@toddgrotenhuis first major note:

Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem was a contrast to Caesar, yes. But it was also a contrast to Judas Maccabee. Jesus is showing he is neither kind of savior.

“Put down your sword and take up your cross” could also be “put down your hammer and take up your cross.”

(Later, these oppositional ends are brought into our consideration again with both a tax collector and a zealot being among the disciples.)