Mathew 21 1-11v 8 “ Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of Him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”
Jesus had a plan for a parade. He stopped on the outskirts of the town and sent His disciples to find a donkey, one that had never been ridden before. The owner of the donkey must have been informed of the plan somehow as if there were any questions the reply should be “The Lord needs them”. The disciples made the donkey comfortable to ride by placing their garments on its back. As a sign of respect and loyalty the crowd placed their garments on the ground. They cheered as he went past shouting “Praise God” Blessings on the one who comes in the names of the Lord”. The entire city was in an uproar, who is this? “It is Jesus”.
There is no doubt in my mind that a parade is a fun thing. I have watched parades, I have been in parades, and both are exciting and happy occasions. There are also occasions when protesters march to a different drum as an alternative to the mainstream action and this is what was happening on the first Palm Sunday. A major show of military power was occurring from the west as the head of the ruling Roman Empire Pontius Pilate entered the city. We learn this from history books other than the bible. In the bible we just have the description of Jesus’s parade. From the opposite direction in the east, enters Jesus. He had followers who were loyal to Him, they laid down their coats for Him. They shouted praises. They made others ask, who is this?
And that is our role today. To have fun praising Jesus, to put Him in the center of our lives and make others ask Who is this?
Prayer: Heavenly Father thank you for giving us your Son to be our center, to laydown our coats for Him, now and always. Amen.
CrossWalk 