The Triumphant Servant

Last time we learned about Zacchaeus and Jesus’ divine appointment with him.

I mentioned that if Zacchaeus hadn’t responded, he may have missed his one opportunity to receive Jesus because Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem…

Matthew 21:1–4 CSB

1 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt. 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 at once.” 4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:

Luke 19:21–28 CSB

21 because I was afraid of you since you’re a harsh man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’ 22 “He told him, ‘I will condemn you by what you have said, you evil servant! If you knew I was a harsh man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow, 23 why, then, didn’t you put my money in the bank? And when I returned, I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 So he said to those standing there, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’ 26 “ ‘I tell you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away. 27 But bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughter them in my presence.’ ” 28 When he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:10–11 CSB

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, saying, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:14–16 CSB

14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 When the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonders that he did and the children shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to him, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” Jesus replied, “Yes, have you never read: You have prepared praise from the mouths of infants and nursing babies?”

John 12:16 CSB

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

- 5 OT prophecies fulfilled were fulfilled in this one event

5 Prophecies

1stProphecy - Mt21.5 - 5 Tell Daughter Zion, “See, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

11Look, the Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, his wages are with him, and his reward accompanies him.” Is62.11

9Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zech9.9

2nd Prophecy - Lk19.39 - 38 Blessed is the King whocomes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!

26He who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed. From the house of the Lord we bless you. Ps118.26

3rd Prophecy - Mt21.15 - 11The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

15“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him… 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. Deut18.15,18

4th Prophecy - Mt21.15 - 15When the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonders that he did and the children shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant

2From the mouths of infants and nursing babies, you have established a stronghold on account of your adversaries in order to silence the enemy and the avenger. Ps8.2

5th Prophecy - Lk19.40 - 40He answered, “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out.”

11For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will answer them from the woodwork. Hab2.11

When God sends you on a mission, He takes care of the details

Jesus knew all the details – He knew about the donkey, the colt, and even the owner’s questions BEFORE He sent the disciples.

Divine appointments require precise alignment – God is at work behind the scenes.

All the disciples had to do was follow Jesus’ commands

When God gives you a task, do not stress over your lack of resources.

God's assignments come with God's provisions.

If He sends you, He has already arranged the details.

We are to prepare the world for the arrival of Jesus

The disciples used what they had—their cloaks and tree branches—to level the path and honor the King.

Our role today is identical: clearing obstacles and laying down our own comfort to prepare hearts for Christ.

Jesus is worthy of worship, and His presence demands it

Jesus’ presence alters the atmosphere

His presence forces a response from all of creation

People notice when God is on the move

True spiritual movement cannot be hidden or ignored; it creates a holy disruption.

When God moves in your life, your family, or your school, it will cause people to look up and ask questions. Be ready to give them the answer: It is Jesus.

There will be those who criticize how you worship

Critics focus on protocol, while Jesus focuses on the heart.

Expect pushback when you live passionately for God. Do not let the disapproval of critics quiet you

Jesus will come again, not as the suffering servant but as the victorious King…

The story of the Triumphal Entry forces every single one of us out of the spectator stands. When Jesus moves, the atmosphere changes, and neutrality becomes completely impossible. He doesn't need our perfect resources; He just wants our radical obedience. People are watching your life, waiting to see if your faith is real or just a routine. Let them look at you and see a holy disruption. Jesus, who gently stepped into our brokenness to serve us, is the exact same Jesus who is coming back as King. Fall at His feet today as Savior, so you are ready to face Him tomorrow as King.