Christianity reveals God’s love. Pontius Pilate is a caricature of human failure to govern itself. Let’s compare human governments with God’s wonderful government, the kingdom of heaven. Let’s look at the Palm Sunday parade from Matthew 21:1-11.
Matthew 21:5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
As Jesus had calmed the storm, he calmed an unbroken colt. Life can be like a wild colt, untamed and unpredictable. If we let Jesus take the reins, He’ll calm things down. Contrast the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem on a colt with this world’s leaders and their expensive rides.
The old world order is over. The new kingdom is here preparing a people. Old world leadership is self-aggrandizing and arrogant. New world leadership is self-effacing and humble. The colt symbolizes a new day for humanity, a change in leadership style. Those who change will join Jesus at his return.
Matthew 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Palm Sunday mocked Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea (which included historic Judea, Samaria and Idumea). Pilate insulted the Jews by hanging worship images of the emperor throughout Jerusalem and minted coins with both pagan and Jewish religious symbols. Jesus’ insulting parade could have obtained a death sentence for Him.
History shows Pilate marching into west Jerusalem as Christ entered from the north. Jesus’ procession challenged and mocked the government of the day. The world solves problems with a war horse, and “donkey” is an insult. Let’s rejoice with a Palm Sunday parade in our hearts. Heaven’s king is coming.
Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Jesus’ parade foreshadows a future change in world power at the Second Coming. Jesus conquered the powers of this world: death, sin and evil. We celebrate the King. Jesus’ new world order has put an end to a world overrun by sin. Palm Sunday remembers a parade celebrating that victory.
Forgiveness of sin is now a way of life. Jesus offers humanity the freedom of life without condemnation. This evil world only had the power to put Christ on the cross. He willingly allowed it because he has power beyond the grave. Our dead lives have been raised with Christ as a new creation where love prevails.
Christianity is a protest movement against all the corruption and greed in our world. Palm Sunday is a success, though not as the world views it. A cross and self-sacrifice is the ultimate victory over an evil, self-centered world. Christians refuse to win by worldly violence but by godly self-sacrifice.
Passover pilgrims chanted "Hosanna" (“save now” Psalm 118:25). The King of Peace brings a peace that passes all understanding. Palm Sunday reminds us we need a new king of peace. Let’s welcome King Jesus into our lives as the peacemaker between ourselves and between all of us and God.
Pontius Pilate is a caricature of human failure. Palm Sunday mocks worldly hoopla and symbolizes the humility of God’s government. Our only hope is God’s rule, beginning in our hearts, and at Jesus’ return. Let’s be a part of the future. Join God’s kingdom today. Hosanna! Lord, save us now!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Readings for Palm Sunday:
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
The words Hosanna (howoshî‘ah na) are a quote from verse 25, “Save now, I pray, O Lord” (NKJV). God is building something new, beginning with those who hold His kingdom in their hearts now. “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.” (verse 22)
Readings for the Passion:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Words of Christ’s suffering are prophesied here. “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.”
Psalm 31:9-16
Even in His most difficult hour, Jesus would echo this sentiment, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” In this hour of difficulty it is a good reminder for us too.
Philippians 2:5-11
In a world where human leaders grasp for more in selfishness, we are grateful for such a King as Jesus. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Matthew 26:14-27:54
As we reflect on His suffering, we give more esteem and praise to our King, who endured it all for us.
Matthew 21:1-11 in Rhyme
Say to the daughter of Zion
‘Look, coming to you is your King
Lowly, sitting on a donkey
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’
As that donkey carried its load
A crowd spread their clothes on the road
Others cut down branches from trees
And spread them on the road with ease
A multitude went before Him
Shouted: “Hosanna to David’s son!
Bless him who comes in the Lord’s name
Hosanna from heaven proclaim!”
