Three years ago I remember sitting on a small commuter size commercial airplane wondering why we were not taxiing down the runway to take off. Looking out the window I saw clear skies above us so weather was not a problem. Prior to boarding I witnessed the ground crew fueling the plane and stowing the luggage, so that was not the problem. Just minutes earlier we all heard the captain give us the all too familiar “greeting from the flight deck” speech indicating an expected smooth flight with little turbulence. But the fact remained, we were not moving in any direction, we were simply sitting at the terminal.
After what seemed like hours we finally pushed back from the gate, rolled down the tarmac, jetted down the runway and soon lifted into the air. Once we arrived in Chicago to catch the connecting flight the whole airport was a buzz. It did not take long for my group to quickly learn that our delay was not from mechanical problems, weather, air traffic congestion, or any other normal type of stoppage. Our flight, and several dozen other flights into and out of Chicago, backed up because of the President’s plane, Air Force One, taking off from O’Hare International Airport. The extended delay was actually from a longer journey for the presidential motorcade through the streets of Chicago. What a hassle. At least we did not miss our connecting flight.
The last couple of weeks during Lent I have been spending time re-reading the final weeks of Jesus’ life. The church calendar has us focused on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The particular passage in Matthew lasts only eleven verses and gives little detail to organizational meetings or preparation. In fact, the only instruction Jesus gives the disciples is for them to, “go to the village ahead of you, and at once you find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me” (Matthew 21:2).
Somehow this scenario makes modern day heads of state itineraries pale in comparison. To think of all the planning necessary ensuring security and transportation goes smoothly, scores of people work through every detail months in advance determining routes, vulnerabilities, and all the logistics needed for a president’s arrival and departure. Jesus did it in one verse. In fact, the only apparent inconvenience recorded by Matthew was upon the disciples to go and get the transportation. Nevertheless, all of Jerusalem knew of Jesus’ entrance.
When it comes to fanfare and public acclamations, not all the ticker tape and inaugural parades could hold an instant to the King of King and Lord of Lords riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The God of creation humbled himself and rode a lowly burrow to the most recognized and needed coronation ever imagined. A coronation that many wanted to symbolize a humiliating moment of failed hope by placing a crown of thorns upon a convict’s head, but instead became the coronation of divine love expressed to the greatest degree.
World leaders may be called a number of things for various reasons, but none can receive the acclaim “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” That is reserved for the arrival of a true King.
I look forward to seeing you at the King’s arrival place this Sunday,
Travis
