Embracing the Parade of Peace and Humility
Summary
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
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Parade of Peace
---
### Bible Reading
Luke 19:28-40
(Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on a donkey)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 19:28-40, what animal does Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem, and what is the significance of this choice compared to what the people might have expected?
*(see [03:19])*
2. According to the sermon, how did the crowd’s attitude change as they witnessed the humble procession in Holtzville? What did they do differently as they realized what was happening?
*(see [02:09])*
3. What are some ways the world today measures success and power, as described in the sermon?
*(see [04:53])*
4. What role does the church have when it comes to meeting needs that go beyond what systems or organizations can provide?
*(see [10:54])*
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose a donkey instead of a war horse for his entry into Jerusalem? What message was he sending to the people then—and to us now?
*(see [03:38])*
2. The sermon says, “True peace is not absence of conflict but the presence of justice and love in the midst of it.” How does this definition of peace challenge the way we usually think about peace?
*(see [06:25])*
3. The pastor described Jesus as a “disruptor” who sometimes flipped tables and challenged the status quo. What does it mean for Christians to follow a disruptive Jesus?
*(see [11:32])*
4. The sermon mentions that everyone carries hidden burdens and that the church should be a place of shared journeys. Why is it important for a community to recognize and support the struggles of others?
*(see [15:08])*
---
### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you expected God to show up in a powerful or dramatic way, but instead He came quietly or humbly. How did that experience shape your faith?
*(see [03:19])*
2. The world often tells us to seek power, status, and victory. In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to “look strong” or “be in control”? How might you practice humility instead this week?
*(see [06:08])*
3. The sermon challenges us to see beyond our own comfort and care for those whose struggles may not directly affect us. Is there a need in your community or church that you have ignored because it didn’t touch your life personally? What is one step you could take to get involved?
*(see [09:11])*
4. Jesus’ love was described as “disruptive”—sometimes challenging systems and flipping tables. Is there an area where you feel called to speak up or act for justice, even if it’s uncomfortable? What holds you back?
*(see [11:32])*
5. The pastor encouraged the church to be a place where people can share their burdens. Is there something you are carrying that you haven’t shared with anyone? What would it look like to let someone in, or to offer support to someone else who might be struggling?
*(see [15:08])*
6. As we enter Holy Week, what is one practical way you can choose humility over power, love over anger, or justice over domination in your daily life?
*(see [16:40])*
7. The sermon invites us to “join the parade of peace.” What does that look like for you personally? Is there a relationship, situation, or habit where you need to bring Christ’s peace this week?
*(see [17:17])*
---
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Enters as the King of Peace, Not Power
In a world that often celebrates displays of strength and authority, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem stands in stark contrast. Instead of arriving on a war horse, He chooses a humble donkey, signaling that His kingdom is not about domination but about peace, humility, and love. This act invites us to reconsider our own expectations of leadership and power, and to recognize that true transformation comes not through force, but through the gentle, reconciling presence of Christ. [03:38]
Luke 19:35-38 (ESV)
And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works 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!”
Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to seek power or control, and how might you instead choose the way of humility and peace that Jesus models?
Day 2: True Power Is Found in Humility
The world often measures success by authority, conquest, and outward displays of strength, but Jesus redefines power through humility. He shows that real strength is not about overpowering others, but about serving, listening, and loving even in the midst of conflict. This kind of humility has the power to heal divisions and bring about genuine peace, both in our communities and within ourselves. [06:08]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Reflection: What is one situation this week where you can intentionally choose humility over asserting your own way?
Day 3: Pursuing Peace and Reconciliation in Community
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, to lay down our banners of division and reach out with understanding and compassion. In a world torn by conflict and entrenched positions, we are invited to create spaces for conversation, listening, and mutual respect. This is not always easy or expected, but it is the way that hearts are softened and true reconciliation begins to take root. [08:36]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Reflection: Who is one person you are in conflict with or distant from, and what step can you take today to move toward peace and understanding?
Day 4: Compassion Means Seeing and Responding to Others’ Needs
It is easy to ignore the struggles of those around us, especially when their pain does not directly affect us. Yet, Jesus calls us to open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others, to step beyond our comfort zones, and to act with compassion. The church is meant to be a community that notices, cares, and responds—especially to those who are hungry, hurting, or overlooked. [10:54]
James 2:15-17 (ESV)
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Reflection: Who in your community or church might be struggling in ways you haven’t noticed, and how can you reach out to offer practical help or encouragement this week?
Day 5: Following Jesus Means Choosing the Path of Peace and Service
Jesus’ triumphal entry is not just a historical event, but an ongoing invitation to each of us. We are called to reject the world’s ways of power and domination, and instead to walk the path of humility, peace, and service. As we enter Holy Week, let us reflect on how we can embody Christ’s peace in our lives, offering love and healing to a world in desperate need. [17:17]
Romans 12:18 (ESV)
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Reflection: What is one concrete way you can embody Christ’s peace and serve someone in need this week?
Quotes
As the sun began to set over the small town of Holtzville, crowd gathered at the edge of Wayne Street. It was a moment of excitement. Anticipation hung in the air. People lined the streets waving banners, holding up their phones, snapping photos of the event about to unfold. The town had never seen anything like this before. For weeks, the buzz had been growing. Rumors had spread that a leader, a powerful figure, apparently the figure once to be known, was coming to Hopesville. Someone who would change everything. They called it a parade of hope. And the entire town was a buzz. [00:00:05]
The crowds were ready for a figure of authority, a strong charismatic leader who would take charge, shake things up, and deliver the desired change. Many were expecting someone who would arrive with all the grandeur of a powerful leader, a figure who would come in in a sleek, high performance vehicle and exute authority and force. But then, as the crowd cheered, the figure they were waiting for appeared in a way they didn't expect. Instead of a sharp suit or a luxury car, a humble man approached. Walking down the street on foot. Behind him were a few of his friends. At his side, a donkey, a donkey, took it slow, steady steps down the road. [00:00:56]
The crowd was momentarily silent, confused. What was going on? What was this leader they'd be waiting for? In the streets of Boltzville, there was confusion mixed with disbelief. Yet, as this man passed by, something shifted in the crowd. The people stood taller, their faces softened with awe. They started waving their hands. Not holding banners or signs of anger or frustration, but simply extending their hands in peace, reaching out to touch what they now realized was not just a parade, but a moment of deep meaning. This was not the parade of power, but the parade of peace. [00:01:54]
The scene described as remarkably like what we encounter in Luke today. We witness a triumphal entry, not a conquering military leader, but Jesus, the prince of peace. As he makes his way into Jerusalem, the crowds are excited. But not because of the mighty king they expected. It's because Jesus reveals something radically different about how the world's brokenness will be healed. Not through force or domination, but through humility, love, and peace. Jesus enters into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace. In ancient times, kings would ride into a city on war horses, symbolizing military strength and victory. [00:02:45]
But Jesus, the King of Kings, chooses the donkey, an animal not of war, but peace. He intentionally shows the people of Jerusalem and all of us that his kingdom is different. His reign is not about conquering through violence but about transforming the world through love, humility, and reconciliation. Imagine the reaction of those gathered in Jerusalem. They were expecting a warrior, but they got a shepherd. They were anticipating a military leader, but they got a servant. They expected power through might, but they were offered peace through sacrifice. [00:03:40]
Think about the parades and celebrations we witness in our world today. We see political rallies where powerful leaders arrive in limousines and for helicopters surrounded by security and a display of strength. We hear speeches of triumph, military victories and promises of power and domination. One that sticks out is that of the Mexican president. If you pay attention, she doesn't drive around in luxury cars. Most of the videos you'll see of her, she's riding in the passenger side in the front in a humble car. If you look at her within the crowds, you don't see an army of spirit around her. [00:04:43]
See, she is amplifying strength by connecting with the people. The disciples weren't part of Jesus's security team. They were his friends. See, the world often tells us that success is measured by power, authority, and conquest. But Jesus offers us a different message. True power is not found in conquering others. True power is found in humility. True peace is not absence of conflict but the presence of justice and love in the midst of it. Imagine a community torn apart by years of division. People have been fighting over insurmountable issues. Race, immigration, religion, and politics. [00:05:37]
The leaders of both sides are entrenched on their positions. Each holding tight to their power and unwilling to let go. But then imagine one leader, humble, calm, and filled with compassion, steps forward. This leader doesn't come with a political agenda or a campaign to tear down the other side. Instead, they come with an offer of peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect. This leader calls for a gathering not of shouting and protest, but of conversation, listening, and understanding. Think about how the culture in this church community has changed over the last four years. [00:06:46]
Often I will encourage you to speak directly to the person you have a conflict with. I encourage you to discuss things professionally at the table and leave the disagreements at the table. That's what Jesus is calling us to do. See, but the people are skeptical at first. It's not what they expected, but as a leader continues to speak words of hope and healing, they begin to see something different. The seeds of peace are planted in that moment. The crowd's heart begin to soften and they start to put down their banners of division, reaching out instead with hands of understanding and compassion. [00:07:47]
The story shows how peace can change hearts and minds like the peace Jesus offers. The world may expect us to seek power, status, and victory. But Jesus invites us to pursue peace, reconciliation, and love. And let's not forget compassion. Just because it does not affect us does not mean it does not affect others. That is often a message that is lost. If it's not within my circle, doesn't bother me. I don't need to hear about it. As we think about this Palm Sunday, the question for us is, will we join the parade of peace? [00:08:47]
One of the first things that I was asked when I was interviewed the first time was if I would get involved with the community. And most of you know I have see but the problem that I have in reconciliation is that often people do not see beyond their blinders. Yes, you hear, "Oh, there's a lot of people in this place that are hungry." But then you don't want to hear about it, cuz you just want to feel good. And if you hear about it and you think about it, it's gonna hurt that other people are hungry. [00:09:56]
That other people can't pay their light bill or their gas bill or their water bill. And they don't know when the next meal will come because as much good as a pantry does, they have their restrictions. That is where the church community is supposed to step in. Jesus didn't gather. Everybody say, "Okay, let's calm down. Let's chill out." Jesus was a disruptor. And if you haven't read that part of the Bible, let me know which version of the Bible you're reading. Some have missed that he flipped tables. [00:10:50]
And often times we say that Jesus 12 year old is like, "Oh, well, when Mary and Joseph are looking for him, his mom and dad, he's like, "Oh, well, I was here in my my dad's house." That's how we phrase it. This gentle, kind 12-year-old saying, "Oh, hey, mom." And let's face it, it was probably more like where did you expect me to be? Am I wrong? You have how many teenagers? How many have raised teenagers? Isn't that more what the response would be? [00:11:46]
But as we discussed in our Bibles in our Lent study this past week, not everything is in the Bible. They're not going to portray Jesus as having attitude or misbehaving. Why? Because we inspire to be the goodness that he represents us. We enter Holy Week. I really want you to pray this week. Discern. Want you to think of those who are around you, maybe even here, who do not share their struggles. Even if you've known them for decades, they will not share their struggles with you. [00:12:34]
But guess who they do share with a lot of times. And that's where you hear some of these sermons. I carry all of your stories, the joyful ones, the sorrowful ones, and the ones in between. And my job is to remind you every now and then that there is all sorts of types of journeys in this world particularly in this planet. Think about that. What type of person do you want to be? Do you want to be one of those who's lost touch with the average person? Do you want to keep yourself humble? [00:13:34]
Because I will tell you, the way that things are going within our economy, even if you're not hurting right now, you may start to hurt a little. So imagine those who are less fortunate than you, including in this congregation, what they will have to navigate. Think about that for a moment. Yes, we come to church because we need healing. We need comfort, but we also need reminders that someone next to us may need it even more than us. Look around you. Look how many of you are here. [00:14:34]
Do you honestly think 100% of you are overall okay with everything in your journey? Some of you may have medical hurdles to navigate. Some of you hunger. Some of you worried about your house or your utilities or your children or grandchildren. Everybody's journey is unique. But we must not forget that there are other journeys. We come in community to share. See the story in our sermons shows how peace can change hearts and minds like the peace Jesus offers. The world may expect us to seek power status. [00:15:28]
But is that what we want as well? Or do we want peace and compassion? But we choose humility over power, love over anger, justice over domination. Jesus's entrance into Jerusalem is not a historic moment. It is an invitation to us to recognize that God's kingdom is not about military might or political conquest, but about bringing peace to a hurting world. It's an invitation to reject the ways of this world and to choose a different path, a path of humility and peace. [00:16:31]
As we wave our palms today and this week, let them remind us not just of the crowds of Jerusalem, but of our own call to follow in Jesus's footsteps and offer peace to a world in desperate need of it. [00:17:09]
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