8 And the most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way; and others cut branches from the trees, and spread them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before him, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitudes said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.

The first parade of Holy week was commemorated last Sunday, on Palm Sunday. We had a little parade of choir members or children coming down the aisle with music carrying and waving palms which pointed to the time when Jesus' rode into Jerusalem on a young colt of a donkey. When a king rides into town on a donkey and particularly a young beast it is not for war, or he would be riding a horse, but one of peace. People knew who the grand marshal was. Jesus was declared the Son of God. Hosanna was the rallying cry. "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Psalm 118:26. There is clapping and shouting and singing and praising as Jesus, the miracle worker rides into the cities, but the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to take Jesus and kill Him. They dared not because of the large crowd of people.   

The crowd that chokes the road on that long-ago Sunday was made up of ordinary folk: merchants and mothers, goldsmiths and goat herders, clergymen and children. All of them are straining their necks to catch a glimpse of the man who would be Messiah. Children are hoisted on shoulders. Shouts of “Hosanna!” – “Save us now!” – Some of the spectators run onto the dusty road, spreading out cloaks and freshly-cut palm branches to welcome the King of the Jews. Jesus rides by touching outstretched hands and occasionally leaning forward to bless a child. The parade ends at the steps of the great temple of Herod.           

Jesus, the Christ, was the only reason for this parade. The travelers were making their way to the city of peace. That is what Jerusalem means, the city of peace. He was the king of peace. Some from the city heard of His coming and wanting to see this miracle worker for themselves. Others believed that this was the One who was promised to come to bring peace to the world and to the nation of Israel.  He was a different kind of king. While most royalty comes determined to rule - King Jesus came determined to serve! While most monarchs spend time building their egos with the prerequisites of office - King Jesus came with a totally disarming humility.       

Zachariah 9:9 says “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”            

When we recognize who Jesus is as the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world, we celebrate in praise.  We sing. We give. We know Him now to be more than just the Jewish Messiah. That event was prophetic pointing to the time He returns to Jerusalem, when all tongues will bow and declare that Jesus is Lord.

What a parade that will be in heaven!Prayer:  Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.  Hail Jesus You're our King.