Palm Sunday 2011 ~ Ride on, King Jesus!

Is 50:4-7
Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Phil 2:6-11
Mt 27:11-54

Our procession this morning commemorated Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem so many centuries ago. From the parking lot to the entrance of the church, we sang and waved our palms! On entering the church, the choir began our entrance song, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift up your voice and sing: Hosanna in the highest; Hosanna to our King!"

Jesus arrived like a king to the cheers of the people. But this Jesus was a different kind of king than the one the people expected. He was a humble king who rode into the city on an ass instead of a horse.

His kingship was not political or economic. No, Jesus' mission was spiritual. His agenda was to bring peace of mind and heart to His people; a servant leadership that was expressed as "we", not "I". Jesus led by example and showed us that the way to God was through serving and loving one another.

The crowds that cheered Jesus that triumphant day turned into a mob that mocked and jeered Him a few days later as He was led away to carry His cross. The crowd failed to recognize a king who did not liberate them in the manner they expected. So, instead, they crucified Him.



~ Icon at Crossroads Initiative