Introduction
In the fullness of time, Jesus, made his way into Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose upon the Cross. As he entered the city he was met with cheers and praise; only to have the same crowd turn against him less than a week later.
Connecting with the Word: Luke 19: 28-40
28-31 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’”
32-33 The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?”
34 They said, “His Master needs him.”
35-36 They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.
37-38 Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:
Blessed is he who comes,
the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
Glory in the high places!
39 Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”
40 But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”
Connection Points
1. Leadership
Our first element is that of leadership.
A. Acts of Desperation
B. Acts of Submission
C. Acts of Desperation
The Romans Leaders
The Roman Officials had reached their limit with the Jewish Riots and Uprisings. They ruled with an Iron Fist, moving quickly to squash any form of rebellion.
Roman Soldiers - Their experiences where of conquering generals returning in war chariots pulled by large stallions with the spoils of war training behind them. They were probably annoyed more than concerned when Jesus approached Jerusalem riding upon a donkey with the crowds waving palm branches.
Religious Leaders
The Jewish Religious Leaders believed Jesus to be more than a nuisance; His teachings threatened the stronghold they held over the people. They had become desperate in their dealings with Jesus and His disciples.
D. Acts of Submission – Jesus
Jesus had lead His disciples with a sense a of humility and confidence in the will of the Father and the plan of Salvation. Each step to the cross was an act of love, submission and sacrifice.
Points to Ponder: Each step to the cross was an act of love, submission and sacrifice.
Quick Connect: There was nothing about Jesus’s appearance that drew people unto Himself, I doubt there was anything about Him that was dynamic… except.
His Character, Message, Mission
Jesus came not to rule with military might or manipulating the weak but to establish an eternal kingdom of love and righteousness.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2 NIV
Transition: Next is the element of Worship.
2. Worship
A. Overflow of our love or adoration of self.
There are elements of Worship in this account. Hopefully, there were people in the crowd who offered up their praise for Jesus out of a sincere heart. Sadly, The crowds included people who were there for the show while others had their own expectations for who the Messiah would be, more importantly what he would do for them.
Their praise (worship) had more to do with themselves… their own desires and not a sincere adoration and love for God.
True worship is about God… not oneself.
Point to Ponder: True worship involves sacrifice, it should cost us something.
Transition: Another element is that of Spiritual blindness.
3. Spiritual Blindness
41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. Luke 19: 41-42
A. Spiritual blindness is the result of unbelief, unconfessed sinned, and/ or harden hearts.
Point to Ponder: When fail to see what God is doing, recognize his hand at work in our lives and the world around us. We miss out on Gods best for our lives.
Conclusion
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. John 12:23
Points to Ponder: The underlying theme of this message is about timing.
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1
Prior to this point Jesus was mindful of His actions and the attention drawn to His rightful claim as the Messiah, Israel’s true King. He avoided or diverted this attention not out of fear but timing… the will of God.
Not anymore!!!! On this day he was bold. He knew the dangers involved in being in Jerusalem, he didn’t sneak in and out, he announced His presence and intentions.
It was time – He made his way into the city to complete the purpose for which he came to earth. To redeem sinful man from their sins!
Points to Ponder
It is time for you to respond to God!
What has he been speaking to you about?
What do you need to confess, surrender, or receive forgiveness and or healing for?
What or who do you need to offer forgiveness?
Scripture
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
king of kings and lord of lords.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.” Revelation 19:11-18
There is a time coming when Christ will return upon a white horse and not a donkey’s colt.
He will come to judge and vanquish evil!
What side will you be on?
You must make your decision prior to that day… Today is the day of salvation. The time is now!