As the sun set over Holtzville, the community gathered in anticipation, expecting a grand display of power and authority. Yet, what unfolded was a humble procession—a man walking with friends, accompanied by a donkey. This unexpected entrance shifted the atmosphere from one of confusion to awe, as people realized they were witnessing not a parade of power, but a parade of peace. This scene mirrors Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where he chose a donkey over a war horse, signaling a kingdom built not on domination, but on humility, love, and reconciliation.
The world often measures success by strength, authority, and conquest. We see it in political rallies, in the way leaders present themselves, and in the expectations we place on those in power. But Jesus subverts these expectations. He demonstrates that true power is found in humility, and true peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and love even in the midst of struggle. The call is not to seek victory over others, but to pursue reconciliation and compassion.
This invitation to peace is not passive. It requires us to step into the messiness of real life, to see beyond our own comfort, and to care for those whose struggles may not directly affect us. Compassion means acknowledging the pain of others, even when it would be easier to look away. The church is called to be a community that steps in where systems fall short, embodying the disruptive love and justice of Jesus.
As we enter Holy Week, the challenge is to reflect on the kind of people we want to be. Will we remain distant, focused on our own needs, or will we open our eyes to the journeys of those around us? The invitation is to choose humility over power, love over anger, and justice over domination. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is not just a historical event—it is an ongoing invitation to join the parade of peace, to embody Christ’s transforming love in a world desperate for hope and healing.
Key Takeaways
- Humility as True Power
The world equates power with dominance and authority, but Jesus redefines power through humility. By choosing a donkey instead of a war horse, he demonstrates that real strength lies in lowering oneself and serving others. This challenges us to reconsider where we seek validation and to find greatness in acts of quiet service. [03:38]
- Peace Is More Than Absence of Conflict
Peace is not simply the lack of strife; it is the active presence of justice, love, and reconciliation. Jesus’ peace disrupts the status quo, calling us to engage in the hard work of healing divisions and building bridges where there is brokenness. This kind of peace transforms both individuals and communities from the inside out. [06:25]
- Compassion Requires Seeing Beyond Ourselves
It is easy to ignore suffering that does not touch our own lives, but Christ calls us to a deeper compassion. True empathy means allowing ourselves to be affected by the pain of others, even when it is uncomfortable. The church is meant to step in where needs are unmet, embodying Christ’s love in tangible ways. [10:54]
- The Disruptive Nature of Christ’s Love
Jesus was not merely gentle and kind; he was also a disruptor who challenged systems of injustice and complacency. Following him means being willing to unsettle the status quo, to flip tables when necessary, and to advocate for those who are overlooked. This is a call to courageous, active faith that seeks transformation, not just comfort. [11:32]
- Community as a Place of Shared Journeys
Everyone carries burdens, though many remain hidden. The church is called to be a place where people can share their struggles and find support, healing, and hope. By recognizing the diversity of journeys within our community, we are reminded to extend grace, understanding, and practical help to one another. [15:08]
YouTube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Anticipation in Holtzville
[01:14] - The Unexpected Arrival
[02:09] - The Parade of Peace
[03:19] - Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
[04:18] - Expectations vs. Reality
[05:11] - Modern Examples of Leadership
[06:08] - Redefining Power and Peace
[06:44] - The Call to Reconciliation
[07:38] - Changing Church Culture
[08:36] - Planting Seeds of Peace
[09:11] - Compassion Beyond Our Circles
[10:54] - The Church’s Role in Meeting Needs
[11:32] - Jesus as Disruptor
[13:07] - Entering Holy Week with Reflection
[15:08] - Sharing Burdens in Community
[16:40] - The Invitation to Join the Parade of Peace
[17:17] - Prayer and Sending Forth
