Sermon Text: Matthew 21:1-11
Sermon Excerpt
When we think of parades today we tend to think of relatively fun affairs that are a big draw to a wide audience. The media covers them as feel good events that contribute to community spirit.
We need to think of this parade differently. Before you decide to accept or reject your invitation to the Palm Sunday parade you need to know that it wasn’t the parade that was happening on that day – in fact, it was “the other parade.”
The main parade – the one everyone was abuzz about – entered the city from the west. It featured “Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Idumea, Judea and Samaria” at “the head of a column of imperial cavalry and soldiers.” It was an impressive sight to behold . . .
Our parade – the Palm Sunday affair – was a total contrast. It featured Jesus on a donkey and his disciples approaching Jerusalem from the opposite direction – from the east. It is the first time in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus has been associated with being or becoming a king. Jesus’ procession would not frighten anyone. The shouts of those who were there were enough, however, to cause people to pause and consider who Jesus really was: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in . . . (read manuscript or watch video)
So What?
For many Palm Sundays are filled with memories of waving palm fronds or watching children parade about with them. For others the dominant visual memory is of palms that have been fashioned into crosses. These are important memories that should help us reconnect with the Jesus’ parade that begins the final week of his earthly life.
- If you had been living in the area at the time, do you think you would have attended the Jesus’ parade? Why or why not?
- As we begin Holy Week, who is Jesus to you?