The Time Has Come

Call to Worship

Psalm 118:20–26 (KJV)

20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Bible Reading

Let’s talk about Easter. It is only a week away!

Ask the ushers to pass out the John and Romans that we will be distributing this Spring

We are 15 weeks from Easter / Concert on Friday, 5k John and Romans distributed, event at Fowler Park, Easter Sunday

In our passage we are about a week away

Review

So far in chapter 19 we have seen

Jesus finding Zacchaeus in a tree / we saw how the Gospel changed that little man in a big way

Last week we heard the story Jesus tells to prepare the disciples as they will enter Jerusalem

Now we are at what is often referred to as the Triumphal Entry

Between now and Easter

The Triumphal Entry (Matt. 21, Mark 11, John 12) - Write these references down

John is the one who tells us that there were palms branches here. / thus the name Palm Sunday

This passage tells us they took branches but it doesn’t tell us what kind of branches

The Cleansing of the Temple

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

The Plot against Jesus

The Last Supper, Gethsemane, & Arrest

The Crucifixion

In the Tomb

The Resurrection

The time has come

So He is coming as King

He is coming according to Scripture

We are going to see the response

Luke 19:28–40 (KJV)

28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Introduction

Every heard news so wonderful and so great you wanted to tell everyone but you knew it wasn’t your story to tell. Last week before we prayed for Alex and Ariel Montero I said he had a wonderful wife and son. He raised his hand and showed me two. He was telling me they were expecting. I thought this is wonderful but I “am I allowed to share this.”

The Gospel story is the greatest of all stories and it has been given to us to share. There are no doubts about this!

We will follow every step to the cross as closely as we can. Jesus’s step-by-step journey to the cross is a clear demonstration of the extent of His love for us.

Romans 5:8 “8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

You may not know what is next in the story but He does.

Jesus is walking towards His death, fully aware of what each day holds for Him

This is why we sing.

Did ever such Love and Sorrow meet? Or Thorns compose so rich a Crown?

Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my Soul, my Life, my All.

The time has come for people to know who He is.

Luke 19:30-31 “30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. 31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.”

Jesus had walked from Galilee down to Bethany

Jesus is within 2 miles of His destination

Why a donkey now? The time has come!

Look back and remember “mine hour is not yet come”

Jesus has been moving “steadfastly” toward this day

Luke 9:51 “51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,”

This statement was made ten chapters ago, which for Jesus and His disciples was about 6 months ago (for us it will be exactly 1 yr tomorrow).  

Along the way He has been telling them that the time to reveal His true identity had not yet come.

First hear it when Jesus tells His mother at a wedding. John 2:4 “4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”

After Jesus performs the miracle we learn it was the first of the signs John 2:11 “11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

Others at the wedding did not know the source of the miracle, as seen in them are talking about the wine and not the miracle.

We have seen often tell people after a miracle to not make HIM known. Matthew 12:16 “16 And charged them that they should not make him known:”

Jesus’ words, “My hour has not yet come,” indicate that He was working on a divine schedule and that He was managing the pace at which people would be confronted with the reality of who He was.

Imagining what it was like the day the Messiah finally came to Jerusalem

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, everyone knew a regime change was taking place.

This was the day that God's people had been praying for. They had been under the boot of Rome. They had been reduced to nothing more than a puppet state.

They had no king, because the Romans wouldn't let them have one.

City was filled with activity.

Possibly 2 million +

The week of passover; the week people would bring their unblemished lamb to be sacrificed

Celebration of a resurrection is already taking place.

The crowd following Jesus was growing and growing as He is headed to Jerusalem

The Sunday parade of palms was a celebration of a resurrection. John 12:17-18 “17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.”

Remember Jesus not attend the funeral of his friend Lazarus.

How Jesus arrives does not conceal that He is the Messiah but reveals it

We think the donkey means humble, but that is only part of the story. Matthew 21:5 “5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek..

It had been common for kings to ride on a donkey. It is not wrong but it expresses something important.

The donkey is an appropriate means of royal transportation. 1 Kings 1:38 “38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon.”

It’s clear that the crowds get the kingly symbolism here. Jesus is claiming to be King.

Transitional Statement: Jesus is making Himself known. Not just to those who feel the brokenness of the world and are looking for a redeemer. But it also loves the religious lost who are looking at Scriptures with fear they are going to not get it right. ‘Jesus loves all the little children. Even the little pharisees of this world”

The time has come for Scripture to be fulfilled.

One of the things that you start learning is that none of what’s going to happen during this final week is out of Jesus’ control. He’s planning it all.

Four night later he makes arrangements for them to meet in an upper room.

On this day he has made provision for a donkey.

Jesus is in Control

A few days from now Jesus will tell of His death. Matthew 26:1-2 “1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, 2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.”

Look at the response of the religious leaders. Matthew 26:5 “5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Jesus is not the victim of the Romans.

He's not the victim of the high priests.

He's not the victim of the Sanhedrin.

He's not the victim of the Pharisees.

Jesus is in complete control. And notice what He's doing – He's fulfilling Scripture.

Fulfilling Prophesy

Luke 19:30 “30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.”

Jesus is making choices to fulfill Scripture. Matthew 26:52-54 “52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”

Direct fulfillment of Zech 9:9 “9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

Transitional Statement: This the day the Lord has made and He has been taking over 4000 years to make it. It has come together exactly as He has promised.

The time has come for a response

Take note of the fact there are many crowds. Matthew 21:9 “9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

Some in the crowd spread out their coats. Matthew 21:8 “8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way;

Others cut down branches. Matthew 21:8 “8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.”

Why is that important? “I and others have said this crowd goes from shouting hosanna to crucify him in just a matter of days. It is important there are many crowds present in this story”

Confusion; Who is this?”

The entire city did not speak with one voice. Matthew 21:10 “10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?”

Reminds of another time. A time we recently celebrated. Christmas. Matthew 2:3 “3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Those who joined the celebration

Luke 19:37-38 “37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”

Seems to me that if we aren’t being so loud and clear about our celebration that the world wants to quite us, than we are simply not being loud enough.

Those who despised the King and the assumption they needed saving

Luke 19:39 “39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.”

By the way, that’s the last reference to the Pharisees in the gospel of Luke, that’s the last we hear from them. Chiefs priests and scribes take it from here.

Not the King they were expecting, but the one we desperately need.

Far more than needing deliverance from Rome we need deliverance from ourselves, from our sins.

A military king can't give that to you. But a King who is humble enough to die for your sin can give you the kind of deliverance you need.

Next Week, Lord willing, we will see the response by Jesus

In the midst of celebration we will see Him weeping

Jesus wept over the blindness and the impending misery of Jerusalem.

It will demonstrate how the absence of tears in our lives indicates an absence of love for others.

Today I ask you where are you standing in this crowd.

Is this marvelous in your eyes? Or are you waiting for another type of king, that is more suitable for you ambitions.

Psalm 118:20–26 (KJV)

20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Stone the builders refuse.

He comes on a donkey’s colt to be the stone the builders will utterly reject on Friday, and that God himself will unveil as the very cornerstone on Sunday morning.

But for those who have received the gift of true sight, it is marvelous in our eyes.

How do you view this? Where are you in the crowd? 1 Cor 1:23 “23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

Jesus is still being rejected today

people do not understand so they are unimpressed

people believe their greatest problem is a corrupt government but do not understand their own, heart deep corruption needs a king on a donkey

Only a king on a donkey could truly save our souls, and fully satisfy us forever

1 John 3:16 “16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Let us welcome Jesus into our city

We are not confused about who He is

We rejoice that He came as a humble King on a donkey to save us from what we know we need most saving from; ourselves!

We will not be silenced by those who do not believe He is meeting their expectations!

Luke 19:40 “40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise. Luke 19:37 “37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;”

All things were created for His glory. Rev 4:11 “11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

I have nothing against the stones crying out. But I think the point is: God loves it when his people praise his Son in public. I am eager to declare this truth with you!

Our greatest joy is found in praising Him. Psalm 100:1-3 “1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Jonathan Edwards put it this way: “The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which also God is magnified and exalted.”

Our praise should be directed to King Jesus. Luke 19:38 “38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”

Closing

Story starts with a crowd of people following Him because of the miracles they had seen him do for others

Story continues with a small crowd of people today that must decide how we will response to knowing His resurrection is the miracle that proves that the King who rode into town on a donkey has died in our place.

All those people whom Jesus had healed and were told to not make Him know. Well the time has now come! Make Him known!

Is there or will there ever be a group of people who have me to rejoice in then us. No! There will never be.

Two Simple question to help you make application today.

Would you say your life is one of praising our King or questioning why others celebrate Him so loudly?

Don’t you believe it is time for those around you to know who Jesus is?