There is room for one more. Always.

Get in loser.

They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. ~ Matthew 21.7

Matthew’s account of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem presents us with an intriguing image of Jesus riding on both a colt and a donkey. All the way into town. In an eager interpretation of the messianic prophecy of Zechariah (9.9), the author of Matthew’s gospel misses the poetic expansion of the humility of the steed,

Lo, your king is coming to you.
He is victorious, triumphant,
Yet humble, riding on a donkey,
On a jackass foaled by a jenny.

And instead reads it as a literal addition, and so Matthew’s story envisions the prince of peace processing into Jerusalem on two animals.

Excellent.

But again, I struggle to believe that Jesus was able to ride into town vertically integrated (help my disbelief!). Nor do I imagine that it would be comfortable for one to travel that distance straddled across two animals. So instead, perhaps Matthew’s depiction provides us with an extra animal - and an extra seat.

What a gift this interpretation becomes when imagined with room for one more. This becomes an invitation to the crowds all around him: hop on; get in. This is more than an invitation to accompany to the Temple, but a symbol for all of life. Understanding who Jesus is and sensing the genuine nature of the gospel, the invitation is to join in and move with Christ in the ways of love.

To humble service. To courageous living. To abundance through generosity. To the brilliance of a soul come alive. Get in on this. There’s always room for one more.

This annual procession is yet another invitation to renew our commitment and remember our movement with Christ and vice versa.

And, if you are feeling as though you have found your place in this sacred procession, then perhaps the invitation for you is to keep your eyes, ears, and heart open for who else may be hoping to be welcomed in. Reach out and make room. Offer the seat atop the colt and celebrate their place. Listen for the hosannas and invite one to move from spectator to a guest and friend.

This divine movement has plenty of room. And it’s for everyone.

Peace,

Rev. Chris McCreight

Manuscript and Video of the sermon, “Get in Loser.”