When Caesar Augustus
defeated Mark Antony,
and became the first emperor of Rome,
he entered the city in a Triumph,
people lining the streets,
waving patriotic banners
and palm branches,
and in this great parade
were treasures looted from Egypt,
and conquered enemies.
On Caesar’s rode to be emperor,
he left thousands of corpses
on the roadside. He betrayed
friends and family,
he used people he loved as pawns.
He killed, lied, deceived, and manipulated
his way to glory. He was a monster
who made the people love him
through fear, lies, and intimidation.
This was Caesar’s Triumphal Entry.
When Jesus of Nazareth
defeated no one,
and remained a poor peasant,
he entered the city in a Triumph,
people lining the streets,
the poor and hungry and homeless,
waving palm branches,
and in this modest parade
were followers and friends,
loved ones, people he’d healed.
On Jesus’ road to Jerusalem,
he killed no one. He loved
everyone, even his enemies.
He healed, loved, and fed people
on his way to glory. He was a hero
who people loved because he loved them,
through selflessness and self sacrifice.
This was Jesus’ Triumphal Entry.
