This is a week when we commemorate two parades separated by just four days. The first occurred on a Sunday, the next on a Friday. Sunday’s parade was a most unlikely one. Spontaneous in nature, it announced the arrival of The King of Kings.
His entry into the city was marked with “Hosannas” and the waving of palm branches. This, coupled with the makeshift red carpet of coats and cloaks, served to announce an inauguration. A leader of true significance was entering David’s City, an heir from the royal line.
Recognition came from the masses, those of common estate who were filled with hope and roused to action. Might this be the beginning of the end? The end of occupation? The end of Roman rule? The end of unjust taxation and oppression?
What kind of king can deliver such things? A revolutionary, an upstart who overturns tables and drives out corrupt moneychangers. Yet this King was humble, riding in on a donkey’s colt, not a noble steed. His countenance was sorrowful, as if he knew what others did not. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! How I have longed to gather you as a hen does her chicks.” From the parade’s elevated origin point above the city he wept over its past and present.
Soon, he knew, the very voices raised to his honor would be crying for his death. “Hosanna” would fade and be overmatched by “Crucify him!”
Friday’s procession led the soon to be crucified Jesus down the Via Dolorosa (the way of suffering). It was a procession to Golgotha, the place of the Skull, where executions of traitors were carried out. This procession also drew the attention of many, but for different reasons. For some it seemed the completion of a usurpers false promises. For others it seemed the end of what had once been a great hope.
Derision, mockery and tears took the place of palm branches. There was no runway of any kind of carpet. The disdain and shaming would continue throughout the journey and onto the cross. “You saved others, save yourself if you are the Son of God”.
The Palm Sunday parade had but one entry. Jesus was both the Grand Marshall and sole exhibit. The Good Friday procession would feature a beaten Christ, accompanied by the power of Rome in the form of a military escort.
Two parades separated by just a few days. That’s how fast hope can be dashed, how fickle public opinion can be swayed. In just a few days, promise yields to punishment.
It’s important that we remember these two parades. They both reveal the identity of the Christ (Triumphant Savior and Suffering Servant). Both can be true at once.
They also reveal something of human nature. Many, maybe most, want a heroic Messiah who demonstrates power and decisive action, one who is the pride and joy of Sunday. But what’s needed is also the humble servant of Friday who gives up his life that we might live.
Real, heroic leadership is both these things and much more. Don’t let the pretenders fool you. Cruelty, hatred, force, nor pompous proclamation do not a worthy king make. Give me the one on the donkey, the one who carries the cross. He is the only King we need.
© 2025 Daniel M. Cash
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