Last Sunday Christians across the globe celebrated Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The day many first saw him as a king.
The story itself is rather remarkable. Jesus asked his disciples to go get him a donkey and said if that the owner objected they were just to say it was for the Lord. Then, people ripped palm leaves from trees, waving them in their thousands whilst throwing their coats on the ground so Jesus didn’t get dirty. It must have been amazing, a King and saviour entering the city in this hastily put together procession. There wasn’t pomp, just celebration.
Many of our politicians would love this, imagine today that you get a knock on the front door. You open it and are told, “We need your car, the MP is coming to town”. You give the keys and then head into the market square, ripping branches from the trees and collecting flowers from the ornamental flower beds. Finally, with thousands there, here comes your MP. People flock to see him, triumphant!
It’s strange to imagine.
But, as with all great passages in the bible, this isn’t just a lovely story, there are lessons to be learned. It’s very unlikely that any Member of Parliament will get that kind of entrance in 21st century Britain.
So what, you’re probably thinking, are the CCF suggesting modern day politicians can learn from this story? Well, I reckon there are some great tips for any election campaign and would be MP.
1. Have confidence in your own ability! Jesus knew he was a king and so acted like one
2. Have humility. The King of Kings, entered on a donkey.
3. Be approachable. Jesus was described as gentle and smiling on his entrance.
4. Surround yourself with loyal people. Look at the disciples, they just followed Jesus’ instructions and loved him.
As Christians we all aim to be more like Christ, so why not learn from his example this Easter!