Palm Sunday: The King is Coming!

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Friday, 6:00 p.m. Choir

Easter Morning, Breakfast at CLC @ 8:00

Regular Easter service. No Son Rise Services that I am aware of.

Holy Spirit, You are Welcome in this Place

Psalm 118:25-29

Psalm 118:25–29 NIV

25 Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. 27 The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Prayer

Opening Hymn

Prayer Video

Isaiah 50:4-9

Isaiah 50:4–9 NIV

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. 5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

Worship Set

Philippians 2:5–11 NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer Chorus

Prayer

Worship Through the Word:

Behold, Your King is Coming!

Have you ever had a special event or holiday come and find that your emotions are conflicted about it? It should be a celebration and you feel that, yet something has occurred that over shadows the moment.

My grandmother died on December 18. My family had to make a fast trip from Libby, MT to Nampa, ID for her funeral and burial as she had a crypt paid for there. She was to be interred with my grandfather who had died many years before.

We made the trip and returned so we could be home for Christmas. We already had all our Christmas shopping done so we were ready for that special day. However, that day was a mix of emotion. We were excited over our gifts. We were heartbroken as gifts stashed behind the tree for grandma came out. We each received back the gifts we had placed there for her. Throughout the day we went from laughter to tears rather quickly. It was a good day. She knew the Lord and we rejoiced in that. But we missed her in that special moment of celebration.

Anyone who has lost a loved one knows exactly what I am talking about. Not only that, but all around you others are in full enjoyment of the moment. You feel their excitement but you cannot fully enter into it.

The day when Jesus entered Jerusalem for the Passover on this fateful day, His emotions were also mixed. He cried, He laughed, He became angry. It is a familiar event for all of us. One we hear over and over again, but this time, I encourage you to step into Jesus shoes. Take a moment to understand what He understood as He entered into the Passover celebration.

Matthew 21:1–17 NIV

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. 16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” 17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

Behold, Your King is Coming!

To fully appreciate this event, we need to step back a few days. At least, I assume it was a few days. The exact amount of time of these events is not real clear. As you may recall, Jesus is called to the graveside of Lazarus. He delays and when He arrives, Lazarus has been dead for 4 days. Hopefully, you know this account. Jesus stands before the tomb and calls out to Lazarus. You can imagine the hush around the place as people wait with bated breath. They hear a rustling noise and suddenly Lazarus appears still wrapped in grave cloths.

Can you imagine the celebration that took place. I am sure the following days were filled with food and rejoicing over Lazarus’ resurrection.

Unfortunately, the word of this resurrection reaches Jerusalem and the Priests and Pharisees are determined to take action. The timing of this was no accident. It is with intent and purpose that this occurs just days/a couple weeks before Jesus own death since Lazarus’ resurrection demonstrates Jesus power over death. It is also the final sign of the Messiah. You see, Israel had priests and prophets that had performed miracles, but there were 4 that they believed only the true Messiah could fulfill. Priests and prophets had resurrected some folks who had recently died, but only Jesus raised a person who had been dead long enough to have substantial decay. The threat is great enough that Jesus moves to a safer distance at a village called Ephraim. He does not return to Bethany until 6 days before Passover.

While in Bethany, a meal is given in His honor. It is at this meal that Mary, Lazarus’ sister anoints Jesus feet with oil. Before moving on to Jerusalem, Jesus sends two disciples, probably Peter and John, to Bethphage to find the colt He will ride.

Before we get into further details, I want to familiarize you with the trip. The account names places that allow us to retrace His journey. However, since we are unfamiliar with the area, it is hard to visualize it. I have a map and a video to help us. Keep in mind that it was about a 2 mile journey. It looks shorter in one and really long in the video, so I thought this knowledge would help.

Map

The trip from Bethany goes through Bethphage, and over the Mount of Olives. Now, let us look at it from the point of few on the map. Keep these 3 places in mind. It is actually easier to picture it after it the video hits Jerusalem and turns around. (Pen Light Pointer)

Map Video

Jesus will send the disciples to Bethphage for the colt. Upon their return they place the outer cloak on the colts back for Jesus to sit on.

In this moment, Jesus identity is once again demonstrated. First, how could an ordinary person know there was a donkey with a colt at the ready in Bethphage, as well as predict what would be spoken? Second, how could Jesus know that they answer He tells the disciples to give to the owner would be sufficient to prevent their arrest for theft? Last but not least, have you ever tried to ride an unbroken colt? It does not go so well. Yet, Jesus is the creator and even animals accept His direction. This colt never fusses but allows Jesus to ride on his back. Those standing by watching all of this would be amazed.

Jesus then descends from Bethany, past Bethphage, down and over the Mount of Olives to descend into the Kidron Valley and enter Jerusalem through the Eastern gate.

The atmosphere would be charged with many emotions. First, it is a huge holiday for all of the Jews. Many have traveled to be here for this Passover week. This is the day that kicks it all off. You see, this is that special day when the Passover lamb is selected by the high priest. He has traveled to south to Bethlehem to choose just the perfect lamb and he will be bringing into Jerusalem through the Eastern gate where the people of Israel will be able to inspect it. It will be tied up and left so anyone who has a desire can inspect it. If any blemish is found, they are to tell the priests immediately so a new selection can be made.

Can’t you just picture the anticipation? They are all standing waiting. Each looking forward to his or her opportunity to look it over with the hopes of being the one that can find something wrong. But of course, the priests have taken great care to make sure they have the right one. It becomes a bit of a game. Each person gets to see the lamb for themselves.

The disciples will be filled with the anticipation of the Passover event, but they are also feeling cautious. They have heard that there are those who wish to see Jesus dead. They had tried to persuade Him not to come, but His mind was set. He was going to Jerusalem.

We can imagine what as in the disciples mind. The excitement wrapped with a feeling of apprehension, but what was going through Jesus mind? Up to this point, He has cautioned people not to share His identity, but in this moment, riding on this donkey, He is entering as a king. For the first time, He will be received as the King that He is but it will be short lived.

But there is more to it than that. He and He only, understands that in this moment, He is entering as the true Passover lamb. He comes through the Eastern gate, probably just behind the priest with the lamb. He is spotted by the crowd. They have heard about His raising Lazarus after 4 days in the grave. They now recognize Him as the Messiah. They grab palm branches and take off their robes to receive Him as king and to follow Him wherever He leads them. Will He go challenge Pilot? Or Herod? Or go directly to Caesar? They are ready to follow.

Well, that is the crowd is ready. You see, the Pharisees and scribes have no desire to follow Him. Not because they do not believe, but because they do not want to believe. They are only willing to receive Him on their terms. They do not like the terms Jesus has declared. It does not fit their vanity. There is no glory in what Jesus teaches. At least, not the glory they desire to have on earth before all men.

If that isn’t bad enough, they fear the outcries of victory and king from the crowd will cause Rome to fear an insurrection is about to break out. If they do, they could come and destroy everything the Jewish leaders have made for themselves. They have eked out a nice living in the midst of this Roman rule. They have no desire to lose that.

In fear, they cry out to Jesus, “Teacher! Rebuke your disciples!” Luke tells us of this rebuke and Jesus response, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!” It is at this point that He is approaching Jerusalem and begins to weep.

It is understandable that Jesus would weep just as he is about to enter. There is such joy from the crowd but it comes with no real understanding, the rebuke and disdain of the Jewish leaders, and the future they face will be a heavy one. The siege and destruction coming in AD 70 may even then have been ringing in His ears. Oh, if only they would take time to understand and do the right thing. But no, things must take place this way for the salvation to be opened for humankind.

As Jesus travels down the street and the people behold Him, they have no idea that they are inspecting the Passover lamb. A few days later, Pilot will make the final inspection and declare Him King. King of the Jews. If God’s people will not acknowledge it, God will use a Gentile to do so.

Can you imagine Jesus looking into faces. Men, women, and children. Seeing them and the joy on their faces, just impresses Him the more that He needs to do this. For them, He needs to die so they can be saved.

People on the outer edges hear the cries and make inquiries. What is happening? The lamb has entered but the cries continue but these are not the normal cheers for the lamb. These are the shouts welcoming a king. Who is this man that everyone is so excited to see? They are quickly told, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

This was what is in scripture but I bet there was more. “Did you hear about His raising the man from the dead who had been dead for 4 day?” “They say he also healed a man born blind. Can you imagine? Many say He is Messiah!”

By this time, it was late in the day. You can imagine how tired they all were but they had to return to Bethany. It was a safer place for them to be and gave free lodging. They would be over stimulated and probably a bit hyper as they leave but by the time they walk the two miles back to Bethany, I suspect they fell asleep swiftly and soundly.

Early the next morning they set out once again. This time on foot. As they near Jerusalem, Jesus sees a promising fig tree. The leaves indicate it should be ready with fruit. He is hungry and looks forward to the fruit, but when He looks more closely, He finds none. The tree had looked good from the outside, but inside there was something wrong that prevented it producing fruit. The fig tree has always been a symbol of Israel and Jesus now uses this tree as an object lesson for those with Him. He curses the tree, “May you never bear fruit again.” Once again, Jesus identity is made clear when the tree instantly withers. All of this demonstrated Jesus as God and the problem with Israel. The Jewish leaders appeared devout on the outside, but on the inside they were dead to true righteousness and unable to produce the fruit of righteousness.

As they enter Jerusalem yet again, things are more normal. There is still a huge crowd but they are going around doing normal things in preparation of the Passover coming later in the week. Jesus proceeds to the temple. As He enters the Court of the Gentiles, He sees various vendors selling sacrifices. These are over priced. The sacrifices are poor quality. In fact, it is a known fact that the priests of this day, used to withhold better lambs and provide less adequate ones to the crowds. I am not talking about the main one that is used for all Israel, but the ones they would sell to people. Between the thievery, cheating, and using the space that was intended for the Gentiles to worship, Jesus becomes angry. His emotions will still be raw from the day before. He is no longer concerned with hiding His identity or His authority. He overturns the tables and lashes out at the thieves. Once again, Jesus outright identifies Himself as God.

Matthew 21:13 NIV

13 “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

In that moment, Jesus fate was sealed. The priests and Pharisees have had enough and they close the deal. They will make sure it happens be the end of the week!

Conclusion

The Triumphal entry was the crisis of Jesus ministry. Like any crisis moment, there is always temptation. Jesus must have remembered the earlier temptations of Satan to declare Himself and be done with things. He doesn’t have to die. He can just demonstrate He is God and gain a following. As God, He can demand it.

But Jesus is not concerned with His Supreme identity or authority. Those are not in jeopardy. Nothing can take those away from Him. What Jesus is concerned with is people. He created us! He gave us our appearance, our talents, our identity. He does not want to lose any of us. However, the only way that any of us can be saved is through a Supreme sacrifice. Him! For all the power of the priests and Pharisees, they had no real power to take His life. That could only occur if He willingly laid it down.

John 10:14–18 NIV

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

No one defeats God. So God had to willingly lose for a short time, so that we could win. What do we win? Eternal life with a loving Father who is willing to supply all our needs for eternity.

If you were in that crowd today, who would you be? One of the disciples following Him? You do not understand a lot of things but you are sure He is the One and you wish to be with Him. Perhaps Mary with a heart so full of gratitude, you pour an expensive sacrifice out upon Him in devotion. Perhaps you are one of the crowd. You have seen Him do amazing things and you are curious about Him, but not ready to lay aside your belongings and your life to follow Him. Or perhaps, the Pharisees or High Priest, who were more concerned with their power, their position, their money, desiring control instead of allowing someone, even God to control their life. Or one of the Romans standing by scoffing at the idea of one god and instead you hedge your bets by depending on many or none.

Who ever you would have been in that crowd, you just need to know, that Jesus chose to lay down His life for all of the above. Why did He not speak up before Herod and Pilot? Because He was ready to lay down His life. They had no power over Him. Not at any time. Even from the cross, He could have called down 10,000 angels to remove Him and destroy all those around Him. He could have wiped out the entire universe and started all over!

But He didn’t. Instead, He allowed them to lash Him, mock Him, torture Him, steal from Him, and nail Him to a tree of shame, all so that you and I could have a life of eternal victory with Him. All we need to is believe He is God’s Son who died for us and offers us life eternal with Him sharing in His glory.

Are you ready to do so today? Then tell Him so.

Just As I Am

Pray