Palm Sunday

Pray

The Lion King tells the story of a king's ascent. From the moment the movie begins, Simba is branded as the heir to the throne. He is designated to the office at the start of the movie by the baboon Rafiki, who lifts up Simba before the animals of the kingdom as they bow before him. He is the future king.

The rest of the story describes Simba's exile and his homecoming to Pride Rock. When Simba returns to Pride Rock, he must battle for the throne, which has been seized by his uncle Scar. Simba conquers Scar and the hyenas, but even though he has conquered the forces of darkness… his work remains incomplete.

At the end of the movie, immediately after the battle, an important scene occurs that is sometimes overlooked. The camera suddenly shifts to Rafiki, bringing the story full circle. Rafiki takes his staff and points Simba to Pride Rock. An old era has ended; a new one is about to begin. In order for Simba to claim his kingdom and be installed as the king, he must ascend Pride Rock, the rightful place of the king, to demonstrate he has conquered.

Simba dramatically ascends the rock and roars. And When he does, the other lions acknowledge his victory, his dominion, and authority. Though Simba has been designated as the king from the start of the movie, it is at this moment that he walks into his true destiny.

You see, If you’re here this morning and you’ve seen the movie. We celebrate with Simba as he returns to his rightful seat on the throne. There’s a part of us deep within, that rejoices as things are returned to the right order. You see here’s the point, Simba was always meant to be king, but he wasn’t always recognized as king. He was always meant to reign, but he wasn’t always recognized as ruler… but make no mistake, he was always the king.

For us this palm Sunday, our focus of course isn’t on Simba, but on the supremeSavior. Who hasn’t always been recognized as king, but whose always been the king of kings and Lord of Lords. And this morning, as we look to his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We’ll conclude that his entire life has ultimately been leading up to this moment. And yet, as he lived, Jesus was 1. Born to serve 2. born for sovereignty 3. Born to Surrender 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

If you have your bibles, turn with me to Luke 19 and as you turn there. We’ll recall that Jesus has spent the last 3 years roughly with His disciples. He’s been performing miracles, raising the dead, taking care of people’s needs. And showing his compassion. In fact, the bible tells us:

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” John 21:25

But while Jesus did many miracles, the height of His ministry would be centered around this final week on earth.

As Jesus was Born to serve

As we turn to Luke, we understand Jesus has Jericho… He would travel 15 miles, to Jerusalem, about a 6 to 8 hour trip. And he’s followed by a massive crowd, who is making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration that week. Jerusalem would have about 2 million people present. And the practice was that on the 10th day of the first month of the year… that being Nisan 10, The Israelites would select a lamb, then for the next 4 days take care of the lamb until its sacrifice on Nisan 14.

12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb[a] for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

So, we won’t cover all the details, but Nisan 10 would have been Monday. And although traditionally we look at the triumphal entry on Sunday. Or Palm Sunday. Many scholars actually insist a more accurate date is Monday. Which a triumphal entry on Monday would also correct the gospels having no activity on Wednesday of passion week. But here’s the point, is that Jesus would be the ultimate sacrifice. The spotless lambs for our sin. That on Nisan 14, Good Friday, as we celebrate… that he would at the same time as the priests, be sacrificial given, as spotless lamb for our sins. So that the judgement of the father would Passover those who accept Him as savior.

But look with me at Luke 19:28-36

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

So if we go back to the scripture, we notice There are 2 main figures in this story. One’s pretty obvious, it’s Jesus. The second, of course incomparably in significant of course… but significant nonetheless as he’s listed in all 4 gospels. Any ideas who this is? Yes, it’s the Donkey.

Now 500 years, the book of Zechariah, would state: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 So we see that Jesus riding on a donkey would fulfill scripture.

but being God, Jesus could have chosen any animal at all that he wanted to. Right?

Throughout history the custom for royalty was that they would make a grand entrance using the finest of transportation. At the time you would expect Jesus to perhaps ride in on a horse, or a camel, or perhaps an elephant. I mean these are commonly used animals which would transport royalty… by the way, in today’s day and age; the president rides on air force 1. Or his limousine called Cadillac One. Unless of course he’s in his luxurious bus; known better as Ground Force One.

but aside from every detail of Jesus life is sacrificial. He’s giving… even the animal he rides in on. You see, he isn’t riding on a horse (although at his second coming). He’s not on an elephant or a camel, Instead… Jesus rides in on a lowly donkey. And the question is why? Well, I think if we look back at Matthew 21:5

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” Matthew 21:5 (ESV)

You see ultimately, Jesus would enter Jerusalem, humbly, riding on a beast of burden. Riding on an animal designed to work. But this wasn’t out of character for Jesus. No Jesus came, to serve others.

Mark 10:45 explains: 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

You see here’s the point, even up until his death. His life would be about meeting other’s needs, about laying down his life for others.

But I want us to notice something else about the text. If we go back to verse 30 for a moment, there is a key word that sticks out. 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” Yoke

You see, if we notice, there’s a word that appears here 4 times here… it’s a subtle word, but the word is untie (or untying.) you see, Jesus would send 2 disciples ahead, they too are born to serve. And there as they find this donkey, who had never been ridden. (Donkeys by the way would symbolize peace. Unlike a horse which was symbolic of war.) but the disciples had to until the donkey, so it could fulfill its purpose. You see, This donkey was created for a purpose, its entire life came down to this one spotlight. To this one moment, but what’s the problem? It was tied up and needed to be freed.

You see church, it’s a small detail, but the donkey had a purpose to fulfill… but it was tied up… so Jesus used his disciples, to go ahead… untie the colt, so that it could be used for service.

What’s the point this morning? The donkey had a purpose to fulfill, he was there to serve the Lord. The disciples were being sent, they too were there to serve the Lord. And Jesus himself, was there that day, and his purpose was to serve.

For some of us this morning, there are those that Lord wants to use… but they’re tied up. To something, to someone, to an addiction, to a stronghold… and the Lord wants to use you to serve…

I wonder about us this morning, who or what are we serving? John 12:23-26 tells us: 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

Church we look to the example of Jesus, and he was committed to serving the Father’s will. What about us? God gave you life for such a time as this. And you’re purpose is to serve the Lord. How are we doing?

2. Born for sovereignty.

as we continue with Luke 19:37-40 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

You know, it’s funny. I was talking with my mom earlier in the week about Palm Sunday. And she asked what I would be preaching on, and I went on to explain that it would probably be a Palm Sunday message, unless the Lord led me in a very clear and different direction. And I proceeded to explain how it’s interesting, so often in church we’re kind of expected to preach certain topics or key ideas during certain times of the year.

And so around Thanksgiving, it’s pretty common to preach a message on thankfulness or giving thanks to God on the Sunday before that the Thanksgiving Holiday. And of course, during Christmas, you’re probably going to preach on the birth of Jesus. And today being Palm Sunday, you would expect, not only here, but as most churches that they’ll preach a message pertaining to palm Sunday and the triumphal entry, or perhaps on passion week and the coming events in the days leading up to the crucifixion.

And in some ways, I voice my frustration… that even though we’re well intended, sometimes if we’re not careful, we can get in the mindset of doing things how we’ve always done them… because, well… that’s just how we’ve always done them…

But as I was preparing for the message this week. I was encouraged in reading Luke 19 and perhaps you noticed the correlation, that as the people are shouting out… thousands of people, they’re yelling the words hosanna, they’re waving palm branches, which are a symbol of victory and of peace. They’re placing the coats off of their back, on the path which Jesus would travel. And they’re saying:

38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19

So, in the midst of my frustration, and in the midst of this scripture. Is there wording here that seems reminiscent to you of another time in scripture?

Turn with me to Luke 2 if you would.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:6-14

Church here’s the point this morning. Jesus was born for a purpose some 33 years before. He was born humbly in a manger, in a feeding trough. He was born to a people experiencing Roman oppression. He was born to a people that were looking for him to save them from their affliction, and to bring them peace.

And some 33 years later, after serving the people all this time, after performing miracles, curing the sick, raising the dead, and loving the world. His life had come to its final purpose.

But here’s what’s interesting… You see the people at the time wanted Jesus to rule. They wanted Him to overthrow the Roman government, and establish his reign right then. They wanted him to set up his kingdom. But when he failed, they’re expectations… The crowd would quickly turn their back on him. Where At the beginning of the week, the people are shouting his praise, when he failed to meet their expectations. They reject him. Just days later they call for his crucifixion, they mock him, spit on him and place a crown of thorns on his head.

But make no mistake, he was still the king…

Here’s the question for us then this morning. When God doesn’t answer our prayers, the way that we want… in the timeframe that we have In mind, with the goals that we have in mind… How do we respond?

You see church, the king knows best. The king knows his kingdom. He has infinite knowledge, control, compassion. And although the people wanted him to meet their demands… He knew best. He knew he would have to lay down his life, in order to save ours.

But what about us? Are we faithful to Him even when we don’t understand what he’s up to in our lives? Do we submit to his sovereignty over us even when it doesn’t line up with our initiative and plans?

Today, the king of kings and Lord of Lords wants to be supreme in your life. But there comes a point, where even if we don’t understand what he’s up to. We trust that he knows best. And that he’s working all things out for Good for those that love him this morning.

3. Final point is that Jesus was Born to surrender.

Luke 19: 41-44 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. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

You know it’s interesting this morning, traditionally palm Sunday bring a level of excitement and anticipation. And rightfully so as we celebrate our king. But if we look at the text, although the people that day are experiencing joy, and excitement. We see a different emotion from Jesus. In fact, the bible tells us that as approaches Jerusalem, he weeps over it and its coming destruction. But also, he weeps for those that reject him.

But God has always been in the business of restoration. You see in verse 41-42 we’re told:

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

And here Jesus is speaking to his crucifixion. And the fact that he would have to die on the cross to bring this peace. But here’s the key… ultimately, Jesus was willing to surrender his life because he was committed to the father.

You see on the night Jesus was betrayed. Jesus is on the mount of olives praying and He Says: 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42

I’m going to call the elders up at this time. And as they come forward. We’re going to enter into a time of communion... JESUS WAS BORN TO SACRIFICE

Isaiah 53 tells us: 1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 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. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

As so as we prepare enter this time of communion. Taking of both his body and his blood. Would we make it our commitment to surrender to the will of the Father in our life. That as he works within us, as he convicts us of sin, as he reveals to us areas in our lives that need adjustment. That we would lay down ourselves for the will of the Father.

I’m going pray, and then the elements will be passed out. But where you are… take a moment...

1 Cor 11:28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

Pray

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.