Excerpted from 2025 Lenten Guide: The Year of the Lord, a Lenten Guide for Lectionary Year C from the North Carolina Council of Churches.
Luke 19:28-40
After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Modern-day parades are electrifying experiences for both attendees and participants. Bands, school groups, churches, and floats transport participants and the designated parade marshals. But extensive preparations must take place before any movement can occur.
In the pageantry of Palm Sunday, there are many symbols and signs to watch as Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem. But before the festivities begin, Jesus tells the disciples his most immediate need is a colt. He would not enter with a carriage or chariot, as expected for the one declaring himself King of Israel. Instead, his reign will be framed by peace and all will be invited to bring this reign to fruition on earth.
In a time when political rhetoric leaves people feeling powerless and, more tragically, voiceless, and some feel their voices cannot compete against the digital discourse and shouts of the crowds, today’s story reminds us that Christ-bearers of all sizes and from all stations in life are still needed.
What have you been holding onto that God now needs?
Maybe there’s the gift of persuasion that you’ve preserved that is needed to challenge politicians who proclaim to walk with God but choose party loyalty over justice. Maybe God needs you to be “untied” to run for the school board or even in a statewide race. Can Jesus depend on you to be a Christ-bearer in spaces where crucifixion will overshadow celebration?
What does the Lord require that is now in your possession?
