It Began With The Cross- Matthew 21:6-10

The Triumphal Entry: A Journey to the Cross

Bible Passage: Matthew 21:6–10

Summary: This passage recounts Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a significant precursor to His passion and the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It celebrates the joyous recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, while foreshadowing the events leading to His crucifixion.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the importance of recognizing Jesus as King in our lives, even when the journey seems to lead to suffering. It encourages the audience to embrace the paradox of joy and sacrifice, reminding them that true victory often comes through the path of the cross.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was not just a moment of celebration but an essential step toward His sacrificial death, highlighting the connection between Jesus’ kingship and His mission to redeem humanity through the cross.

How this passage could point to Christ: The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's plan for salvation, as foreshadowed by prophets like Zechariah, and fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. This moment fulfills Old Testament prophecies and establishes Jesus as the Messiah who bears the world's sins.

Big Idea: The triumph of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem signifies the beginning of His greatest work—the cross, which transforms our understanding of victory from worldly triumph to sacrificial love.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider examining the cultural context surrounding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, particularly how palm branches, cries of 'Hosanna', and the crowd's expectations relate to messianic fulfillment. Utilizing your Logos library, explore commentaries that discuss the significance of this event in the broader narrative of Matthew and cross-references in prophetic texts such as Zechariah 9:9. Pay attention to how different Gospel writers interpret this moment, as this can provide depth to your message.

1. Procession of Humble Submission

Matthew 21:6-7

You could begin by examining how the disciples' obedience in acquiring the donkey demonstrates the importance of following Jesus' instructions, symbolizing humility even when the task seems mundane. By following Jesus' path, we experience the paradox of serving a King who arrives on a donkey. This highlights the way Jesus redefines kingship through humility and service, teaching us that our journey to embrace the cross involves humble submission to God's will as the true path to glory and joy.

2. Peoples’ Celebration of the King

Matthew 21:8

Consider focusing on the crowd spreading cloaks and branches, which depicts a royal welcome. Perhaps emphasize how this act signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship. In doing so, it invites us to reflect on how we honor Christ as king in our lives. This moment reminds us that welcoming Jesus involves significant sacrifice and laying down our lives, leading to a transformation through the cross. It's a call to assess whether we celebrate Christ only superficially or commit to a deeper, transformative relationship.

3. Pleas for Salvation and Kingship

Matthew 21:9

You might discuss the crowd's cries of 'Hosanna', a plea for salvation and recognition of Jesus as the Son of David. This invites us to see how the triumphal entry is both a declaration and a prayer. Encourage your audience to acknowledge Jesus as the Savior King who responds to our deepest needs. Our own cries for help can lead us back to the Jesus of the cross, showing that true salvation comes through sacrifice, not worldly power. Acknowledge the dual nature of celebration and impending sacrifice.

4. Pondering the True Identity

Matthew 21:10

Highlight the city's stirring inquiry, "Who is this?" as a reflection on public curiosity about Jesus' identity. Maybe suggest that this question mirrors our journey to discover who Christ is within the context of our lives. Encourage congregants to remain in a position of inquiry and discovery, urging them to explore the dimensions of Jesus as the Lord. Understanding Jesus as the Messiah who goes to the cross challenges us to redefine success and kingship through the lens of sacrifice and love.