Jesus’ Palm Sunday procession into Jerusalem was not the only parade that occurred in Jerusalem during the Passover festival. There was also an annual procession led by the Roman appointed governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. The procession that Pilate led was a message to the 100,000+ Jewish pilgrims who travelled to Jerusalem to remember how God led their ancestors from slavery to freedom when the angel of death passed over Egypt. The parade that Pilate led was a display of power with the sole purpose of reminding the Jewish people that while the God of Israel may have delivered their ancestors from slavery in Egypt, the story of Passover would have a different outcome if they tried to revolt against Rome.
Like the Roman governors of Judea who preceded him, Pilate lived in Caesarea by the sea every other week of the year except for this week when the possibility of revolt simmered near the surface as Passover was observed. When the time came for Passover, Pilate would move his headquarters to Jerusalem and lead a parade that included “cavalry on horses, foot soldiers, leather armor, helmets, weapons, banners, golden eagles mounted on poles, sun glinting on metal and gold.” The streets of the parade route would be cleared before the parade began so the crowds could line the streets and throw down their cloaks and leafy branches before Pilate as they extended their respect to Pilate and ultimately to Caesar by welcoming Pilate into Jerusalem.
On Palm Sunday Jesus led a different type of procession than Pilate led. Where Pilate’s procession was a statement about the power of the Roman Empire, Jesus’ procession was a statement of faith about the Kingdom of God. Where Pilate rode a white stallion as a symbol of Rome’s conquering power, Jesus rode a colt that was a symbol of peace. Where the crowds placed their cloaks and leafy branches on the street before Pilate in tribute to Rome, the crowds placed their cloaks and leafy branches on the street before Jesus in tribute to God as they shouted Hosanna which means, “Save us.”
Later in this Holy Week, the procession that Pilate led and the procession that Jesus led will intersect at the crossroad of the cross as the shouts of Hosanna for Jesus on Palm Sunday become demands for Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday. Later in this Holy Week, the procession that Pilate led and the procession that Jesus led will intersect as Pilate turns Jesus over to be crucified as Jesus leads a new procession to the empty tomb of Easter Sunday.
Processions
by Pastor Marc Brown
March 24, 2024
Accompanying Scriptures: Mark 11:1-11
Fort Hill United Methodist Church
Order of Worship for March 24, 2024
Scripture Lesson Mark 11:1-11
The Good News “Processions”
Music “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” Hymn #278
Prayer
Blessing
Closing Music “Strong Praise” by Paul Davis
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