Friday of the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Read Luke 19:28–44

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The Messiah is making his way into Jerusalem! For centuries, we’ve been waiting for the one who’ll deliver our people from bondage to the foreign powers who’ve oppressed us. Jesus has established his authority and power. We’ve heard that he’s healed the sick, calmed storms, and even brought people back from the dead. Surely he has the power to deliver us from those who grind us under their heel!

I see his followers coming through the city gates. They’re laying down their cloaks in the streets, and they’re waving palm branches. It’s all certainly the fanfare a king deserves. Here he comes; he’s riding a donkey! Kings ride donkeys when they’ve won the battle. He’s telling us that he’s going to be victorious over our enemies! Rome won’t stand a chance. The golden age of Israel has returned, ushered in by the king of the Jews!

Jesus, you are our true king. Help us to understand what that means, on your terms.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL