The Way, The Truth, The Light

Palm Sunday The Way, the Truth, the Life March 29 2026
Jesus was not Preparing today’s sermon brought me back to the very beginning of my becoming a member in discernment for ministry. The start of the path on the way to pastoral ordination twelve years ago. It was the writings of the late Marcus Borg who encouraged me to not be afraid to question what I found confusing. And while I might not agree with all that he said, I probably wouldn’t be here today if he hadn’t broadened by my understanding of Christianity. For Borg the heart of faith is not so much a religious belief system. It is about entering into a relationship with God as revealed in Jesus, following Jesus. and participating in the transformation of the world. I thank God for him.
On Palm Sunday, it is tempting to see only celebration. The crowd was waving palm branches that signify victory, triumph, and the recognition of Jesus as King. Hosanna to the Highest! What unfolds outside Jerusalem’s gates is not a only prophetic religious pageant but a carefully enacted resistance.
Imagine the layout of Jerusalem during the time of Passover so long ago. It wasn’t entered from only one direction. From the west, Pontius Pilate arrives accompanied by soldiers, cavalry, and visible symbols of Roman imperial authority. Passover itself was politically charged.— a festival that could stir dangerous hopes among the occupied Jews.
At about the same time, from the east, another procession approached.
Jesus of Nazareth rode down the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem, seated not on a war horse but on a donkey. The contrast is almost startling when we allow ourselves to see it clearly. This was not accidental wandering into Jerusalem unaware of the religious and governmental view of him – he was challenging it. By choosing a donkey, he evoked the prophetic imagery of Zechariah’s vision of a humble king who would banish war horses and proclaim peace to the nations. His action declared that he was indeed announcing kingship — but a kingship utterly unlike Rome’s. This is considered treason in Roman territories, as only Caesar was the ruler, savior and Lord.
The crowd responded with shouts of “Hosanna.” They weren’t just shouting out praise, but a loud plea for deliverance, for freedom from Rome’s tyranny. a word that carries more urgency than our hymns sometimes convey. It means, desperately, “Save us.” The people were crying out for salvation from oppression. Jesus had something else in mind.
Theologian N. T. Wright’ insights argue that while Jesus was claiming to be Israel’s true king, he was redefining also what kingship means. The expectations and hopes of many were that God’s Messiah will overthrow Rome. But Jesus’ vision of authority is rooted in love rather than force.
Palm Sunday, then, is not simply about a triumphal parade; it is about a collision of two visions of the world moving toward each other that very day. One rests on hierarchy, control, and fear. The other rests on mercy, justice, and trust in God. The leadership at the UCC, ECLA, and Pope Leo have been preaching the later about our world, refuting the former. The refusal of violent power is not weakness; it is conviction. Jesus enters Jerusalem knowing that this parade, this path will not end in applause.
The tension of Palm Sunday lies precisely there. Especially because we know what is coming. The cheers are real but within days the atmosphere will shift with disappointment settling in. It is bitter-sweet - the donkey’s slow steps become the first stage of a journey to the cross.
Paradoxically. we are heading toward climax of Jesus’ vocation and mission. John’s Gospel describes the crucifixion. Jesus authority is shown not in crushing enemies but in forgiving them.
We still live in a world shaped by competing processions, competing ideas, both here and abroad. Authoritative rulers on one side and protesters on another. We may not see Roman cavalry in our streets, yet we are surrounded by power that may feel just as compelling. We are told that security comes from control, that influence must be guarded, that strength is measured by dominance. Not what Jesus is preaching. Jesusspeak truth without becoming violent.
Our scripture speaks to many today who overwhelmed by challenges like job loss, rising costs, and worries about war. Can’t we just skip it? Not face it? Yet the path walked during Holy Week suggests that God’s way of saving goes counter to our hopes. Jesus doesn’t skip suffering, he walks right into it. He becomes submerged in pain, betrayal, and injustice. He demonstrates that we can’t always avoid suffering nor should we. The walk that starts on a donkey with waving palms, moves towards the pain of the cross, and ultimately to resurrection.
As we move into this Holy Week, the palms in our hands must become more than festive props. They are signs of the kind of kingdom we want on our earth. Are we drawn to the security of visible power, or are we willing to trust the transforming love revealed in Christ? As we walk toward Good Friday and beyond, let’s do so believing that following the path of this unexpected king, Jesus the Christ, is truly the way and the life.
HOSANNA to the Son of David. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. And may we have the courage to follow where he leads. AMEN