An Unexpected Parade and the Powerful Celebration of Hope

Have you ever been in a parade? I’ve actually been in several! In high school, our band participated in Ronald Reagan’s inaugural parade. My family is convinced they saw my feet march by on the TV screen. In college, I was the Junior Class Homecoming Princess and earned the privilege of riding in the annual homecoming parade. I performed my stylish Princess Wave while perched on the back of a convertible.

An Unexpected Parade

Several years ago, my sweet Pastor husband and I found ourselves unexpectedly in a parade. After a camping trip, we drove home with our trailer in town through the small town of Emmett. We stopped at a major intersection and commented on the cool cars we saw turning onto the street ahead of us. The light changed and we moved forward down one of the main streets in town.

My sweet Pastor husband and I noticed people lined the street relaxing in their camping chairs. Some of them waved at us and began to laugh. We glanced wide-eyed at each other as we realized, we were in a parade! The people of Emmett were celebrating Cruise Night! We rolled down the windows and enjoyed waving at the crowd. One nice gentleman even yelled, “Nice Jayco!” Our first and last cruise night.

Did you know the disciples once found themselves in an unexpected parade? It’s generally called the Triumphal Entry or Palm Sunday. Whereas Jesus knew what came next, the disciples were not so well-informed.

Jesus’ Triumphant Parade

The story is told in all four gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell of the disciples being sent to obtain a donkey. Jesus gave them instructions where to find the young colt, to untie and take the animal, and even what to say if someone questioned them. However, Jesus never gave a clue as to what would be happening once they brought the donkey to Him. John tells us in his gospel the disciples didn’t understand what was going on.

Both John and Luke emphasize the crowd; Jerusalem seemed primed for an unscheduled parade. People traveled from all over to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. In addition, many Jews were filled with excitement because they recently witnessed Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus. They believed Jesus to be the Messiah they hoped for; He would certainly soon save them from Roman rule and become their King.

Parade Excitement

Research shows positive behavior is contagious. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise any of us, when a few began to celebrate Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, others followed. Moreover, many of those who experienced Lazarus’ resurrection were with Jesus telling the unbelievable story to the crowd (John 12:17).

Since the Jewish people celebrated the Festival of Booths every year by waving palm branches, and reciting parts of Psalm 118, they were familiar with rejoicing by brandishing a large leaf. Furthermore, they recited parts of Psalm 118 at the same festival. It emphasized their hope and so they shouted well-known lines. In this impromptu procession, they overflowed with excitement and joy, believing Jesus came to save and restore the nation of Israel.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the alter. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
Psalm 118:24-28

When the Parade is Over

Somewhere between the parade on Sunday and the following Friday, those celebrating Jesus lost their hope. Undoubtedly, they felt the world pressing in. Jesus didn’t conquer and set up His throne in Jerusalem; instead, Jesus planned to save and restore in a way they never imagined. The euphoria of their spontaneous pageant dissipated. Consequently, they needed direction and assurances.

All the jubilant parade participants possessed the key. They knew the answer, but they lost their focus. If only they remembered to continue celebrating who Jesus is. If only they recalled His power and authority. If only they trusted His wisdom. If only they anchored themselves in the truth Jesus does in fact save.

Jesus generously provided moments and memories of miracles to celebrate. For three years He taught them important truths. For example, He fed the 5000 and taught them He was the bread of life. Christ told them stories and parables revealing He was the light of the world. He healed the man born blind and declared He came to give everyone sight. Jesus raised Lazarus and proved He was Lord over death. He fulfilled prophecies and unveiled God to them.

Losing the Celebration Feeling

Despite all Christ did, those who celebrated His entry into Jerusalem got stuck in an angry crowd demanding His crucifixion. They lived pressured by the Pharisees and an us vs Him tension. In addition, they were trapped in confusion and frustration because God chose a salvation they didn’t understand. Their dreams of a different type of life were dying. Furthermore, on Friday, they experienced loss, grief, and hopelessness.

If we are honest with ourselves, we too would find it hard to say “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” in the middle of such heart wrenching circumstances. And yet, when we rejoice, we remind our hearts to hold on, to expect, to believe. When we celebrate who Christ is, even if life is hard or dark, we revive our hope.

Even when we’re stuck in an angry circumstance.
Even when we are caught in the middle of an us vs them, or a you vs me, situation.
Even when God’s plan looks different from what we imagined.
Even when a dream has died.
Even when we grieve the loss of a loved one.
Even when we struggle to search for fresh hope.

Celebrate and Hope

“Jesus rode in the center of the procession, with crowds going before Him and behind Him. They all shouted in celebration, ‘Bring the victory! We welcome the one coming with the blessings of being sent from the Lord Yahweh! Blessings rest on this kingdom He ushers in right now –the kingdom of our father David! Bring us the victory in the highest realm of heaven!”
Mark 11:9-10 The Passion Translation

The crowd spoke greater truth than they realized. Victory did arrive. There are blessings upon blessings from the Lord. His Kingdom has come. We must celebrate and let hope rise again.

Parade Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash