Twin Parades

Published: March 24, 2024, midnight

READ: MATTHEW 21:1-11; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11\n\n\n\nThe governor was coming into town. Moriah had been waiting weeks to catch even a glimpse of the man. He was supposed to stay for the festival week and bring his entourage of soldiers and even a jester. Moriah had even heard the governor\u2019s war horse would be the biggest she\u2019d ever seen.\n\n\n\nThe wide gates were heaved open by two men. At the front entry, an announcer shouted, \u201cYou are honored with the presence of the esteemed Governor Pontius Pilate.\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cAll hail Caesar!\u201d the crowd echoed back. The first group of soldiers marched in, stoic faces in perfect rows. Soon\u2014I\u2019ll get to see the governor soon, she thought.\n\n\n\nThen, from the other side of the city, she heard a commotion. A few people looked over and some even fell away from the parade to wander to the eastern gate. Why would people go over there? she wondered. But as more and more people broke off from the crowd, curiosity got the better of her and she abandoned the parade as well. I\u2019m sure I can get back in time to catch a glimpse of the governor; I just want to see what everyone\u2019s gawking at.\n\n\n\nAs she approached the street and peeked over the crowd, Moriah got her answer. That\u2019s just some guy on a donkey. A disappointed frown crept over her face. She plucked up the courage to ask a woman next to her. \u201cExcuse me.\u201d She pulled on the woman\u2019s sleeve. \u201cWho is that?\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s Jesus\u2014He\u2019s a prophet and the Son of David. He\u2019s going to save us all and overthrow Rome. He\u2019s bringing a new kingdom. I\u2019ve heard Him talk of it and seen Him do things only a prophet could do!\u201d\n\n\n\nWow, I\u2019d hoped to see a governor, and now I get to see a prophet! Moriah took off her shawl and laid it on the ground. When the prophet passed by, He met her gaze, and something in His eyes made her wonder if He was more than just a prophet. \u2022 Naomi Zylstra\n\n\n\n\u2022 This fictional story imagines Jesus\u2019s humble triumphal entry into Jerusalem, contrasted with the pomp and circumstance of a governor\u2019s traditional entry into a city. Since the days of Solomon, Israel\u2019s kings rode donkeys to their coronations. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey because He is the promised King, and He is riding to His death as a ransom for many. How does the humility of Jesus\u2019s entry into Jerusalem reveal who He is and how He saves us?\n\n\n\n\u201cBlessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!\u201d \u201cHosanna in the highest heaven!\u201d Mark 11:10 (NIV)