April 2, 2023 — Palm Sunday Year A

“When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

Here comes Jesus! Here he comes. He’s riding a donkey – maybe even two donkeys. His disciples and the other followers have placed their cloaks on the donkeys, and spread cloaks and branches on the ground. Some are waving palm branches and others are shouting “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The reality of Palm/Passion Sunday is this: Here he comes – there he goes; and then chaos ensues. Like Santa in the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we see Santa coming, riding on a fire truck, and then there he is right in front of us, and then he is gone: and then chaos ensues until we reach December 26.

Our lives are like a parade. We have a fixed beginning, a definite ending, and a meandering route that takes us so many different places. So, while you and I are meandering on our own life “parade”, today, TODAY Jesus has entered. And before Easter comes along, I want you to remember how Jesus first entered into your life. What are your first memories of Jesus? How would you answer the question “Who is this Jesus?” This morning we shout “Blessed is he who comes…?” – but how can you explain this reality to someone who does not know Jesus? And I want you to also think about this – how do you see Jesus parading through your life?

Pastor Dave