Decorum for Divinity
Read: Luke 19:28-40
28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
COREM DEO
Decorum is a fancy word that we use to describe the kind of behavior and etiquette one is to have when in the company of certain powerful and influential people. When in the presence of the Pope, Catholics will bow and kiss his signet ring showing their submission and loyalty. When people (including the King’s own family) enter a room where the King of England is present, they must first be announced and then wait for permission to come in. Once they are inside, they must stand at attention and bow their head in respect.
All this pomp and circumstance dignifies the position and rank of the potentate. So what would you imagine the proper decorum would be when the Son of God enters a city? What kind of pomp and circumstance would show proper honor and respect for His rank and status? I imagine the street lined with kings of all nations bowing before Him while angels with flaming swords carry Him on a throne made of the most precious materials in all the universe!
What does Jesus communicate to us when He, the King of kings, asks for a donkey to carry Him into Jerusalem and happily receives the praises of common people? How might you follow His example of serving the least of these in 2025?
