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Walking the Path of Love

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."


This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

"Say to Daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."


The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted 'Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?". The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee" - Matthew 20:1-11


Today, Christians around the world are celebrating Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is a celebration in memory of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, before he was arrested and crucified. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, the remembrance of Jesus' final days on the earth. Many churches celebrate this Holy day by having parades with palm leaves and signing songs of praise before entering into the church. While the worldly situation causes us to celebrate Palm Sunday from home, we can still celebrate with our hearts the special day.

In reflection, I wanted to bring attention to two reflections around Palm Sunday scripture.


Humble Entrance

Have you ever been to a presidential rally? Have you ever visited Buckingham Palace in England? Have you ever witnessed Air Force One landing? Most of us have never been in the presence of a president, ruler, king or queen, but we can imagine their entrance into any city brings commotion. They're welcomed with crowds, brought in by private planes, with a staff of those protecting their security, and welcomed with riches we cannot imagine.


Jesus, the ruler of the WORLD, made an entrance on a borrowed donkey. He didn't request a red carpet, He didn't request a lavious meal upon arrival, or the finest music to be played as He entered the city. Fulfilling the prophecies, He entered humbly and gracious. While most of us are not important enough to be in a processional of a president or king, Jesus' procession symbolizes the Kingdom of God. He came to the city in peace, allowing everyone, no matter who they were, to celebrate Him with their cloaks and the trees surrounding them. Like the procession, this Kingdom of God welcomes all, no matter their status, importance, or how they can celebrate.


Walking the Path of Love

Hundreds of years earlier, Zechariah 9:9 prophesied that a king would come riding on a donkey. During those times, a king riding into a city on a horse would have symbolized war. Jesus riding in on a donkey symbolized peace.


All four of the gospels have Palm Sunday accounted in their scriptures, showing how impactful this was in history. The disciples did not know at the time that Jesus was fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.. but Jesus knew. He also knew of a larger prophecy He would be fulfilling... His death on a cross.


With the knowledge of what was to come, Jesus did not run away or hide in fear. He rode in humbly and was celebrated. Instead of seeing it as walking the path to His doom, He knew He was actually walking the path of love for us. He knew what was going to happen. He knew the reasoning why. He knew the time was coming where He would have to leave the earth.. and He kept going.


Reflection

It is encouraging to me that we can share a part in the parade of Jesus. No matter our race, location, social status, gender, or "importance", we can lay down our cloaks and celebrate the Lord. He invites us to walk with Him as He enters the city of Jerusalem. He invites us to walk with Him.. because He is inviting us on our own walk to the Kingdom of Heaven.


While we walk with Jesus down the path of love of Holy Week, we get to experience all the emotions Jesus and His disciples shared through their final days. We experience pain, grief, guilt, regret, and finally, we get to experience hope. Most importantly, we get to experience love.


In our own lives, especially now, we can be experiencing a plethora of complicated emotions... We might be experiencing confusion and uncertainty. We might be experiencing fear and discomfort.


I challenge all of us to reflect over the celebration of our King and take comfort in knowing this week that hope is coming... especially if we follow the path of love.

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