In his book The Roman Empire and the New Testament Warren Carter talks about how cultures that are being oppressed will establish ambiguous protests. That is, they will protest the oppressing culture but do so in such a way that the other culture isn’t aware of the protest. Only those who are “in the know” understand that a protest or secret message is being expressed.
Such is the case with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This would explain why some of the things that happen take place, although they may appear confusing on the surface.
From what location will Jesus enter Jerusalem? Why does he want to ride a donkey?
Jesus is playing to an audience that is in the know. The Jewish people, especially those who were following Jesus and waiting for the Messiah, would understand the importance of everything Jesus was doing in his final arrival in Jerusalem. He was entering from the Mount of Olives, a place of God’s judgment in Zechariah 14:3-5. He was riding a donkey. This was both a mockery of the Roman triumphal parade (the Romans rode large horses) and a fulfillment of Isaiah 62:11.
The Roman officials in Jerusalem saw only a silly little parade heralding the arrival of a local teacher and rabble-rouser. But those who were in the know saw the importance and significance of all that was happening. Jesus was coming to take his place as the Messiah. He was bringing God’s grace and mercy to a people in need.
We need to be people in the know. We must recognize the importance of what is happening in our religious year. The arrival of Palm Sunday is not just the final week of Lent, but it is the beginning of Holy Week. It is the start of that final approach to the celebration of Easter.
With that in mind we must take the opportunity to renew our faith commitment. We have passed through Lent, a forty-day period of preparation and self-evaluation. We are about to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Is this just another day in our life? Is this just an opportunity to have a holiday and the big meal that comes with it?
Or will we be “in the know?” Will we see that it is time for us to start living our faith with conviction and sincere devotion? Will we accept the sacrifice of Jesus AND the responsibilities that go with it when we live as Christians?
DAILY CHALLENGE: Will you accept Jesus as your “king?”
