A different kind of King

In Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is seen as a coronation. As Jesus comes along the road toward Jerusalem all of the city was stirred up. The Jews wanted a hero, but Jesus shows up riding a beast of burden, not a noble steed. Was Jesus engaging in a deliberately provocative act? Was he shattering stereotypes and expectations? Pastor Barbara Moyer Lehman noted that in some ways, Pope Francis has done the same to expectations as a result of his actions in the first year of his papacy. Many Mennonites have found affinity with Pope Francis' emphasis on humility, servanthood, and justice. Identifying with Jesus results in endless subversion as we pattern our lives after his.