Parade of Triumph in Ancient Rome

Hardly the place to find a connect with Scripture - Latin class - but the history reading for this week is on the grand parades Roman conquerors had when they came back to Rome after some stunning victory.
Reading about this Roman custom is very instructive to understanding - actually with new eyes - 2 Corinthians 2:14. Paul says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, ..."
In this Easter week it's way cool to reflect on some of the words in my Latin text as they are hauntingly reminiscent of the passion of Christ!

• One of the most sensational events ... in ancient Rome was the triumph of a victorious general. This was not an honor which could easily be won. ... He must have conquered in person ...and added new territory to the empire.
• Wow! - Isn't that exactly what Jesus did from His cross and from His tomb?!
• The conquering Roman general paraded his captives just as we also are trophies of His grace who become willing bond-servants of Jesus the King!
• Jesus' victory over sin, death and the grave were won at great cost to the Savior and to the Father who had to turn His back on His beloved Son - all because He bore our sins!

Isn't it amazing how God can use even the "foolish things of this world" to teach us heavenly truths that will sink deeply into our hearts?!