Happy No Kings Day

Several years ago, I learned an interesting backstory to Palm Sunday.

In the time of Jesus, the “king” (royal governor) would enter the city before Passover through one of the city’s gates. The king would ride his horse and enter with all the pomp and circumstance of a royal parade.

And so it was that Jesus chose to enter the city at around the same time, through the sheep gate, the gate through which the sacrificial lambs would be brought in from the fields for the annual sacrifice. 

Instead of a horse, Jesus rode a donkey.

Instead of soldiers bearing swords, there was a crowd waving tree branches, and shouting “hosanna!” 

“Save us!” 

The voices of the prophets had long warned of the dangers of lifting up kings. Kings levy taxes to build monuments and armies, they steal your crops and your daughters. Kings build empires for their own gain..

To proclaim Jesus is king is to say that we reject systems of authoritarian rule.

Happy No Kings Day to all who celebrate.

#faithfulresistance