Palm Sunday: A victor’s entry (Devotions for Lent from the Gospel of Mark)

Zechariah 9 describes the triumphant entry of a warrior king, who returns to Jerusalem after a thorough destruction of the nation’s enemies. His humble entry into the city on the back of a colt, the foal of a donkey, ushers in the age of peace.

It’s no mistake that Jesus sends his disciples to find a colt that has never been ridden. This is a calculated move, one designed to conjure Zechariah’s images of a yearning nation. When Jesus mounts the foal, the people respond in kind. They know Zechariah’s story and they begin to gather and cheer.

The crowd begins to chant the victory Psalm 118, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” The people cut branches and wave them in the air as Jesus rides along, creating a procession that heads from the Mount of Olives toward the temple, just as the psalm describes.

But Jesus doesn’t give thanks to God in the temple or make sacrifice as victor. He hasn’t declared war on anyone or defeated any military enemy. He hasn’t ensured peace at all. In fact, the tension with the religious leaders mounts.

The procession has echoed the scriptures, but this victor has not conquered armies, nor enemies. Jesus has conquered unexpected things: disease, hunger, fear, demon possession, and prejudice. The scriptures have had very little to say about this.

Jesus, this strange victor, enters the temple, takes a good look around, and then slips away in silence.

Nothing more is said of the parade, nor its participants.

Text for the day:

Mark 11:1-11

Things to think about:

If the scriptures describe a military victor, why does Jesus want people to think of Zechariah 9 and Psalm 118 when they think of him?

To what or to whom do you give your allegiance? Why?

Things to do:

Pray for the peace and healing of the world.

Jesus, ride on.