A Parade Of Triumphant Grace

This passage tells us of a fulfillment of scripture about the Kingly Messiah (Zech. 9:9)

A short time before the the triumphal entry, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus now left that peaceful home in Bethany to force a confrontation on the Jews.

This day is believed to have been on a bright day in early spring.

Bethphage = “house of figs” / Bethphage was about halfway between the city walls and Bethany.

Now, up until now, Jesus usually kept a “low key.” He purposefully caused a clamor for the purpose of fulfilling prophecy.

Men like Pilate were familiar with an emperor’s triumphal entry with chariots, war horses, marching legions in gleaming armor, heralds, weapons, and long lines of captives.

There was nothing of great interest in the procession of excited Jews accompanying a man in a peasant’s homespun robe riding a beast of burden into Jerusalem.

However, in the eyes of those who have been transformed by His grace, this entry was nothing short of a triumphant act of marvelous grace. It would only be by His giving of free power grace can we say today, “I am redeemed and ready for Heaven!”

My thesis today is this: Jesus entered the gates of Jerusalem for those who would believe. Not only to save them from their sin, but to enable them and show them He is grateful and acceptant of their meager offerings and worship.

1) Jesus leads His followers forward

Let us notice once again, as always, who is leading the group forward; Jesus.

Illustration: It is like gazing from behind and watching a little boy follow his daddy around.

Jesus was leading them forward to a place where not only would He receive honor and where He would be betrayed into the hands of cruel men and put to a shameful death.

Notice again the scene:

It was the shepherd going before His sheep. Not driving, but leading them.

It was a captain who was going before His soldiers as taking the post of danger.

DO NOT MISS the practical application here:

It is always far better for Jesus to go FIRST before you.

The disciples were never more out of place than when they tried to outrun their Master.

Jesus knew quite well the suffering not only He would face by this public entry, but also the suffering His followers would face.

Here is a restful hope for those who endure for Christ; Jesus has already gone the way of your suffering! He endured and overcame!

2) Jesus equips His followers (v6)

Once again the truth rings clear; Following Jesus’ commands are His enablements!

The task went down exactly the way Jesus said it would.

LEARN THIS, Jesus is Sovereign over the hearts of men!

Oh how often we question God ability that lies behind His commands.

Once the donkey was retrieved, it was in need of some kind of saddle.

Here we find a lack of what would be a customary trappings for the beast for a king to ride upon.

Notice what they used!!!

Some practical truths:

The disciples furnished Jesus with the best they had.

They did not object to the spoiling of their clothes when the Lord had need of them.

YOU must NEVER think the clothes on your back are too dear to part with for the service for Christ.

NEVER FORGET, Jesus was making a entry into His agony and death on the cross in order for Him to clothe those who believe with RIGHTEOUSNESS.

3) Jesus’ humble reception

In all honest, Jesus should have been greeted by kings, dignitaries, and the keys to the city.

The only time you see the religious leaders surrounding Jesus is when they cried for His crucifixion.

1 Cor. 1:26, 28

Jesus was only welcomed and praised by the most common of peoples.

Quote: Christ is honored by the multitude, more than by the magnificence, of his followers; for he values men by the their souls, not be their preferments, names, or titles of honour. (Matthew Henry)

Notice exactly what these common worshipers did:

(v36) “And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.”

This was done that Jesus might ride over them.

Quote: Those that take Christ for their King must lay their all under his feet; the clothes, in token of the heart; for when Christ comes, though not when any one else comes, it must be said to the soul, Bow down, that he may go over. (Matthew Henry)

Application: How do you make Christ and His grace welcome into your life and home? How do you express your high respect to Christ?

Notice what they said:

They were welcoming His kingdom

They were referring to Psalm 118:25-26

We must understand that among the mixed crowd, there were mixed perspectives about the kingdom He was ushering in at this time.

There were those who were also filled with pride, envy and hatred toward Him.

Matthew 21:10-11

This is truly a hard thing to comprehend; The Holy One was unknown in the holy city.

However, due to the reception of Jesus’ disciples, the ignorant posed a question; WHO IS THIS?

The answer they gave was only half correct. He was a prophet, but His origin and authority was never from Nazareth.

Application: Many today are willing to honor and testify of Christ but under mistakes about His person.

Conclusion: