The Parade: Risking Reputation

Sermon Summary: This Palm Sunday sermon explores the tension between celebration and sacrifice as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Drawing on Zechariah's prophecy and A.J. Levine's work on the Passion, the pastor challenges the congregation to consider where they would have stood during Jesus' triumphal entry—and where they stand today. The message emphasizes that following Jesus requires genuine risk, not comfortable religiosity. While our context differs from first-century Palestine, the call to work for justice, serve with humility, and risk reputation or more for Christ's kingdom remains strikingly similar. The sermon acknowledges human weakness and failure, reminding listeners that even the disciples fell short, yet God continually offers forgiveness and renewed invitation to discipleship. Ultimately, this is a call to courageous faith grounded in the assurance of resurrection hope.

Key Points:

- The triumphal entry cannot be separated from the cross, and the cross cannot be separated from the call to justice

- Two kings entered Jerusalem that day—Jesus on a donkey and Pilate with Roman power—representing radically different kingdoms

- The crowds who shouted "Hosanna" would soon cry "Crucify him," revealing the fickleness of crowd mentality versus true discipleship

- Taking up our cross means risking hardship, loss, imprisonment, or death as we proclaim and work for God's kingdom

- Our contemporary context is more similar to first-century Palestine than we might think; following Jesus still requires significant risk

- Jesus' kingdom is characterized by justice, righteousness through service, humility, and compassion for the marginalized

- God knows our limitations and continues to forgive and invite us anew, even when we fall short like the disciples did

- We are called to courageously follow Jesus today, working for his kingdom while trusting in his grace and resurrection power

Scripture Reference:

- Zechariah 9:9-10 (primary Old Testament prophecy quoted)

- Matthew 16:24 (taking up our cross)

- Matthew 21 (the triumphal entry narrative, implied)

Stories:

- The narrative of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, contrasted with Pontius Pilate's simultaneous entry representing Roman imperial power

- The transformation of the crowds from shouting "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday to "Crucify him" days later

- References to the disciples' failures during the Passion Week, including Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal

- The broader Passion narrative as a framework for understanding risk, sacrifice, and redemption