“Who Are You In This Palm Procession?”

“Who Are You In This Palm Procession?”(Mt.21:1-11).
Today is Palm Sunday in which we commemorate the Truimphal Entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Like a story full of suspense we are now approaching the climax as Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem with full knowledge of what is soon to happen to him.
The Lord enters Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey to fulfil a prophecy, “…See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey…”
The dramstist personae include Jesus, the disciples, an unidentified owner of a donkey and colt, a very large crowd, the crowds that went ahead and those that followed, and the whole city that wondered what was happening.
As we repeat the Hosanna to the Son of David today, who are you in story?
I listened to a preacher who said he would prefer to enter Jerusalem with Jesus as the donkey. The donkey is the one who was adorned in finery for Jesus to sit on. The donkey is the one who actually walked on the cloaks and branches which the crowds spread on the ground. However, the donkey had all these privileges without knowing what was happening.
There is the prophetic, enthuasiastic and ambitious crowds who did not even understand the full meaning of their prophecy. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
These people were ambitious because they saw in Jesus a political king who could save them from the shackles of serfdom. They were naive to their prophecy because they did not know that Jesus’ kingship was apolitical. His kingdom is not of this world; and he is a king unlike any other!
Then comes the whole city, stirred by what they are seeing, but do not know what is happening. Their ignorance is in the question of surprise, “Who is this?”
The crowd’s answer to that question was very misleading. “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth, Galilee.”
Jesus is not riding into Jerusalem as a king or a prophet. He is riding into Jerusalem to fulfil his destiny because his time had finally come. What had to be done had to be done!
Of course, he is soon to be king, but not king of the Jews as Pilate wrote on his cross, but as King of the universe and a panacea to all who believe in him.
Therefore, as we join in the triumphal procession and jubilation, let us be clear of who Jesus is and why he rode into Jerusalem. He enters to face his destiny, horrible as it is, he is determined to face it in obedience to his Father for our sake.
May we also obey him so that we can live or die in him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ thank you for being willing to be the ransom for my bondage. Amen!
Have a blessed and happy Palm Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.