The parade is for us. Day 30

Please read Matthew 21:1-11.

What do you think about parades? In India, I knew of one parade - the annual Republic Day Parade that took place in Delhi on January 26. When I came to the US in 1982, the different parades surprised me.  In New York City alone, by one estimate there are around 40 parades a year including an India Day Parade! Almost every village, town and city in the USA has a parade. Beginning with the January 1^st Tournament of Roses Parade, there are many famous parades such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Mardi Gras, Mummers Parade, National Independence Day parade, etc. Every four years there is the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C. Then there are parades for school, college and professional sports teams.  

In the Bible too there are parades (the word parade is not used). We read of a parade to bring the ark to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6:12-15. In 1 Kings 1:39-40, there is a parade for Solomon’s coronation as he comes riding on King David’s donkey. Both are for joyous celebrations.

In today’s text, there is a celebration and a parade. My ESV Bible titles the text ‘The Triumphal Entry’. The same title is used by NKJV too. Jesus’ entry is called triumphal because Jesus is coming as the King of Kings, coming on a donkey just like Solomon. People around Jesus are excited because they sense the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-13. Their expectations are already high because of Lazarus’ resurrection and now he is coming fulfilling (per Mathew 21:4) Zechariah’s prophecy. They are also excited because they remember the words “I will set your prisoners free” (Zechariah 9:11), even though they truly do not truly understand. Jesus is coming on a donkey*, yet they are expecting a war. The truth is Jesus is coming for their (and our) salvation.

Dear brother and sister in Christ, Jesus came on a donkey* for you and me and he has triumphed over sin and Satan for us.  That is good news.

I thank you, Jesus, my Savior, and my friend. Amen.

*Significance of Jesus coming on a donkey http://balaamsdonkeyspeaks.blogspot.com/2015/03/day-32-i-am-happy-its-donkey-are-you.html