A Word From David

When Jesus entered Jerusalem he was bent on confronting the powers of the city. Such a confrontation is inherently political as it concerns the affairs of the city. 

Jesus’ entry was theatrical, as well. Roman political leaders frequently made triumphal entries riding war horses through the gates of cities to be met by cheering crowds. Jesus turned that trope on its head by riding a lowly donkey. 

The crowds turned out for Jesus, too, shouting: hosanna to the son of David! By that appellation the crowd revealed its desire for a king in the line of David. But Jesus offered a different kind of sovereignty offering a politics of service and love in place of rule by power and domination.

We’ll remember the politics of Jesus’ triumphal entry as we mark Palm Sunday this weekend at Western. We’ll have palms to wave, and we’ll add signs, as well. Hosanna to the nonviolent sovereign who rules in love! No more war! No more violence! No more hatred and oppression!

Make up your own slogan, and make a sign, as well.

We’ll gather at 10:00 a.m. in the hospitality space with sign-making materials, coffee, bagels, and other goodies. At about 10:50 we will leave the building to parade around to the Virginia Avenue entrance to the sanctuary. 

Join us Sunday morning. Prepare ye the way of the Lord!