When I was maybe three or four years old, I remember being in a town in the north of England on a day out with my parents and two sisters.

Suddenly, as we were walking along the street, a crowd formed and people were holding small Union flags. And all of a sudden, I was hoisted onto my dad’s shoulders so I could get a better view.

Initially, I was quite thrilled to see some police cars go past with their blue lights flashing. But then, there was a majestic black car and in the back was a lady wearing bright pink, if I remember, with a radiant smile and waving at the crowds. And the crowds were waving enthusiastically back and waving their Union flags.

Now, I had no idea who the lady in the back of the black car was - but I soon realised that it was, of course, the late Queen Elizabeth II who had passed in the car.

This Sunday marks Palm Sunday. And it is the time in the church, the week before Easter, when we think about Jesus entering into Jerusalem. Now, of course, there were no cars in those days - but in a very deliberate action, Jesus sent two of his disciples to fetch a donkey and its colt. Cloaks were placed upon them and Jesus rode into Jerusalem in this way.

It must have been quite a sight! But perhaps we might wonder why Jesus doesn’t ride into Jerusalem on a fine stallion for example? After all, Jesus was special. Riding on a donkey would be a bit like the current King travelling in the 10-year-old Vauxhall Astra we have at the manse! A bit unbecoming?

But when Jesus rides on this donkey, the people recognise that Jesus is making a statement. Because way back in the Bible, in the book of Zechariah, there was a prophecy that the Messiah would come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

And here is Jesus fulfilling that prophecy - and the people recognise it! They shout ‘Hosanna’, they wave their palm branches. And they shout: "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" 

If you had been there, I wonder what would you have shouted? Because here was a King unlike any other.