“Don’t Get Quiet Now, Help is Here!!”

Bible Passage: Zechariah 9:9, John 12:12–16

My brothers and sisters today starts a time in the life of God’s Church called Holy Weeks. We celebrate it as “Palm Sunday” but we must take the time to examine what we’re really celebrating! Today is the day however in which we are reminded of the victory we have in Jesus!

I’m grateful today that in my lowest of times, God’s care for us goes beyond our expectations! It’s wonderful that God would gift and a anoint a young prophet named Zechariah, as the name Zachariah means “ God Remembers”! My brother and sister God has not forgotten about where you are, and what you need!

Summary: In Zechariah 9:9, This Prophet of God prophecies about the defense of the people of God in Israel. Zechariah foretells of a future king who arrives in Jerusalem not as a conqueror, but as a humble servant, fulfilling God’s promise of peace. In John 12:12-16, Jesus enters Jerusalem, fulfilling this prophetic promise, while also revealing a deeper message about His mission: He comes to save the very people who often sought a different kind of savior. They wanted a king who would do what THEY had planned for themselves! Ignoring that fact that His plan was always to save! How long brothers and sister will be stay in a place of comfort knowing we need HELP? When we misunderstand Christ intention to bring spiritual deliverance, we miss HIs heart of rescue!

TEXT EXEGESIS Zec 9:9

There are two main people identified in Zechariah 9:9, the Israelites and their coming King. The Israelites are referred to as Zion or Daughters of Jerusalem.

Rejoice: To shout in exultation or praise

Shout in Victory to God for your coming King! Rescue comes in the form of the person of Jesus Christ.

Zechariah tells them He is Just; righteous, innocent of sin, and devoted

Devoted: to the pursuit to rescue (save) his People.

Application: My brothers and sisters we must remember that God doesn’t want us better, He wants us changed!

As believers we must reflect on our own expectations of Jesus and what it truly means to follow Him.

In order to follow Jesus, we must be It invites the audience to adopt a radical discipleship that mirrors the humility and servant leadership exemplified by Jesus, promoting unity and love in a world often driven by power and competition.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on understanding Jesus' character as a humble leader who redefines what it means to be great in God's kingdom. It brings to light the contrast between worldly views of power and the values of Christ, prompting believers to embrace a lifestyle of servanthood.

TEXT EXEGESIS John 12:12-16

I

Big Idea: In the Kingdom of God, true greatness is found in humility and service, urging us to embrace a different narrative than the world’s culture of power and dominance.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the socio-political implications of Jesus’ actions in the first century, especially how His entry into Jerusalem would resonate with Jewish expectations of a messianic figure. Utilize Logos to examine commentaries on Zechariah and John that focus on how Jesus' humility confronts worldly standards of leadership and authority.

The King Who Comes to Serve

Bible Passage: Zechariah 9:9, John 12:12–16

Summary: Zechariah 9:9 presents the vision of a future king who arrives in Jerusalem not as a conqueror, but as a humble servant, fulfilling God’s promise of peace. John 12:12-16 depicts this prophecy coming to fruition as Jesus enters Jerusalem to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, who misunderstand His intention to bring spiritual deliverance rather than political power.

Application: This message calls Christians to reflect on their understanding of Jesus as their leader. It encourages them to embrace servanthood and humility in their daily lives, challenging common societal values of ambition and self-importance. This approach offers hope to those feeling marginalized or pressured to perform, reinforcing that true fulfillment lies in serving others as Christ does.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Christ, though deserving of all glory and power, chose a path of humility and service. This sets an example for believers, showing that greatness in the kingdom of God is measured not by status or achievements, but by our willingness to serve others selflessly.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus’ triumphal entry as captured in these passages reflects the overarching biblical narrative of a saving King who enters into human suffering and humility to redeem creation. This theme resonates throughout scripture, demonstrating that God’s approach to authority is rooted in love and service, contrary to worldly expectations.

Big Idea: Embodying true greatness is centered on the willingness to serve others, following the example of Christ, as we navigate a world focused on power and prestige.

Recommended Study: Explore the cultural expectations surrounding kingship in ancient Israel, particularly in light of the Messianic prophecies. Use Logos to investigate the theological implications of Jesus’ actions during this entry and how His humble approach subverts traditional views of authority. Consider examining commentaries that delve into the contrasts between earthly and heavenly power.

1. Receiving our Humble King

Zechariah 9:9

You could focus on the prophetic vision of the King who comes in humility, emphasizing how this stands in stark contrast to the world's view of kingship. Highlight that Jesus embodies this prophecy perfectly—He comes as a servant, not as a conqueror. This challenges us to rethink greatness and authority in our own lives, suggesting that our highest calling as Christians is to serve others. We must prepare to receive Him with Praise!

2. Recognize our Helper Among Us!

John 12:12-13

Perhaps explore the initial reaction of the crowd, who greeted Jesus with joy and expectation. Their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission serves as a mirror for our societal misconceptions of power and success. Rather than seeking personal triumph, we're invited to lay our lives down in service and humility. This reflection challenges us to align our hopes and praise with the true nature of God's Kingdom. The people cried out or shouted, HOSANNA (which means Lord Save!) The responsibility of the believer is to have the right response to His presence! If we are not prepared to encounter Jesus, we miss what to say! It is like walking in a room and not greeting the people in the room! The response to Jesus’s presence is acknowledging that we need rescued! They were prepared because they knew they need to be rescued so they shouted HOSANNA!

3. Accept His Rescue/ Salvation

John 12:14-16

Maybe delve into how the disciples’ understanding and remembrance of this event deepened after Jesus’ glorification. This invites us to trust in Christ’s plan even when we don’t fully grasp it. As followers of Christ, we're called to discern and embrace His humility and service, realizing over time how His ways contrast with popular expectations of power. This deepens our faith and commitment to His path.