V Atsi Dolie
ABCC Mission Compound
Although we are all engrossed with the news of COVID-19 pandemic, let us not allow our rich Christian heritage pass by unnoticed. Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem is among the most common stories of Jesus. All the four gospel writers reported it. On earlier occasions, Jesus would refuse to disclose himself as the long awaited messiah of the Jews, and also forbade anyone to promote the idea. But on this day, he is ready; it’s a deliberate messianic action. Prophet Zechariah long ago has given the clue of how the messiah would enter Jerusalem – “Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9).
Two large crowds were gradually converging; one coming from Bethany and its surrounding places, and the other coming out from Jerusalem to welcome Jesus. As the congregated crowd made its way to Jerusalem and while descending on Mount Olives, most of the people paved the road with their garments, and others with palm leaves. Spreading of garments before a dignitary was a symbol of submission (cf. 2 Kgs. 9:13), and “palm” was a symbol of the Jewish State then. Thus, this happening was deeply Jewish and nationalistic!
Jesus seldom received such recognition, and it could have been his day! But they got it all wrong. That is why Luke specifically reported that Jesus wept over the city (Lk. 19:41). The God Incarnate Jesus burst into tears, and he would not do so without a reason. At that moment, the tragic unbelief of his people and the coming decimation of Jerusalem gripped his heart that he could no longer control himself. Perhaps, he wanted to correct the crowd that he was not seeking a political leadership. But on this day he could not withdraw to the mountain as he did earlier in Galilee when the people wanted him to be their king (Jn. 6:15). Moreover, the people have made up their mind already and they shouted to Jesus – “King” (Lk. 19:38), “King of Israel” (Jn. 12:13) – for deliverance, and the shouts of “Hosanna” unmistakably can be heard across Judean hills.
Never in our time have we heard shouts of Hosanna, meaning, “save now, we pray,” as much as it has been in these last few weeks! Nagaland joins with the rest of the world in pleading God for the soon deliverance from the prevailing coronavirus pandemic. But could it be that our Hosannas are arising from our selfish desires? Could it be that we are repeating history by laying our garments provisionally, only to shout “crucify Him” when all is calm again? Could it be that Jesus is weeping again for our inconsistency in following him? The true test of Christianity is not the ability to pray in difficult times, but the willingness to let Him lead even when we wish Him “out” in good times.
The British theologian E. B. Pusey observed that this entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey would never have been done by a “false Messiah” who set his mind on earthly glory and worldly greatness only. A false messiah was more likely to ride on a horse and stir an uprising against the Roman rule in their land – a quick way to fame and glory for an attention seeking leader! But it was too risky to preach a message of love, forgiveness and peace, when the people were already geared up for a revolt! Thus, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was the most daring thing to do!
Before a new king is crowned, he must be anointed. What about Jesus? Not too long before this journey commenced, Mary did something at Bethany which perhaps she was not aware of its significance. She poured very costly perfume of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus (Jn. 12:3). So, inconspicuously, Mary had anointed Jesus before his coronation (Jn. 12:1-8). In few days Jesus will be crowned, but with a crown of thorns! He will proceed straight to claim his throne, that is, the cross, where he will decisively conquer sin and death, and usher in a kingdom of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).
Much to the disappointment of the Jews, Jesus came riding on a donkey with a message of grace and mercy. But someday, he will come again on a white horse, as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 19), resolved to destroy all unrighteousness. As we revisit Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem, let us lay down our garments “permanently” before him and renew our allegiance to his Lordship. This entry inaugurated the week packed with the most sacred treasures of Christian faith. Let there be heartfelt shouts for “hosanna” by those in spiritual bondage, and for His merciful providence upon our frail bodies at this critical time. It’s “hosanna” time – let it ring!
