“Look, your king is coming to you.”
Preacher: Revd Giles Dove, Assistant University Chaplain
Readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Matthew 21:1-11
May I speak in the name of the Living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Look, your king is coming to you.”
There is often more to objects, to events and to people than meets the eye. We all need to learn to recognise and to appreciate what is of real value in life:
- Piece of scrap paper – worthless, rubbish, of no value
- £10 note – it’s paper – worthless, rubbish, of no value
- Family photo – worthless, rubbish, of no value?
With regard to objects, to events and to people, we need to look carefully; to focus on what is of real worth; to discern what the inner meaning may be; to grasp the relevance to our daily lives.
“Look, your king is coming to you.”
With regard to people, we would be well advised to consider the potential for the unlikely or unexpected to happen. In the eyes of God, we are all of unique worth. He has freely given us the opportunity to realise the potential that exists within us. To recognise and to claim those qualities of character that are of real value.
“Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey…”
Have you ever had your expectations dashed? Perhaps you had always wanted to meet someone famous or simply to talk to some hero – but when you do so it’s all one big disappointment. I’ve lost track of the number of times people have told me how surprised they were on meeting Queen Elizabeth II at how short she was – the tone in their voices generally suggested not just that they were surprised by her shortness but they were disappointed by her height – quite literally, Her Majesty did not live up to their expectations. You meet some famous entertainer or sports personality only to discover that they are devoid of any real character or conversation – what a let down!
Perhaps it is a sign of maturity when we come to accept people as they are and to recognise the merit and worth of each individual we encounter? Sometimes the best surprises come in the most unlikely packages. God is a God of surprises. He leads us to expect the unexpected. Our eyes are opened as we become aware that the most unlikely things can – and do – happen: to us. Be prepared to be surprised by God.
I recently re-read the BBC News report on Prince William’s Graduation Day here in St Andrews twenty years ago. It runs as follows:
Prince William was “delighted” the Queen was among leading Royals attending his graduation ceremony at St Andrews University, he said.
The prince, who attained a class 2:1 degree in geography, collected the honour at a ceremony on Thursday.
His father, Prince Charles, also attended, along with the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Edinburgh.
William, 23, will spend the summer doing work experience in the City, as well as joining a mountain rescue team.
Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets of the Scottish town to greet the Royal party.
After the ceremony, and still wearing his black silk graduation robe, Prince William shook hands with members of the public as he made his way to Fife constabulary to thank them for “their constant support” during his time at the Scottish institution.
“Today there is a great degree of interest in seeing him,” said St Andrews resident Sybil Gray, 72.
“I also got a good look at the Queen who I thought looked very well and happy to be at her grandson’s graduation.”
The prince paid tribute to the people of St Andrews, saying he had “thoroughly enjoyed” his four years at the university and was “sad to leave”.
“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has made my time here so enjoyable,” he said.
There is no doubt that this was a very happy and celebratory occasion. From start to finish, His Royal Highness was treated with the honour and respect with which a future monarch ought to be treated.
Earlier in this service, David read the account of another Royal Visit. This, however, was a very different occasion.
The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah who would come and save them. They lived in constant hope of a Saviour who would lead them and guide them. Their hope and expectation was, perhaps, of a royal figure, a victorious military commander, or someone with clear political leadership. A scruffy, homeless itinerant balanced on the back of a donkey was hardly what they anticipated or wanted.
In his account of the first Palm Sunday, St Matthew focuses on the Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah which says “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus’ actions arriving on a donkey fulfilled the prophet’s words, giving those who followed Him some indication that He was indeed the Messiah.
Despite His unconventional entry into Jerusalem, Jesus was boldly declaring Himself King of the Jews, and some of the crowd gladly joined Him. For those who look beyond the obvious and seek a deeper meaning, the scene may evoke images of a king or triumphant general’s entry into a city. That Jesus is mounted on a donkey indicates, however, that he is coming in humility and in peace. The spreading of cloaks and branches is a sign of honour. The people’s cry of “Hosanna” is a cry of acclamation meaning “O save!”
As an occasional supporter at sports matches, I have, in the past, heard the chant “Who are you, who are you, who are you?” As I read this morning’s Gospel the other day, a frightening moment from the football pitch re-echoed in my ear: “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking ‘Who is this?” And I have little doubt that the crowd pointed their fingers at Jesus as they chanted “Who is this? Who is this? Who is this?” Many of them did not recognise Jesus for who He really is – the Son of God; the Saviour of the World. Even those who did recognise Jesus as Lord quickly bowed to pressure from others and deserted Him in the final days and hours before His cruel death on the cross.
We now enter the final phase of Lent. As we begin Holy Week, allow God to lead you to be alert to surprises; to expect the unexpected. The most unlikely things that could happen could just happen to you. Be prepared to be surprised by God. Be prepared for the great Easter surprise – the resurrection.
In the people you meet, in the events you attend, in the objects you encounter, look carefully; to focus on what is of real worth; to discern what the inner meaning may be; to grasp their relevance to your daily life.
Two rough pieces of wood. What are they? What do they represent? What is their meaning? What are they worth? What relevance do they have for me? Worthless, rubbish, of no value?
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.