Scarlet Robe Creations

The Procession in the Streets of Jerusalem - James Tissot We celebrated him, one moment, palms rising above our heads, a song of David on our lips. We are the simple, those who mourned for Lazarus, and witnessed the miracle. We celebrated him, the rider on a donkey, the one sent to save, the one the priests would refute. For now we dance, irritating the pious and the unjust. But this moment of pauper victory will be short in time. There is a final stand to be made, by those who answer prophecy unwittingly, those who seek comfort in political ties, those who have fashioned a cross and forged the nails of salvation. We celebrated him, and for a brief moment there was sheer joy. Hosanna, my king and my anointed. Hosanna, my savior and my God. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Christ's Entry Into Jerusalem - Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin "Who is he?" Sara cried as she followed her father through the crowd. Since she was barely seven years old, her father held tightly to her hand.  Her older brother Caleb had moved ahead.  Her question went unanswered. "Is this to do with Passover?" she asked, confused by the apparent celebration. She felt her responsibilities were back home, with her mother.  The festival was near.  There would be many pilgrims coming to the city and flocking to the temple. She knew all the stories about her people being led out of Egypt.  She knew about the manna, the quail, the bitter water, and the golden calf.  Her mother would recite, from memory, words she had heard read from the scrolls.  She knew the blood of a lamb was important for the festival at hand, so was the wooden frame around their door.  Her father slowed.  The crowd ahead was shouting, chanting words about kings and the anointed....

James Tissot - Jesus Enters Jerusalem Hosanna! They lay down their cloaks, not for a stallion, prancing amidst the crowd, not for a centurion, robed with the honor of his rank. Hosanna! Their palms and branches cover not the dust from the hoofs of the beast who carry any dignitary of a puppet king. Hosanna! Their cloaks, the branches waved in celebration, shield a donkey's colt from soil, from kingdoms built on war. Hosanna! An itinerant preacher, a homeless vagabond, rides a beast burdened with humility. Celebrated as a king. Bringing a peace they cannot comprehend. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"This spectacle disturbs me," Amos says.  He looks out over the crowd gathering at the gates to the great city. "They are simple minded," the elderly man beside him replies. "But I've heard things... about this one." "How often have they walked upon this soil.  How often have they told us to change our ways.  The people think a man like that can raise up an army and send the Romans from our city.  Is there a benefit to riots... or war." "I don't suppose so." "Amos, you are young.  You experience the world with a lack of wisdom.  Your life has a certain degree of comfort, as does mine.  Insurrection against the powers that leave us to live this life... would harm none but those who profess the faith.  The Romans would see us as one united group of rebels.  The nation would perish and the temple will be leveled." "And what about them?" "The simple minded gnats.  They excite themselves with tales of miracle...

Lay your palms on the Jerusalem dust, at the feet of the animal carrying Him. Celebrate this moment. Sing out His name in praises. Hosanna, the son of David has come. Today He is the king of your hearts. He rides a donkey as scripture foretold. He has healed the blind and the lepers. He has opened the tomb of the dead Lazarus. Tomorrow doubt will take root and knowledge will inflict blindness on the sighted. You will reject the longing in your hearts. But for now you celebrate and dance in the street, children not yet abused by the minds of men. copyright 2017 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author From the Collection;  From Capernaum to Emmaus