Palm Sunday: BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

Scripture:  John 12:12-16

Focus on the Word

In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace.  First Kings 1:33 mentions Solomon riding a donkey on the day he was recognized as the new king of Israel. Other instances of leaders riding donkeys are Judges 5:10, 10:4, 12:14  and 2 Samuel 16:2.

The mention of a donkey in Zechariah 9:9-10 fits the description of a king who would be “righteous and having salvation, gentle.” Rather than riding to conquer, this king would enter in peace. 

Zechariah 9:10 highlights this peace: “I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”

One day, Jesus came riding a donkey into Jerusalem.  Why?  Because He didn't come to make war.  He came to be God's Prince of Peace.  So, the people in Jerusalem that day shouted out, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel" (John 12:13). 

In Lent we focus our lives on this man who rides a donkey in the presence of the people.  In our hearts we quiet ourselves so as not to get too caught up in the carnival atmosphere of the moment.  A restlessness in us tells us, "It's not over yet.  Something is yet to come."  So we look into the eyes of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and we get our cue from Him.  We have a deep feeling that celebration is coming; but not just yet.

Today’s Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

(The Collect for Palm Sunday from Lay Anglicana, the unofficial voice of the laity throughout the Anglican Communion)