Palm Sunday 3-23-97
"A Divine Celebration"
John 12:12-19
Intro. As Americans we do not understand why some nations are so drawn to royalty. But the truth is that the king represents the entire nations. Royalty often supplies the national identity. He stands for the best, the brightest, the power and authority and influence that a people can have.
If nations view royalty this way, it is no wonder that special events like and inauguration of a king captivates a nation. Such and event took place during Jesus final days on Earth. We know of it as the Triumphal Entry. The passage is found in the 4th Gospel, John 12, verses 12-19. Let's read them together.
I. Triumphal Entry is a Joyous Celebration where Jesus enters Jerusalem as her King
Seems city of David is about welcome Jesus as the Son of David, the Messiah. In John 6:15 after feeding 5000, Jesus refused to be made king by the Galileans, now presents Himself as the King
1. God moves toward people. He is Relational, Interested in People (Gen 3:9 "Where are you Adam?" to Rev. 21:3 "God is among men")
Gospel is God moving toward men, men either accept or reject.
2. Crowds are interested (Leaders are threatened) Meeting friend has 2 parts: going out to meet friend
returning with friend
(Picture of Rapture in Future - 1 Thess 4:13-18)
3. God has a Plan that He Foretold in Scriptures (Prophets) which point us to Jesus (Luke 24:27)
Joy of Feast of Tabernacles (type of kingdom) --
Zech 14:16 - all nations will come to Jer. to worship the king at the Feast of Booths (Millennium)
Palm Branches (victory) used 2x in NT -- John 12 and Rev 7:9-17 (Martyred Gentiles from Great Trib. gathered in white robes to worship)
Ps 118 -- Ps. of Accent
"Psalms 113-118 form the Hallel, a collection of songs sung at the great festivals of Israel—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles—as well as on other holy days. At Passover, for example, Psalms 113-114 were sung before the meal, and 115-118 after it."
"This psalm completes the group of Hallel songs (Pss. 113-118). Possibly Psalm 118 was written for the Feast of Tabernacles, perhaps even the first celebration of that Feast when the people returned from the Exile. The contents certainly suggest that God, in reestablishing His nation, triumphed over the nations and their plans. At least it can be said that the contents describe a festal procession to the sanctuary to sacrifice to and praise the Lord. Because the song was sung at the festivals, expressions in the psalm were on the lips of the people at Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of the Passion Week (118:25-26; Matt. 21:9). Also this psalm may have been sung in the Upper Room after the Lord's Supper (Matt. 26:30)." (Bible Know. Comm.)
vs 22 - rejected stone
vs 24 - new day (millennium) of rest and glory
vs. 25, 26 - words in Jn 12
vs 27 - hint of sacrifice of God
4. The Focus of God's Celebration is Jesus the Christ vs. 13-14
Hosanna (Savior)
He who comes in the name of the Lord
the King of Israel
your King
Finds colt to ride on Zech 9:9
Fear not - (not in Zech 9) from Zeph 3:13-20 Christ's coming as king of Jer. vs. 14 "shout for joy" vss 15-16 "fear disaster no more" "do not be afraid" vs. 17 "the Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior"
4. Believers do not always understand what is happening in the present
vs. 16 - Disciples do not understand God's purposes, needed Holy Spirit
Jesus was entering Jer. as the Paschal Lamb
5. Two Joyous Groups Interested in Jesus and His work vs 17-18
1. Some travel with Jesus from Bethany,
2. Some travel from Jerusalem to meet Jesus
Both believers, but the distinction is closeness to Jesus. Some bel. walk with the Lord, actively in fellowship with the Lord and His people. These are disciples, learners, people who follow Christ. When Christ was on earth that included 12 apostles, the 70, and others who traveled with Jesus. (These are people who have an active faith, attend one or more meeting, but even more are involved in the church, give of their time and money to the Lord, teach, witness, minister)
Other group are bel., but they are more peripheral. Met Jesus periodically. Come to worship service weekly, but do not actively take part in witnessing or worshipping throughout the week. They may be too busy or uninterested or burned out, but these people do not have the same level of commitment to Christ or His work.
Both Groups believe in Jesus
Jn 12:17-18 - Anyone can call to the dead, but only God can have them answer. Resurrection is coming (Is 25:7-8; 26:19, 1 Cor. 15:12-19; 52-57)
This two-fold Crowd travels with Christ as personal bodyguard as He enters Jerusalem.
6. Pharisee, followers of Law, disciples of Moses, are not happy because they reject Jesus as their King or the King. vs. 19
These people are Fighting against God. Words reveal their heart of jealousy and their future plans to kill Jesus (Jn 12:10).
These leaders quickly turn the Crowds who shout "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday into the mob that screams "Crucify Him, Crucify Him" on Good Friday
If you are not sure of your relationship with God, then Jesus is the answer. Do you believe that He is enough to get you to God? Are you sure that you have eternal life?
Are you looking forward to and planning a week of Joyful Celebration this week we celebrate Easter?
Read a Gospel Narrative, watch Jesus of Nazareth, attend a special worship service.
How can we honor and worship Jesus as King today? Some of you may feel called into full time Christian service. Talk with the Pastors or the elders so we may encourage you. Some may feel called into full time missions work? Serving Jesus the King is the most dynamic thing anybody can do?
What keeps you from serving the Lord with your gifts and abilities? Is some area of sin or area of unbelief quenching the Spirit in your life? Confess the sin or the unbelief. Submit all that you are and have to all that Jesus is?
We want you to grow in your relationship to Christ, but that will involve you committing your time, talents and treasures in the body of Christ, the church.
Many of you are already involved, keep up the good work, keep the faith, keep on keeping on, if you are getting sidetracked, get back to the basics, Is Jesus Your King?
Your joy in life will be directly proportionate to Jesus being your King.