sf503 - THE HIGHWAY TO HOPE -PART 1 SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING (Mark 1 1-11)
Mark 1:1-11
INTRODUCTION
Setting
It is Passover time in Jerusalem. This feast was the most important and celebrated among the Jews of Jesus’ day. Jewish pilgrims from all over the world had made their way to the holy city to celebrate and commemorate God’s deliverance of His people. As many as three million Jews were crowded into Jerusalem. Little did they realize that the deliverance they gathered to commemorate was about to be consummated in their midst. For the Passover was the foreshadow of the coming redemption of God’s people through the death of Christ.
Significance
Indeed Passover is a time of offering of the sacrificial lambs. And Jesus Christ had come to the city for just that purpose. John the Baptist had recognized the Lord’s true identity and purpose years before when he had declared…
John 1:29 (NASB)“…Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
The apostle John affirmed the same truth when he later wrote concerning Christ…
Revelation 13:8 (NKJV) 8…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
In coming and riding on a donkey Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy.
Zechariah 9:9 (NASB) 9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
We find a great crowd celebrating Jesus...
What are they celebrating? And what do we have to celebrate today?
1A. We Can Celebrate Jesus’ Deity - He is God (11:1-6)
1B. Jesus has all Knowledge – He is Omniscient (11:1-2a)
Jesus knew everything about the colt
Ø Jesus knew the colt’s location (11:4a)
Ø He know the colt’s life situation (11:2a)
Jesus knows everything about you...
Matthew 10:30 (NASB) 30“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Jesus knows where you are. Jesus knows all about your life. Nothing is hidden from Him. No sin, no sorrow, nothing, He knows you, he knows where you are and what has you bound.
2B. Jesus has all Authority – He is Sovereign (11:2b-6)
Jesus has authority over men (11:2b, 5-6)
Ø Jesus reveals His authority through His Word. (11:2)
Matthew 28:18 (NKJV) 18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Ø Jesus relates His authority through His name. (11:6)
Acts 4:12 (NASB) 12“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus has authority over creation. (11:7b)
Jesus rode upon a colt that had never been ridden. He exercised authority over the animal. The colt obeyed Him because He belonged to Him! Jesus has the same authority over all creation.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NASB) 16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
3B. Jesus has all Power – He is Omnipotent (11:3b)
How can a sovereign God have need of anything? Jesus had need of this donkey to fulfill His purpose and bring glory to the Father. God in His grace and wisdom has chosen to use sinful man to fulfill His purpose and to bring glory to Himself. Therefore we can know for certain two things…
If God can use a donkey, He can use you.
“The Lord needs it...”
Whatever you give to God, He will return more blessed than it was when you gave it.
“...and will send it back here shortly.”
2A. We Can Celebrate Jesus’ Humility – He is Man (11:7-8)
1B. Notice His Mount
The donkey was a humble mount.
The horse was the mount of the warrior or the conquering Roman general. But Christ chose a donkey a lowly simple donkey. Most people in that day would never ride let alone own a horse. However, many owned donkeys. We are reminded of our Lord’s humility and love by His riding in on a donkey. The day is coming when He will come exalted and lifted up on a white horse, but not at this hour. Now He comes on a lowly donkey, because He comes not to conquer but to die.
Mark 10:45 (NASB) 45“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The donkey was the beast of burden
Other kings burdened their subjects. This King would bear the burdens of His subjects! Jesus did not come to place more on men; He came to set us free.
John 8:33-36 (NASB) 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35“The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
2B. Notice His Manner
He accepts their meager provisions (11:7,8)
Jesus was concerned about how much the people had to give. He was more concerned about the fact they gave all they had. Jesus does not measure our Kingdom worth based on how much we have to give. He measures our Kingdom worth based on how much we keep. Jesus demands everything we have.
Romans 12:1 (NASB) 1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
He seeks to give, rather than receive
“Other Kings ask their servants to die for them, This King will die for his servants.” Jesus sets the precedence by giving Himself to us.
Titus 2:13-14 (NASB) 13 …Christ Jesus, 14who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
He weeps while others cheer
In the midst of the celebration Jesus experienced sorrow.
Luke 19:41 (NASB) 41When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,
Why did Jesus weep? Because He saw things as they really were. He saw the lostness and sinfulness of the people. He saw the hypocrisy and hardness of the religious leaders. He saw the hopelessness and futility of man-made religion. His response was to weep. When was the last time you wept over your city? Your community? Your family? Your church?
3A. We Can Celebrate His Victory – He is Almighty (11:9-11)
“Hosanna” = Save us now or Give Victory Now!
1B. Jesus has won the Victory over Darkness!
The healing of blind Bartimaeus (10:46-52) pictures the Lord’s victory over the darkness of sin. Paul tells us that all men are in darkness.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB) 13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus is the light of the world…
John 8:12 (NASB) 12Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
2 Timothy 1:10 (NASB) 10but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
When the Lord comes the light comes. When the light comes the life comes.
2B. Jesus has won the Victory over Death!
The raising of Lazarus pictures the Lord’s victory over death (John 11:1-44)
John 11:25-26 (NASB) 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
His own coming resurrection sealed the final victory over death.
EASTER
During the days preceding Easter, Napoleon Bonaparte was about to overtake the Austrian village of Feldkirch. The villagers gathered to pray for deliverance on the Eve of Easter. On Easter morning the church bells rang to signal the day of worship. Napoleon heard the bells but did not realize it was Easter. He thought those bells meant the Austrian armies had come to reinforce the village so he sounded retreat. When the bells of Easter ring out, the enemies of God are forced to retreat. (Joel Gregory, Personal Files)
APPLICATION
What do you have to celebrate today?
Do you believe that Jesus is man?
Who came to serve and save mankind?
Do you believe that Jesus is God?
Who alone has the power to save you?
Are you enjoying the victory that only Christ can bring?
Have you experienced God’s victory over the power of sin?
Have you experienced God’s power over the penalty of sin?
Would you today turn to Christ for salvation?
Then you too will have something to celebrate on the Highway to Hope!
Mark 1:1-11
INTRODUCTION
Setting
Passover Time
Ø ~3 million Jews in Jerusalem
Significance
Passover is a time of offering of the sacrificial Lambs
John 1:29 (NASB) 29The next day he saw* Jesus coming to him and said*, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Revelation 13:8 (NKJV) 8…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Ø Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy
Zechariah 9:9 (NASB) 9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
We find a great crowd celebrating Jesus...
What are they celebrating? And what do we have to celebrate today?
1A. We Can Celebrate Jesus’ Deity - He is God (11:1-6)
1B. Jesus has all Knowledge – He is Omniscient (11:1-2a)
He knew everything about the colt
Ø Jesus knew the colt’s location (11:4a)
Ø He know the colt’s life situation (11:2a)
He knows everything about you...
Matthew 10:30 (NASB) 30“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
2B. Jesus has all Authority – He is Sovereign (11:2b-6)
Jesus has authority over men (11:2b, 5-6)
Ø Jesus reveals His authority through His Word. (11:2; Matthew 28:18)
Ø Jesus relates His authority through His name. (11:6)
Acts 4:12 (NASB) 12“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus has authority over creation. (11:7b)
Colossians 1:16-17 (NASB) 16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
3B. Jesus has all Power – He is Omnipotent (11:3b)
How can a sovereign God have need of anything?
If God can use a donkey, He can use you.
Whatever you give to God, He will return more blessed than it was when you gave it.
2A. We Can Celebrate Jesus’ Humility – He is Man (11:7-8)
1B. Notice His Mount
The donkey was a humble mount.
Ø The horse was the mount of the warrior and conquering general.
Mark 10:45 (NASB) 45“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The donkey was the beast of burden
Ø Other kings burdened their subjects. This King would bear the burdens of His subjects!
John 8:33-36 (NASB) 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35“The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
2B. Notice His Manner
Jesus accepts their meager provisions (11:7,8)
Ø Jesus demands everything we have.
Romans 12:1 (NASB) 1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Jesus seeks to give, rather than receive
Titus 2:13-14 (NASB) 13 …Christ Jesus, 14who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Jesus weeps while others cheer
Luke 19:41 (NASB) 41When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,
3A. We Can Celebrate His Victory – He is Almighty (11:9-11)
“Hosanna” = Save us now or Give Victory Now!
1B. Jesus has won the Victory over Darkness! (10:46-52)
Paul tells us that all men are in darkness.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB) 13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus is the light of the world…
John 8:12 (NASB) 12Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
2 Timothy 1:10 (NASB) 10but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
2B. Jesus has won the Victory over Death!
The raising of Lazarus pictures the Lord’s victory over death (John 11:1-44)
John 11:25-26 (NASB) 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
His own coming resurrection sealed the final victory over death.
Easter - Napoleon
APPLICATION
What do you have to celebrate today?
Do you believe that Jesus is man?
Who came to serve and save mankind?
Do you believe that Jesus is God?
Who alone has the power to save you?
Are you enjoying the victory that only Christ can bring?
Have you experienced God’s victory over the power of sin?
Have you experienced God’s power over the penalty of sin?
Would you today turn to Christ for salvation?
Then you too will have something to celebrate on the Highway to Hope!
SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING
The Highway to Hope – Part 1
1A. We Can Celebrate Jesus’ Deity - He is God (11:1-6)
1B. Jesus has all _____________ – He is Omniscient (11:1-2a)
He knew everything about the colt..
He knows everything about ___________...
Matthew 10:30 (NASB) 30“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
2B. Jesus has all ______________ – He is Sovereign (11:2b-6)
Jesus has authority over men (11:2b, 5-6)
Ø Jesus reveals His authority through His Word. (11:2)
Matthew 28:18
Ø Jesus relates His authority through His name. (11:6)
Acts 4:12 (NASB)
Jesus has authority over creation. (11:7b)
Colossians 1:16-17
3B. Jesus has all _____________ – He is Omnipotent (11:3b)
2A. We Can Celebrate Jesus’ Humility – He is Man (11:7-8)
1B. Notice His _______________________
The donkey was a humble mount.
The donkey was the beast of burden
2B. Notice His ____________
Jesus accepts their meager provisions (11:7,8)
Romans 12:1
Jesus gives rather than _______________
Titus 2:13-14
Jesus _____________ while others cheer
Luke 19:41 (NASB) 41When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,
3A. We Can Celebrate His Victory – He is Almighty (11:9-11)
1B. Jesus has won the Victory over ______________! (10:46-52)
Paul tells us that all men are in darkness.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB) 13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus is the light of the world…
John 8:12 (NASB) 12Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
2B. Jesus has won the Victory over Death!
The raising of Lazarus pictures the Lord’s victory over death (John 11:1-44)
His own coming resurrection sealed the final victory over death.