Scriptures:
Psalm 134
Matthew 21:7-11
Romans 13:14
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
The Big Idea: What would it look like to lay down your cloak, and lift up your hands?
As Palm Sunday approaches, we’re invited to reflect on a powerful moment in history – Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But this wasn’t your typical parade. It was, in many ways, an upside-down affair that challenges our perceptions and invites us into a deeper understanding of true worship and identity.
Picture the scene: On one side of Jerusalem, the Roman Empire enters with all its pomp and circumstance – horses, chariots, trumpets, and gold. It’s a spectacle of worldly power and prestige. But on the other side, through the eastern gate where sacrificial lambs would enter, comes Jesus – riding on a humble donkey.
The contrast couldn’t be starker. And yet, it’s Jesus’ entrance that stirs the city and draws the crowds. They shout “Hosanna!” – a word that carries more weight than we often realize. It’s not just praise; it’s a cry for salvation. “I need saving,” “You’re the one who saves,” and “You are saving me” – all wrapped up in one powerful exclamation.
As Jesus rides in, the people begin to lay down their cloaks in the street before him. This seemingly simple act carries profound significance. In those days, cloaks were more than just clothing – they were symbols of status, identity, and belonging. By laying them down, the people were surrendering their old identities and allegiances at the feet of this new King.
This brings us to a challenging question: What are the “cloaks” in our own lives that we cling to for identity and validation?
Maybe it’s the “military cloak” – always reminding others of past accomplishments or the toughness we’ve endured. Perhaps it’s the subtle “designer cloak” that whispers of our good taste and financial status. For some, it might be the “sports fan cloak” that bonds us to a tribe and gives us a sense of belonging. Others might wear the “professional cloak” – a sharp blazer that commands respect in the business world.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with these things, the danger comes when we allow them to define us more than our identity in Christ. The invitation of Palm Sunday is to lay these cloaks down – not necessarily changing our outward appearance, but shifting our internal source of worth and belonging.
Romans 13:14 puts it beautifully: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” We’re called to find our primary identity not in worldly markers of success or belonging, but in Christ himself.
This act of surrendering our “cloaks” opens us up to true, uninhibited worship. When we’re no longer concerned with maintaining an image or proving our worth, we’re free to lift our hands and hearts in genuine praise. The Psalms of Ascent, which pilgrims would recite as they journeyed to Jerusalem for festivals, culminate with this call to unrestrained worship:
“Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” (Psalm 134:1-2)
Interestingly, immediately after his triumphal entry, Jesus goes to the temple and drives out the money changers. He declares, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” While it’s easy to see this as a critique of corrupt religious practices, there’s a deeper personal application.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16, we’re told that we ourselves are temples of the Holy Spirit. Could it be that Jesus wants to “cleanse” our internal temples as well? Are there areas in our hearts where we’ve set up systems of “buying and selling” – trying to earn God’s favor or manipulate our standing with him? The good news of the gospel is that Jesus wants to overturn those tables and establish a relationship based on grace, not transaction.
As we approach Easter, let’s consider what cloaks we might need to lay down. Perhaps it’s a cloak of shame that’s been weighing you down for far too long. Maybe it’s a cloak of pain from past hurts that you’ve allowed to define you. For many, it might be the heavy cloak of performance and achievement – always striving to prove your worth.
Whatever it may be, imagine yourself in that crowd in Jerusalem. See Jesus approaching, humble yet majestic. Feel the stirring in your heart as you recognize him as more than just another ruler or teacher. This is the One who can truly save, truly transform, truly give you a new identity.
With trembling hands, take off that cloak you’ve been wearing. It might feel vulnerable, even scary. But lay it down in the dusty street. As you do, lift your eyes to meet Jesus’ gaze. In his eyes, you’ll find no condemnation, only love. You’ll discover that you don’t need that old cloak anymore – he offers you something far better.
For in Christ, we are clothed in his righteousness. We don’t have to prove ourselves or climb any hierarchical ladders. We are accepted, loved, and given a purpose that transcends any earthly accolade or achievement.
This Palm Sunday, let’s participate in our own upside-down parade. Let’s choose the mercy of Jesus over the might of worldly empires. As we lay down our cloaks – our false sources of identity and security – may we find ourselves truly free to worship, to serve, and to live as beloved children of God.
For it’s not just that God loves us – though that alone would be cause for endless celebration. The astounding truth is that he wants to live in us, transforming us from the inside out. So let’s make room. Let’s clear out the clutter of our hearts, lay down our cloaks, and welcome the King of Kings into every aspect of our lives.
Discussion Questions
- How might laying down our ‘cloaks’ (identities, status symbols, achievements) change our relationship with God and others?
- In what ways do we still engage in ‘buying and selling’ in our spiritual lives, and how can we shift towards a more authentic relationship with God?
- How does the image of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey challenge our expectations of power and leadership?
- What does it mean to be ‘clothed in Christ’s righteousness’ in our daily lives and interactions?
- How can we cultivate a ‘Hosanna’ attitude in both times of need and times of abundance?
- In what ways might our ‘cloaks’ be hindering our ability to fully worship and serve God?
- How does the concept of Jesus cleansing our inner ‘temple’ relate to our personal spiritual growth?
- What are some modern-day equivalents to the palm branches and cloaks laid before Jesus, and how can we offer them to Him?
- How can we balance appreciating our individual identities while also finding our primary identity in Christ?
- In what ways can we embody the ‘upside-down’ nature of God’s kingdom in our everyday lives and choices?
Family Activation: Talk to your kids this week about identity—ask, “What cloak do you wear to fit in?” Then remind them: “You are who God says you are.”
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