Some may call it a death march. I call it a victory chant, but the Victor wasn’t riding a war horse. He was riding a donkey; a symbol of peace. Did you know that a donkey bears the emblem of a cross through out his back?
It’s Passion Week. Over two thousand years ago Jesus was making His way into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. It would be His last Passover He would celebrate until He comes again riding on a white horse.
“Then I saw heaven opened, and suddenly a white horse appeared. The name of the one riding it was Faithful and True, and with pure righteousness he judges and rides to battle. He wore many regal crowns, and his eyes were flashing like flames of fire. He had a secret name inscribed on him that’s known only to himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title is called the Word of God. Following him on white horses were the armies of heaven, wearing white fine linen, pure and bright. A sharp sword came from his mouth with which to conquer the nations, and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will trample out the wine in the winepress of the wrath of God. On his robe and on his thigh he had inscribed a name: King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Revelation 19:11-16 TPT
This week I will be using The Passion Translation for each of the events of Jesus’ last week before His resurrection.
Passion – strong and barely controllable emotion. It comes from the Latin word pati meaning suffer.
Come with me this week. Join the parade route. Be there and let the events of His ultimate sacrifice stir strong and uncontrollable emotion in you.
“After saying all of this, Jesus headed straight for Jerusalem. When he arrived at the stables of Annia near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples ahead, saying, “When you enter the next village, you will find tethered there a donkey’s young colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. And if anyone stops you and asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just tell them this: ‘It is needed for the Lord of All.’ ” The two who were sent entered the village and found the colt exactly like Jesus had said. While they were untying the colt, the owners approached them and asked, “What are you doing?” The disciples replied, “We need this donkey for the Lord of All.” They brought the colt to Jesus. Then they placed their prayer shawls on its back, and Jesus rode it as he descended the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. As he rode along, people spontaneously threw their prayer shawls on the path in front of him like a carpet.
“As soon as he got to the bottom of the Mount of Olives, the crowds of his followers shouted with a loud outburst of ecstatic joy over all the mighty wonders of power they had witnessed. They shouted over and over, “Highest praises to God for the one who comes as King in the name of the Lord! Heaven’s peace and glory from the highest realm now comes to us!” Some Jewish religious leaders who stood off from the procession said to Jesus, “Teacher, you must order your followers at once to stop saying these things!” Jesus responded, “Listen to me. If my followers were silenced, the very stones would break forth with praises!””
Luke 19:28-40 TPT
Are you there yet? Have you lined the parade route? Take a deep breath. Can you smell the olives being crushed under the donkey’s hooves and under the feet of the worshippers? Can you hear the crowd’s passion rising? Has it inspired you to throw down your prayer shawl? “Hosanna!” “Save us we pray!” It is our war chant but for Jesus it was His message of Shalom – complete wholeness and peace.
Grab a palm branch and fall to your knees people. Your Savior is coming, riding in to bring you peace and wholeness.