Parade to Calvary

Luke 19:28-44

Today is the day when Jesus paraded. In the Gospels, we do not see Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords get this kind of recognition. We do not find him in spectacles where people bend down and honor him. However, today is the day of the parade where he has a message to declare. The parade has a unique significance to the people of Jesus’ time and to us today. Although it is a parade to Jerusalem, but I will call it the Parade to Calvary.

Historians say Napoleon was a great general and a warrior. One can read volumes about his achievements, strategies, and dedication. But when it comes to his death, we read in Encyclopedia Britannica, “He died on the morning of May 5^th in his fifty-second year. His body was dressed in his favorite uniform and covered with a cloak he wore at Marengo. He was buried in a lovely spot near spring, shaded by two weeping willows. ‘Here Lies’ was written on his stone, no name!”

When it comes to Napoleon’s death not much can be said. But when we talk about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, this parade was the most important and last part of his ministry. Although the parade moved towards Jerusalem, but in fact, it moved towards Calvary, towards the cross. The parade did not stop in Jerusalem. That is why I will call today’s message The Parade to Calvary. It is the parade of Salvation.

The audience cheered with excitement that day just as we did when our Sunday school kids entered the sanctuary this morning. People put their clothes on the ground for Jesus to walk on. They shouted “Hosanna.” In Hebrew, the word is yashouanna, meaning “save us” (yashoua means “save.”) If we remove the last letter, we will get yashou, meaning “Jesus.”

What is the meaning of this parade?

1. It is the Parade of humility.

Now remember that during those days the City of Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims who had arrived from all over for the celebration the of Passover. Jesus could use this opportunity to create a revolt against Herod and the Romans. It was the right time to motivate people to rebel. On the contrary, Jesus paraded on a donkey, which indicated that he was the King of Peace and not violence. He is the humble King. He is the King that is ready to go to Calvary for our sins. “Save us” was heard from all over. Again, they were expecting a warrior who would save them from the oppressor. Jesus was a warrior, but not to destroy the Romans, but to destroy death and sin. This was costly. This “warrior” would execute the plan of salvation through the cross and the resurrection and not through political maneuvers.

Politicians often misuse power. Last week once more, we witnessed some shocking news as one of the governors was caught in a moral scandal. People in power think they will not be caught. As a pastor, I prayed for this man and his family. But what bothered me was not just his immoral behavior, but his hypocrisy. This man was claiming he would clean the corruption in NY State and yet lived a double life that cost him his position. May God change him and awaken our politicians and us to look at Jesus our leader and example.

It is a parade of humility because Jesus is going towards the cross. Paul says in his letter to the Philippians, that Jesus “emptied himself,” he gave up from his glory to win us, to save us. His humility has a divine presence that transforms our lives.

Come this Thursday to celebrate our Lord’s humility when he washed our feet, broke the bread and blessed the cup so we can be partakers in the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper.

We will continue in English.