For Christians, the Easter season is holy and foundational to their faith. Easter feels different this year because life as we knew it has been upended. But Easter has always represented a different way to love. My daughter Chloe wrote a poem that helps me think about seeing things differently. I share her poem here and wish you all hope on this different Easter. Take care! Nancy
That Kind of King
by Chloe Berns-Schweingruber
What was it like, Jesus? Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey?
Did the palm branches remind you of the thorns you were going to wear?
Did the cloaks they threw on the ground remind you that they would gamble for your own?
When the Pharisees told you to rebuke your disciples, did you remember that they would deny you when their own life was in danger?
When the city stirred, did you foresee the temple toppling down?
Did the shouts of “Blessed is the King of Israel!” remind you that “The King of the Jews” was to be written on your cross mockingly?
The cross that you were to die on?
Why did no one understand?
You must have known they’d never understand it.
But maybe someone started to see.
Maybe someone in the crowd noticed that you weren’t gathering troops.
Maybe someone noticed you weren’t wearing a crown or riding a horse.
Maybe they started to realize you were a different kind of king.
Maybe we are still realizing you are a different kind of king.
The kind who shows mercy.
The kind who forgives.
The kind who saves.
The kind who dies on a cross for the sake of his people.
The kind who rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Leave a Reply