The King's Stride

This is a sermon preview for the fourth week of our “Walking in Wisdom: A Lenten Study of Proverbs” series. 

Visit FBCM’s Church Center Channel to view video live stream or audio version of sermon (published week after).

“... They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road."

-from Luke 19:28-40

“There are three things that are stately in their stride,

four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat,

and a king secure against revolt”

-from Proverbs 30:29-31 (NIV)

---

According to the Proverbs, there's four creatures stately in their stride, including a king. As we remember Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the King of King- Jesus Christ - who strode into Jerusalem on an unlikely colt. Though an unusual King, the crowds can see this is the only king who worthy of our praise.

When you compare these two passages side-by-side it seems the differences stick out to us more than the similarities. After all, Jesus (though a King) does not appear "secure against revolt." He begins the week with cheers from the crowd of "Hosannah!" But we know, as we follow the last week of Jesus's ministry before His crucifixion, the cries of "Crucify Him!" will not be here before the week ends.

How are we to understand King Jesus when he does not seem stately or mighty? When he, or us, do not seem secure? How do we understand Palm Sunday when palms (and indeed coats) are laid down?

The answer, we will find, is that Jesus redefines might: it is in his weakness. He redefines glory: it is in his humility. He upends more than our expectations. He turns the world upside down.

Join us this special Palm Sunday!

(And bring a coat or jacket!).