Triumph to Tragedy – The Story of Jesus and Barney
Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem
Palm Sunday (A)
Looking for a great way to introduce the Gospel reading this Sunday for teenagers? Have them read Matthew 21:1-11 and then break the class up into small groups. Have them compare the similarities and differences between Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem and Macy’s parade.
During the 1997 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a giant Barney balloon was launched into the parade, accompanied by thousands of children who were thrilled to see their favorite purple dinosaur floating above them. However, strong winds caused the balloon to crash into a streetlight, tearing a hole and causing it to deflate. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the incident sparked a conversation about the safety of large parade balloons and how to prevent future accidents.
Matthew 21:1-11 is a biblical passage that describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, while the Macy’s parade is a popular annual event held in New York City that features giant balloons and floats. At the surface, these two may seem unrelated, but they actually have several similarities and differences that could be explored in detail.
Arguably, a comparison can be made in how Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem only to be tried and put to death less than a week later, and how Barney also at first was floating in the air only to later be ripped open and die on the street.
Similarities
One of the most obvious similarities between the two is that they both involve a procession, although for very different reasons. In both cases, people gather to witness, celebrate, and be a part of something bigger. In the case of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, people were excited and hopeful that this would be the beginning of a new era; they believed that Jesus was the Messiah who would bring change and liberation. Similarly, in the Macy’s parade, people come from all over the world to see the colorful balloons, floats, bands and performers, with the belief that participating in the parade is a manifestation of pure joy and a perfect kick-off for the holiday season. In both events, there is a clear sense of community and joy.
In Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus is depicted as entering Jerusalem to a crowd of people shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” the people are described as “spreading their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Here, music and singing played an important role, as the people used their voices to show their acceptance and admiration for Jesus. Similarly, the Barney float in 1997 was greeted with cheers and cries of joy from the children and families lining the parade route. In the Macy’s parade, musicians and bands are featured prominently, performing music and motivating the crowd to engage fully in the moment, building a festive and joyous atmosphere.
Major Differences
The most obvious difference is the context in which these two events happen. The procession recorded in the Gospel of Matthew took place more than two millennia ago, while the Macy’s parade is a relatively modern event that began in the early 20th century, in 1924 to be precise. The two events do not happen in the same time period, represent entirely different reasons and causes, and hence have distinct impacts.
Both the passage and the float have been interpreted in different ways over time. In the case of Matthew 21:1-11, some have seen the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as a fulfillment of prophesy and a foreshadowing of his eventual crucifixion and resurrection. Others have seen it as a political statement, a way for Jesus to assert his authority and challenge the Roman occupiers. Still, others have read the passage as a call to action for Christians, urging them to be bold in their faith and stand up to oppressive forces.
The Barney float in 1997 has been parsed and analyzed by cultural critics, childhood development experts, and even philosophers. Some have seen it as a symbol of the absurdity and superficiality of modern consumer culture, while others argue that it represents a wholesome, innocent and unifying force in society.
Another major difference between the two is that the procession in Matthew 21:1-11 depicts a deeply spiritual event that signifies divine intervention, whereas the Macy’s parade is purely entertainment focused. In the biblical event, Jesus enters Jerusalem as a religious hero to bless the people, while in the Macy’s parade, there is no spiritual relevance, with the event predominantly focusing on floating large balloons and modern cultural icons.
The procession in Matthew 21:1-11 was spontaneous in nature and drew its power from the people’s collective desire to celebrate and worship. In contrast, Macy’s parade is a massive undertaking that involves months of planning and preparation by a large team of organizers and technicians. This includes designing, building, and flying the giant floats and balloons, managing the crowds and the performers, and managing all the logistics that come with organizing such a massive event. This distinction points once more to the dramatic change in ways of life and communication that have taken place in society throughout history, something that did not exist back in the time of the Gospels.
n Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus is seen as a messianic figure, sent to Earth to save humanity from sin and to proclaim the arrival of the kingdom of God. His entry into Jerusalem is seen as a pivotal moment in human history, one that sets in motion a chain of events that will eventually lead to his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. In contrast, the Barney float, while certainly uplifting and entertaining, is a far cry from anything religious or theological. It is meant to be fun, silly, and light-hearted, a way for children to escape the pressures and anxieties of the adult world.
Finally, both events also differ in how they prioritize personal reflection. Watching for Santa Claus aboard the parade float is purely about the excitement around the coming of the holiday season with little emphasis on being introspective or spiritual. In contrast, the coming of Jesus during the processional celebrated by Christians over the years, is seen as an ideal opportunity for personal reflection, meditation, and spiritual renewal.
In conclusion, when looking at Matthew 21:1-11 and the Macy’s parade, one can find both similarities and differences. Both events are celebrations, with a highly enthusiastic and supportive crowd, the custom of carrying palm branches, and the role of music and instruments. However, the context, meaning, and execution behind these two events are different in terms of their roots, significance, and impacts. As a result, these two events cannot be viewed as mere repetitions of each other, but distinctly unique moments in history, revealing the contrast and changes in how humans live and interact with their environment.
EL AUSTRALIANO (12:32) – This video features all of the giant and novelty balloons that were included in the 89th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on November 26th, 2015. I
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