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I'm sure all of us have watched parades at some point. Either in person on your town's Main St. or the Macy's Parade on TV. How many of you have actually marched in a parade?? Let's see the hands!! Mine is up for this one. I've actually been in 2 of them as a child. One was a Bicentennial Parade and the other was a Memorial Day Parade when I had a Ranger Rick Club. (do they still have those??) My Pastor played trombone in Middle School, so he was in a few. How many of the parades you've been in were for you?? Did you ever just randomly start your own?? Probably not so many hands on those 2, right??
Jesus literally started His own parade... Pretty bold move, right!!?? But as we know, everything He did, no matter how odd, was done with a purpose. Pay taxes by "burping" a fish?? Call a friend out of the grave?? Well, okay then...
Luke 19:28-44 gives us the story of Jesus' "parade". I'm sure most of you are familiar. Get the colt that's never been ridden, ride into the city, people shout in honor and lay palm leaves in the road... But what was the purpose?? Today's message gives a different perspective than the "same old story" we're used to hearing. (at least in some points)
Jesus arrives as The King, overcoming lesser would-be kings. Even up to the level of Caesar. The rest of His week would look like losing, but, as we know, Jesus was always turning things on their proverbial ears...
To provide some background on what the Jews understood about Jesus riding in on a colt, we need to turn all the way back to 1 Kings Chapter 1:32-53. King David was dying, and, as with the death of any king, there were people jostling for position. Now typically*, we know the oldest child inherits the throne. In this case, that would have been Adonijah. (aka - "lesser, would-be king") The thing was, David had promised Bathsheba that Solomon would reign. Anyway, as we read the passage, David sends instructions for Solomon to be brought in on a colt, announcing his ascent to the throne. (sound familiar??)
As you may have heard before, riding a donkey or colt showed that the "mission was accomplished" and it showed humility. Riding in on a horse with an army behind you would show force and readiness for battle. Jesus was coming in quiet because His "fight" was coming to an end. It wasn't a question of authority, He was coming to take His place as King of the World, it just wasn't going to look like a kingdom "normally" looked. He was coming in the power of Love with Authority from Above. This would overcome lesser, would-be kings. Jesus was challenging the authorities of both government, Herod, Pilate, Caiphus, etc... But also of religion. We see in the next passage of Lk. 19 Jesus clearing the Temple because the Pharisees had actually created obstacles and become a hindrance to true worship.
Jesus still establishes Himself as King even today. He sill challenges the "lesser, would-be kings" of oppressive Empire and Religion where necessary. But looking deeper, He challenges the "lesser, would-be kings" in our hearts as well. What are they??
-- money -- Both rich and poor may feel oppressed by money. Excess can bring pressure of it's use and lack can bring fear of use.
-- pride -- may show up as jealousy or offense
-- anger -- stemming from betrayal or bitterness
-- victimization -- either self-delusion or outside oppression
-- shame -- either self-inflicted or condemnation of others
All of these are either caused by oppression or bring it into our lives. They corrupt our humanity; therefore destroying our relationships. They define us and even give us a false sense of purpose.
The good news is that if we join Jesus' "parade", our lives can be transformed and freed from these "lesser, would-be" kings. He will give us a true purpose in living for Him and sharing His love because out of what looks like death and loss; Jesus brings life and victory. The results are love, joy, peace, fulfillment, etc... All that's required is a daily step of faith in deciding to follow. -- God Bless!!
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