The Great Submission
Notes
Transcript
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The Great Submission
I. Introduction
I. Introduction
A. As everyone well knows, today is Palm Sunday. Today is the day when Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, took His final trip into Jerusalem. It is the day in which Jesus began to make himself, his purpose, and his message public. Up to this point, Jesus stepped in and performed miracles, he taught lessons, and even rebuked the Pharisees on various occasions, but He kept things as silent as possible because it was not time for His public ministry. Palm Sunday signifies the beginning, in a sense, of His public ministry, in which He makes it plain and clear who He is and why He is here, and when He does this, we see a great submission. That is the title of the message today, “The Great Submission”.
A. As everyone well knows, today is Palm Sunday. Today is the day when Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, took His final trip into Jerusalem. It is the day in which Jesus began to make himself, his purpose, and his message public. Up to this point, Jesus stepped in and performed miracles, he taught lessons, and even rebuked the Pharisees on various occasions, but He kept things as silent as possible because it was not time for His public ministry. Palm Sunday signifies the beginning, in a sense, of His public ministry, in which He makes it plain and clear who He is and why He is here, and when He does this, we see a great submission. That is the title of the message today, “The Great Submission”.
II. The Mission (vs. 2-3)
II. The Mission (vs. 2-3)
A. The first thing we see here in the text is that Jesus gives his disciples a mission. Something needs to be noted here. Jesus does not NEED us to carry out His mission. All power in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus. According to John 1:1, Jesus is “The Word”, and when “The Word” spoke, this world and everything in it, leapt into existence. He spoke, and the fig tree withered. He spoke, and the storm calmed. He spoke, and Lazarus came back to life. He spoke, and the blind could see. He spoke, and the deaf could hear. He spoke, and the lepers were cleansed. Jesus does not need us to carry out His mission, but what exactly was His mission? His mission was to seek and to save that which was lost. That, my friend, consists of you, me, and the entire world. His mission was us. His mission was the salvation of the world. He did not need us, but chose to love us and to use us. Now look with me at three things He used to carry out His mission.
A. The first thing we see here in the text is that Jesus gives his disciples a mission. Something needs to be noted here. Jesus does not NEED us to carry out His mission. All power in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus. According to John 1:1, Jesus is “The Word”, and when “The Word” spoke, this world and everything in it, leapt into existence. He spoke, and the fig tree withered. He spoke, and the storm calmed. He spoke, and Lazarus came back to life. He spoke, and the blind could see. He spoke, and the deaf could hear. He spoke, and the lepers were cleansed. Jesus does not need us to carry out His mission, but what exactly was His mission? His mission was to seek and to save that which was lost. That, my friend, consists of you, me, and the entire world. His mission was us. His mission was the salvation of the world. He did not need us, but chose to love us and to use us. Now look with me at three things He used to carry out His mission.
B. Disciples (vs. 1)
B. Disciples (vs. 1)
1. Jesus picked two disciples, and sent them on a mission. He picked two men that had been faithful. He picked two men that He could trust. He picked two men that were devoted to His mission. He picked them and sent them on a mission.
1. Jesus picked two disciples, and sent them on a mission. He picked two men that had been faithful. He picked two men that He could trust. He picked two men that were devoted to His mission. He picked them and sent them on a mission.
2. Have you ever wondered why God hasn’t given you a mission yet? You come to church, you sing the songs, you listen to the message, but still no mission. There is still no spiritual calling by God in your life. We are not striving for a mission of our own. We are striving to be a part of God’s mission. Our mission is the same as Christ’ mission…. To seek and to save that which is lost. Everyone wants the blessings of God on their life but they do not want to bless God with their life. You can’t have the first without the second. Start being faithful in your church attendance, your bible reading, and your prayer life. Start being a Christian that God can trust in to be there and be square. Start being devoted to God’s mission and then maybe God will allow you to be a part of it.
2. Have you ever wondered why God hasn’t given you a mission yet? You come to church, you sing the songs, you listen to the message, but still no mission. There is still no spiritual calling by God in your life. We are not striving for a mission of our own. We are striving to be a part of God’s mission. Our mission is the same as Christ’ mission…. To seek and to save that which is lost. Everyone wants the blessings of God on their life but they do not want to bless God with their life. You can’t have the first without the second. Start being faithful in your church attendance, your bible reading, and your prayer life. Start being a Christian that God can trust in to be there and be square. Start being devoted to God’s mission and then maybe God will allow you to be a part of it.
C. Directions (vs. 2-3)
C. Directions (vs. 2-3)
1. He chooses two disciples to carry out a mission but he does not send them empty handed. He gives them directions on what to do and where to go.
1. He chooses two disciples to carry out a mission but he does not send them empty handed. He gives them directions on what to do and where to go.
2. When the time comes that God chooses you to be a part of his mission, he will give you clear instructions on what He wants you to do. I remember when he gave me my call to the ministry. My friend, there was no mistaking whatsoever what my calling was. My calling was to preach his word. When my dad was asked to be a deacon, he prayed about it for over a year, and finally, God gave him clear instructions on what he was to do. When God calls you to be a part of His mission, there will be clear instructions that goes along with it.
2. When the time comes that God chooses you to be a part of his mission, he will give you clear instructions on what He wants you to do. I remember when he gave me my call to the ministry. My friend, there was no mistaking whatsoever what my calling was. My calling was to preach his word. When my dad was asked to be a deacon, he prayed about it for over a year, and finally, God gave him clear instructions on what he was to do. When God calls you to be a part of His mission, there will be clear instructions that goes along with it.
D. Donation (vs. 3)
D. Donation (vs. 3)
1. Notice that the disciples mission was to go into the next city, find a donkey, and bring it back to Jesus. Notice what it says here about this donkey: “And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them”. This donkey and her colt were a gift to The Lord. He did not take them by force, and I would even be willing to bet that after this mission was complete, this donkey and her colt found their way back home.
1. Notice that the disciples mission was to go into the next city, find a donkey, and bring it back to Jesus. Notice what it says here about this donkey: “And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them”. This donkey and her colt were a gift to The Lord. He did not take them by force, and I would even be willing to bet that after this mission was complete, this donkey and her colt found their way back home.
2. When God calls you to be a part of His mission, not only will He give you clear directions, He will also give you a gift to carry out this mission. Moses was given a spokesperson, Abraham was given faith, Gideon was given the ability of a warrior, Elijah was given boldness, Peter was given courage, and Paul was given knowledge. Every person that God calls to His mission, is given clear directions on what to do and a gift to help them to do it. Stop being afraid that you can’t do anything for God because you have no gift. God will give you the gift when he calls you to His mission.
2. When God calls you to be a part of His mission, not only will He give you clear directions, He will also give you a gift to carry out this mission. Moses was given a spokesperson, Abraham was given faith, Gideon was given the ability of a warrior, Elijah was given boldness, Peter was given courage, and Paul was given knowledge. Every person that God calls to His mission, is given clear directions on what to do and a gift to help them to do it. Stop being afraid that you can’t do anything for God because you have no gift. God will give you the gift when he calls you to His mission.
III. The Message (vs. 2-7)
III. The Message (vs. 2-7)
A. Now notice the purpose of the disciples’ mission. Their mission was carried out so that Jesus could send a message. All throughout history, when God sent a man with a mission, the purpose of that mission was to deliver a message. Have you ever wondered why the ark wasn’t built in secret? It was built in the wide open so that people would see and ask questions, and when those questions were asked, Noah had the opportunity to deliver a message. Why did God not just destroy pharaoh and his men? That is what happened in the long run anyway, right? He had a message that needed to be delivered. Why did Jesus not just walk into the temple and perform some amazing miracles that proved, without a doubt, that He was indeed the Son of God? He had a message that needed to be delivered. What exactly was His message?
A. Now notice the purpose of the disciples’ mission. Their mission was carried out so that Jesus could send a message. All throughout history, when God sent a man with a mission, the purpose of that mission was to deliver a message. Have you ever wondered why the ark wasn’t built in secret? It was built in the wide open so that people would see and ask questions, and when those questions were asked, Noah had the opportunity to deliver a message. Why did God not just destroy pharaoh and his men? That is what happened in the long run anyway, right? He had a message that needed to be delivered. Why did Jesus not just walk into the temple and perform some amazing miracles that proved, without a doubt, that He was indeed the Son of God? He had a message that needed to be delivered. What exactly was His message?
B. Message of Majesty (vs. 3)
B. Message of Majesty (vs. 3)
1. Here, Jesus calls Himself Lord. The first thing that needs to be noted here is that His message was a message of Majesty. “I AM THE LORD”!!! I am not just a man. I am not just a prophet. I am not just a priest. I am the Son of God. I am “The Lord”.
1. Here, Jesus calls Himself Lord. The first thing that needs to be noted here is that His message was a message of Majesty. “I AM THE LORD”!!! I am not just a man. I am not just a prophet. I am not just a priest. I am the Son of God. I am “The Lord”.
2. Many times throughout our mission, to be a part of His mission, we get disheartened. We get to a point of self-pity or lack of confidence. We must always remember who has called us to our mission. A man did not call me to preach. A prophet did not call me to preach. The Lord called me to preach. Why is this significant? If The Lord can perform miracles, if The Lord can speak things into existence, if The Lord knows the future, then I have nothing to be worried about. I am serving an audience of one. I am serving The Lord.
2. Many times throughout our mission, to be a part of His mission, we get disheartened. We get to a point of self-pity or lack of confidence. We must always remember who has called us to our mission. A man did not call me to preach. A prophet did not call me to preach. The Lord called me to preach. Why is this significant? If The Lord can perform miracles, if The Lord can speak things into existence, if The Lord knows the future, then I have nothing to be worried about. I am serving an audience of one. I am serving The Lord.
C. Message of Ministry (vs. 2 & 7)
C. Message of Ministry (vs. 2 & 7)
1. Notice how The Lord enters the city. He is riding on a donkey. When a king went to battle, or took a stroll through his city, he rode the biggest, nicest, prettiest horse that could be found. It was a sign of his dominance and royalty. Jesus chooses to ride in on a donkey. It was a symbol of His ministry.
1. Notice how The Lord enters the city. He is riding on a donkey. When a king went to battle, or took a stroll through his city, he rode the biggest, nicest, prettiest horse that could be found. It was a sign of his dominance and royalty. Jesus chooses to ride in on a donkey. It was a symbol of His ministry.
a. The first thing is that this donkey represented His meekness. Now let me explain what true meekness is. Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the Earth”. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power in reserve. It is having the ability to overpower, to stand above, or to belittle someone else but choosing not to. Jesus could have very easily overpowered the Pharisees. Jesus could have easily stood above His disciples and those who believed. Jesus could have easily belittled anyone and everyone but rather chose to lift others up instead. What was the outcome of this? All power was given unto Him, in heaven and on earth.
a. The first thing is that this donkey represented His meekness. Now let me explain what true meekness is. Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the Earth”. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power in reserve. It is having the ability to overpower, to stand above, or to belittle someone else but choosing not to. Jesus could have very easily overpowered the Pharisees. Jesus could have easily stood above His disciples and those who believed. Jesus could have easily belittled anyone and everyone but rather chose to lift others up instead. What was the outcome of this? All power was given unto Him, in heaven and on earth.
b. The next thing to see here about His ministry is that he came to serve. Jesus was the Son of God. He could have come and set up His kingdom and ruled with an iron fist but he came instead to serve others. He came to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to be all that they could be. He came to help others understand their full potential through the power of Almighty God. He came to love others and give Himself for them. His ministry was an important part of His message.
b. The next thing to see here about His ministry is that he came to serve. Jesus was the Son of God. He could have come and set up His kingdom and ruled with an iron fist but he came instead to serve others. He came to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to be all that they could be. He came to help others understand their full potential through the power of Almighty God. He came to love others and give Himself for them. His ministry was an important part of His message.
IV. The Movement (vs. 10)
IV. The Movement (vs. 10)
A. Now this is amazing. When Jesus comes into the city riding on the donkey, it says that “all of the city was moved”.
A. Now this is amazing. When Jesus comes into the city riding on the donkey, it says that “all of the city was moved”.
1. Notice how great the multitude was. It says that those who went before and those that followed cried out. Some, who met Him along the way, were following Him and others were waiting at the edge of the city in anticipation of His arrival. When you do the math, considering how many people traveled to Jerusalem at this time for the Passover, there were tens of thousands of people surrounding Jesus and His disciples. They were crying out, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”, which literally means, “Blessed is he who is sent with the authority of God”. They shouted “Hosanna”, which means, “Save us, we pray”. They called Him the “Son of David”, which is the title given to the Messiah various times throughout the Old Testament.
1. Notice how great the multitude was. It says that those who went before and those that followed cried out. Some, who met Him along the way, were following Him and others were waiting at the edge of the city in anticipation of His arrival. When you do the math, considering how many people traveled to Jerusalem at this time for the Passover, there were tens of thousands of people surrounding Jesus and His disciples. They were crying out, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”, which literally means, “Blessed is he who is sent with the authority of God”. They shouted “Hosanna”, which means, “Save us, we pray”. They called Him the “Son of David”, which is the title given to the Messiah various times throughout the Old Testament.
In order for there to be movement in our society today, we must say these same things. We must acknowledge Jesus as our Messiah. We must acknowledge Jesus as having the authority of God and being in the perfect will of God. We must cry out for Him to save us.
In order for there to be movement in our society today, we must say these same things. We must acknowledge Jesus as our Messiah. We must acknowledge Jesus as having the authority of God and being in the perfect will of God. We must cry out for Him to save us.
2. This word “moved” literally means shaken. When Jesus came into the city, the city was shook up. The roar of the crowd, the shouts of acclamation, the praise and worship of the Son of God, it shook the city. They were moved by His presence in their city, in their town, in their home. Those who knew Him shouted praise to His name and those who did not asked who he was. My, how our world would be different if there was a mighty spiritual movement. We need a mighty movement in our country today. We have forgotten how it feels when God shakes things up. We have forgotten how it feels to have our cups run over from the presence of God in our lives. It has been so long since there was a great spiritual shaking in this country, that if one were to happen, it would bring the roof down. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to see the drunkards put down their bottles. I am ready to see the addicts throw away their addictions. I am ready to see the children with smiles on their faces instead of guns in their hands. I am ready to see the angry filled with unspeakable joy. I am ready to see the helpless given purpose. I am ready to see ignorance replaced with knowledge and wisdom. I am ready to see a fire rekindled in the hearts of all men that burn with passion for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!! I am ready to see a great spiritual awakening that turns our world upside down and shakes us until something amazing happens.
2. This word “moved” literally means shaken. When Jesus came into the city, the city was shook up. The roar of the crowd, the shouts of acclamation, the praise and worship of the Son of God, it shook the city. They were moved by His presence in their city, in their town, in their home. Those who knew Him shouted praise to His name and those who did not asked who he was. My, how our world would be different if there was a mighty spiritual movement. We need a mighty movement in our country today. We have forgotten how it feels when God shakes things up. We have forgotten how it feels to have our cups run over from the presence of God in our lives. It has been so long since there was a great spiritual shaking in this country, that if one were to happen, it would bring the roof down. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to see the drunkards put down their bottles. I am ready to see the addicts throw away their addictions. I am ready to see the children with smiles on their faces instead of guns in their hands. I am ready to see the angry filled with unspeakable joy. I am ready to see the helpless given purpose. I am ready to see ignorance replaced with knowledge and wisdom. I am ready to see a fire rekindled in the hearts of all men that burn with passion for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!! I am ready to see a great spiritual awakening that turns our world upside down and shakes us until something amazing happens.
Now notice what had to take place for this movement to be possible.
Now notice what had to take place for this movement to be possible.
B. Obedience to the Mission (vs. 6)
B. Obedience to the Mission (vs. 6)
1. Jesus gave out a mission and the disciples fulfilled their God-given mission. In order for there to be a spiritual movement in our country today, the Christians of God who have been given a mission, must fulfill their mission. They must be dedicated to their mission so that God’s mission can be fulfilled. We are experiencing a day in time when God’s mission is not being fulfilled and it is because we, as Christians, are not fulfilling our mission that we have been handed. We must complete our mission. We must complete our mission so that God’s mission can be fulfilled.
1. Jesus gave out a mission and the disciples fulfilled their God-given mission. In order for there to be a spiritual movement in our country today, the Christians of God who have been given a mission, must fulfill their mission. They must be dedicated to their mission so that God’s mission can be fulfilled. We are experiencing a day in time when God’s mission is not being fulfilled and it is because we, as Christians, are not fulfilling our mission that we have been handed. We must complete our mission. We must complete our mission so that God’s mission can be fulfilled.
C. Deliverance of the Message (vs. 7)
C. Deliverance of the Message (vs. 7)
1. When the disciples fulfilled their mission for Jesus, Jesus’ message was able to be delivered. If they did not complete their mission, the Majesty and Ministry of Christ would not have been portrayed. The message has got to be delivered. It is the message that saves souls. It is the gospel that convicts hearts of sin. It is the gospel that shares the love of God for the world. It is the gospel that brings people to their knees, and if anything, is needed in our culture today it is a country on their knees crying out to an Almighty God. The message must be delivered.
1. When the disciples fulfilled their mission for Jesus, Jesus’ message was able to be delivered. If they did not complete their mission, the Majesty and Ministry of Christ would not have been portrayed. The message has got to be delivered. It is the message that saves souls. It is the gospel that convicts hearts of sin. It is the gospel that shares the love of God for the world. It is the gospel that brings people to their knees, and if anything, is needed in our culture today it is a country on their knees crying out to an Almighty God. The message must be delivered.
V. The Mystery (vs. 10)
V. The Mystery (vs. 10)
A. After Jesus came into town and the multitudes surrounded Him, there was such a movement, such a ruckus, such a disturbance, that those who did not know Jesus began to ask questions. Who is this man? My friend, when a great spiritual shaking begins to happen and people are sincerely moved by the presence of God in their lives, it causes a great mystery in the lives of others. Who is this man? Who is the cause of all this? And when they begin to ask questions, it opens the door for us to step in and describe who this man is. We get to tell them about Jesus.
A. After Jesus came into town and the multitudes surrounded Him, there was such a movement, such a ruckus, such a disturbance, that those who did not know Jesus began to ask questions. Who is this man? My friend, when a great spiritual shaking begins to happen and people are sincerely moved by the presence of God in their lives, it causes a great mystery in the lives of others. Who is this man? Who is the cause of all this? And when they begin to ask questions, it opens the door for us to step in and describe who this man is. We get to tell them about Jesus.
B. A Man of Miracles
B. A Man of Miracles
1. When they started asking questions about who Jesus was, I can only imagine all the responses and stories that were told to build up the character of Jesus Christ. They would have told about His miracles. They would have told about the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the dead coming back to life, the lepers cleansed, the small amount of food feeding thousands of people. They would have told about His miracles.
1. When they started asking questions about who Jesus was, I can only imagine all the responses and stories that were told to build up the character of Jesus Christ. They would have told about His miracles. They would have told about the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the dead coming back to life, the lepers cleansed, the small amount of food feeding thousands of people. They would have told about His miracles.
2. Beloved, he was a worker of miracles when he walked this earth but let me reassure you that He is still a worker of miracles now today. He can do things in your life that is unexplainable, but as we have said today, you must acknowledge Him as your savior and cry out to be saved.
2. Beloved, he was a worker of miracles when he walked this earth but let me reassure you that He is still a worker of miracles now today. He can do things in your life that is unexplainable, but as we have said today, you must acknowledge Him as your savior and cry out to be saved.
C. A Man of Mercy
C. A Man of Mercy
1. They would have told about His marvelous mercy. They would have told about the woman caught in adultery and how she was about to be stoned to death and His response to the Pharisees was “Ye without sin cast the first stone”.
1. They would have told about His marvelous mercy. They would have told about the woman caught in adultery and how she was about to be stoned to death and His response to the Pharisees was “Ye without sin cast the first stone”.
2. Maybe you have got red in your ledger. Maybe you have done some horrible things. Maybe you have got a lot of baggage in your life. Jesus Christ is a Lord of mercy. He loves you with all of His being and came to this world for you. He came to this world to seek and to save that which is lost and if you are listening to this message and you don’t have a personal relationship with Him then, my friend, that is you. You are spiritually lost and you need to be saved. The only one that can make that happen is “The son of David”, “The Messiah”, “The Lord” of all creation.
2. Maybe you have got red in your ledger. Maybe you have done some horrible things. Maybe you have got a lot of baggage in your life. Jesus Christ is a Lord of mercy. He loves you with all of His being and came to this world for you. He came to this world to seek and to save that which is lost and if you are listening to this message and you don’t have a personal relationship with Him then, my friend, that is you. You are spiritually lost and you need to be saved. The only one that can make that happen is “The son of David”, “The Messiah”, “The Lord” of all creation.
VI. Conclusion
VI. Conclusion
A. We see here the Mission, the Message, the Movement, and the Mystery of Christ. If we want a movement that causes mystery, then we need a mission that brings a message. We must carry out our mission for God, so that His message can be delivered. When the message is delivered, there will be a movement, and when the movement takes place, there will be a mystery in the hearts of those who do not believe. We need this in our country. We need this in our homes. We need this in our hearts. If this message today has caused a mystery in your heart, come meet the Man who caused the movement in your heart.
A. We see here the Mission, the Message, the Movement, and the Mystery of Christ. If we want a movement that causes mystery, then we need a mission that brings a message. We must carry out our mission for God, so that His message can be delivered. When the message is delivered, there will be a movement, and when the movement takes place, there will be a mystery in the hearts of those who do not believe. We need this in our country. We need this in our homes. We need this in our hearts. If this message today has caused a mystery in your heart, come meet the Man who caused the movement in your heart.