Holy Week: Journey With Jesusنموونە

A Tale of Two Parades

PALM SUNDAY - 33 A.D. A day of two parades in the city of Jerusalem.

The first parade reflected all the fanfare and extravaganza of a Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

The second, a simple one like a small town's Founder's Day parade.

Historians tell us that there were likely a million or more Jewish visitors in the city for Passover. It would have looked much like a Disney theme park on its busiest day.

On one side of the city, Caesar enters riding on a war horse and surrounded by soldiers with weapons. The people are waving flags and chanting "Hail Caesar" as their regal king passes by.

On the other side of the city, Jesus enters riding on a donkey. The people are waving palm branches and crying out "Hosanna in the Highest" as their humble king passes by.

Two parades. One for a kingdom built on a power that comes through violence and conquest. The other a kingdom founded on a peace that comes through co-suffering love and forgiveness.

Two parades. Two kingdoms. Yet only one remains today.

You see, nations rise and nations fall. But the kingdom of God will endure forever.

This is why I choose the way of Jesus. Why I pledge my allegiance to the kingdom that has no end.

A few more days and the crowds gather again to watch as Jesus is paraded to Golgotha.

The Son of God is passing by. On his way to the cross. On his way to the grave.

The Prince of Peace on his way to become the Risen King.

Over a kingdom that has no end.

This is why we confess:

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.