Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28–30 ESV

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here.

Intro

Imagine Jesus, at the base of Jerusalem. Looking up, knowing what was about to take place. But he begins to take the step. One step at a time, He moves forward. One foot in front of the other, until He mounts the colt of course.

My friends, sometimes, scratch that, every time you follow God. Especially, if you are really committed, your life to one degree or another being crucified. It is being laid down upon a cross.

You see up until the Resurrection of Christ, everyone had assumed that the Christ would have to live to conquer. That triumph would come through life. In particular a general overcoming the roman empire.

What Christ was doing was teaching us that victory in this world comes not on the battlefield, but it comes at the cross.

Luke 19:35–36 ESV

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.

Jesus went to the Lions Den.

We so often avoid hardship. Hard discussions, moments, relationships. We avoid the uncomfortable. But it is in those moments that we enjoy the least that the greatest works are done.

It is under the highest pressure that diamonds are formed. not the weakest. Jesus understood this. He understood that in order to accomplish what the father asked he would have to go plasces He did not want to go.

Jesus went to the Lions Den. He did not avoid it. The Father has revealed to Him what was going to happen and yet Jesus chose to march right into it anyway. Fearlessly He walked into the heart of Evil and He stared it down. Why?

For God So Loved

For God so Loved the World

Not just His friends, but everyone,

Those you and I like

Those you get along with

Those you and want

Those you and I don’t want

Those you and I despise

Those you and I hate

He walked into an environment where He knew death was inevitable, where He knew torture was certain. Why?

Because the heart of Father cried for His creation

The Echoes of the curse and the prophecy of redemption, though forgotten in many people's minds, had not been forgotten in the fathers.

I must redeem Adam. I must redeem Mankind.

So In this moment of Redemption we see Christ, the suffering servant. The lamb led to the slaughter. Willingly laying down His life. For you and I.

Jesus understood that in order to bring life. Death must precede it. If the Father wanted to bring spiritual life to humanity, He had to put to death the one He treasured most. His Son.

In this day and age, we want life without death. Tell that to a tree. Right?

The Seed must first die, before it can truly live.

Life Cover Wives-Auca Indians

In September 1955 there were young missionaries down in the Amazon trying to reach one of the most violent tribes of their time for Jesus. These men, with their wives and children moved to the amazon to reach the Auca people.

And On Sunday Jan uary 8th 1956, the Auca, men attacked the missionaries and killed them.

Jim Elliot,

Ed McCully,

Pete Fleming, and

Roger Youderian.

Nate Saint

All gave their lives for the cause of Christ that day.

In own world we would say this a tragedy, but my friends, the kingdom works differently.

Romans 10:15 ESV

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Christ was hanging there for purpose. that purpose was to bring redemption to mankind. It wasn’t just because God loved violence, but because God God loved people. Just was betrayed, and beat and pierce not for so ancient religious ceremony, but because the father longed to speak with you.

Jesus was sent to bring the good news.

Matthew 11:5 ESV

the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

The Good news that God had not forgotten the plight of mankind. While Israel was focused on Rome, God was focused on the heart.

So Jesus was there on the Cross after being beaten and bruised and battered. He was tired and worn and done. Yet His heart was strong.

Luke 23:39–43 ESV

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Even until the very Jesus’s focus was on the Gospel. One more Person.

He laid His life down, so we could have ours in Him.

You and I are Sent to bring the Good news.

Romans 10:15 ESV

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

We had Missionaries here last weekend, the Nelsen's. They are on their way to a very dangerous part of India. They are being called into the Lions den, and I feel called to stand with them. I am hoping you do as well. So today, we are going to take up an offering for them. WE have been talking about it all week. It is our one day challenge. Give one days wages to the cause of Christ in India. If it hurts, Good. that means we are doing it right. But remember it is laying down our lives that God is able to bring life out. So don’t look at this challenge as what you may be losing, but instead, look at what the king will be gaining.

I am going to play for you again the video of the missions work we are supporting with this offering.