Triumphal Entry

10 hours ago
2 min read

The scene is softly lit, almost in shadow, with a powerful depth of field focusing only on the foreground. On a stark, cracked, dust-covered stone floor (symbolizing the entry to Jerusalem and the world), lies a paradoxical object: a rough, coarse rope donkey halter (the simple tack). It is not on an animal, but simply lying there. Within the loop of the rope, which is positioned like a crown, is woven a single, shimmering, almost impossible strand of pure golden thread (the true, unexpected kingship). In the background, completely blurred and indistinct (using heavy bokeh), is the faint texture of ancient stone walls. — Created using Gemini

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

(Matthew 21:6-9)

When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the final time, he entered like a king - sort of. He had tasked his disciples with acquiring a donkey and a colt. Matthew's gospel is the only gospel that includes both donkey and colt, but Matthew insists that Jesus rode both to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy. So, rather than a mighty stallion, Jesus entered the holy city awkwardly riding 2 lowly beasts of burden. Despite this unusual spectacle, the crowds hailed Jesus as the son of David - meaning he was the promised eternal king. But, before we think the people finally understood who Jesus is, the crowd went on to call him simply a prophet from Nazareth. In spite of the miracles they had witnessed, and the wisdom and authority with which they'd heard Jesus speak, the people couldn't accept that Jesus was the one through whom salvation would come.

Just as Jesus' entire life had stood in stark contrast to the world's understanding of power, so too did this supposed climax of his ministry. Power was, and still is, expected to be displayed in wealth and privilege - and Jesus had neither. His ministry had focused on the least, the broken, the forgotten. And at this pivotal moment Jesus was not surrounded by armed protectors and enforcers, but by a rag-tag, often confused, group of believers who would soon hide in fear. Moreover, this "triumphal" entry was the preamble to a humiliating and painful death. Jesus never sought any power other than the power to lift up others, and no privilege beyond the privilege to stand in our place. As we hail the king who would never sit on the throne he was worthy of, may we take to heart his example of true power - love at all costs.

22 The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

23 the Lord has done this,

and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 The Lord has done it this very day;

let us rejoice today and be glad.

25 Lord, save us!

Lord, grant us success!

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

From the house of the Lord we bless you.

27 The Lord is God,

and he has made his light shine on us.