t take on a single thing more. I’m almost exhausted as it is.”
God needs our mind: “Sorry, but I have all I can give my attention to, and more. I have troubles enough of my own to think about.”
What kind of priority does God have in us?
When we are accepting Christ into our lives, and remembering the ‘Triumpantly entering Jerusalem!’ What are we displaying?
The banners and baloons are replaced with palm branches and coats laid before him with welcome!
Cotton candy and drinks are replaced with the sweet smelling aroma of peace, love and joy that only God can bring!
The bands and fanfare are replaced with the sounds of joy and cries of the people welcoming Christ into their lives!
The floats and fancy cars that display a significant patron, are replaced with our Lord and Savior riding on a Donkey!
So as Jesus went into Jerusalem, Scripture says very clearly! “He went into the temple!” He went amongst the people, did not shy away from anyone or anything!
Christ has came into the world for YOU and ME!
Friends, we do recognize Holy Week as a time to reflect and remember. Let us always strive to include Christ into every area of our lives, our church, our homes, our ways of life. Knowing, Hosanna! “Save Now!” is something we cry for. Someone to save us, and that is Christ the Lord. Amen.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!