Sermon (March 15) - "Different Robes of Jesus: Spreading Robes"
Zechariah 9:9-10
Zechariah was an Old Testament prophet who prophesied after the Jewish community had returned from exile.
These verses are in the context of the hope that the Lord, a mighty warrior, will finally take up residence in the Jerusalem Temple. This will include a restoration of a ruler in the line of David.
The early church connected these verses with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem by riding on a donkey.
Luke 19:28-40
When Jesus came to Jerusalem, he knew what awaited him. It was now time for Jesus to embody his message of God's kingdom by offering himself to those who were rejecting him.
Jesus chose to use a donkey to ride into Jerusalem and the disciples helped to turn this into a royal processional by spreading robes along the way. The crowds start singing Psalm 118 which celebrates and praises God for defeating enemies and establishing a new kingdom of justice and peace.
Behind this celebration are religious opponents to Jesus. They are ready to take him down.
This scene raises questions for us: Are we willing to sing a song of praise even though we might not understand or agree with what Jesus is about to do? What are our motives in following Jesus? Will we only follow him if he does what we want him to do or will we follow him at all costs?
This scripture also raises a question about stewardship. Are we willing to offer what we have like spreading robes and a donkey so that God's kingdom will continue to advance?
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