First Impressions
Two parades, two kingdoms, one choice
Picture this: two parades entering the same city on the same day. On the west side, the Roman governor Pilate rides in with cavalry, chariots, armor, and weapons—a show of force designed to intimidate. On the east side, Jesus rides in on a borrowed donkey, surrounded by people waving palm branches and laying their coats on the road.
Two kingdoms. Two visions of power. One says power comes from controlling people. The other says power comes from serving people. One demands your fear. The other invites your trust.
What strikes me most about this story is that Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. He wasn't accidentally humble—he chose the donkey on purpose. Kings rode horses to declare war. They rode donkeys to declare peace. Jesus was making a statement about what kind of king he would be.
And here's what's wild: in that moment, surrounded by cheering crowds, Jesus was the most popular guy in town. Everyone wanted a piece of him. But he didn't let the applause define him. He stayed focused on his mission, even though that mission would lead him to a cross just days later. The same crowds shouting 'Hosanna!' would soon be shouting 'Crucify him!' Jesus knew that. And he rode in anyway.
Sit with this
- 1Which parade feels more appealing to you right now\u2014the one with all the power and control, or the one with humility and peace?
Journal prompt
Think about a time when you felt caught between doing what was popular and doing what was right. What did you choose, and how did it feel?