April 13, 2025

Suggested Readings:

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Luke 19:28-40

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Jesus is fully aware that his life is in danger. John’s Gospel relates that Jesus’ enemies plotted to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death (John 12:9-11). Yet, with that certainty Jesus dares to ride openly into Jerusalem. It is an act of courage and defiance. It is also an act of faith. Jesus understands why he came into the world and trusts the his Heavenly Father is in control of his circumstances and the outcome is certain. Death will not have the final word.

This is the last section of what is known in Luke’s Gospel as the journey narrative (9:51–19:48). It serves a transitional role. It has two primary themes: to clarify Jesus’ identity as the Messiah in the line of David, the king who comes in the name of the Lord (v. 38), and to accentuate the way in which the coming of Jesus causes division within Israel.

Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!

Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

His entry into the Holy City proclaims not only his kingship, but the nature of his rule. Rather than arriving on prancing stallion armed for war, Jesus arrives on a donkey, a symbol of peace.

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” These are words of enthronement taken from Psalm 118. The crowd recognizes that by his approach Jesus is claiming to be king. They joyfully welcome him in that role. Yet, they fail to understand the nature of his reign.

Jesus’ claim to kingship does not jive with common perceptions of pomp and circumstance that we customarily associate with royalty. Jesus declared that “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) That is in direct contradiction to what we understand of royalty.

Reflection: Where am I in the crowd?For Am I among those who joyfully place my coat on the ground as Jesus rides by? Do I tear down a palm branch and throw it on the donkey’s path? Perhaps I am a jealous Pharisee. One thing is certain, there is no middle ground with Jesus. We either accept he is who he claims to be, or we outright reject him.

Repentance: I will turn from being an uninvolved bystander and move in the direction of discipleship. It will live courageously into the faith I profess.

Reconciliation: This moment of reconciliation is intensely personal. I am required to reconcile my profession with my actions; my lifestyle.

Renewal: I cannot experience renewal until I give up myself. To be like Christ is to live sacrificial. It is an all-inclusive requirement. We can hold nothing back.