Palms and Circumstance

7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

(Mark 11:7-10)

Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem for what would be the last time in almost high style, to the almost cheers of an almost adoring crowd, riding an almost stately beast. The people almost wanted to make Jesus their king. It was almost the welcome Jesus deserved. In reality, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, he was riding a colt with only his disciples' cloaks for a saddle. Rather than a plush carpet, the people threw down more cloaks and leafy branches to pad the path. And though the people were shouting, they were saying "Save us!", as that's what hosanna meant before it became a term of praise.

Palm Sunday may be as awkward for us as it was for those who lined the original procession route. Though we know the rest of the story, we still struggle with the Savior who confounds our distorted understandings. When we attempt to make Jesus into the king we want, we make a mockery of the salvation he actually brings. We allow our praise to be stifled by unmet expectations that we, ourselves, have created. What might the celebration look like if we took the conditions off of our joy, off of our faith? This humble king comes in peace, on a borrowed calf, with an entourage and fan base of messed up misfits who don't really even know who their following.

Praise God!

22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save us, we beseech you, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech you, give us success! 26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. 29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 118:22-29)