For many who claim Christianity as their own, unfettered joy is one description discoverable in Palm Sunday liturgies and writings. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, on a donkey of all things, was cause for celebration. The entrance of Jesus is often described as ‘triumphal,’ though gossip was quickly afoot that both man and myth were present and that expectations were elevated. After all, it was the season of Passover, spirits were high, and the community responded accordingly with news of Jesus’ presence.

How fortunate it is that Holy Week scriptures and commentary are not deliv...