From Palms to Thorns

Introduction

We’ve sung the song and we understand the sentiment: This world is not our home, thanks to the way of the cross, our home is Heaven. We know the destination is pleasant. There is an underlying perception that the way there is too. But is that true?

Transition

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He was the first to walk the way of the cross.

Illumination

Jesus Accepted Adoration, Luke 19:28-40

Luke 19:39–40 NKJV

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

Jesus Exhibited Passion

In Praying for Jerusalem, Luke 19:41-44

In Cleansing the Temple, Luke 19:45-46

Mark 11:15–16 NKJV

15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.

Jesus Endured Examination

In Exodus 12 where the first Passover was established, they took a lamb on the 10th day but did not kill it until the 14th day of the month. The days in between were to be used to inspect the lamb and ensure it was without blemish. Jesus, as the Passover lamb of God, had to undergo the same insepction.

From the religious leaders, regarding His authority Luke 20:1-8

From the Pharisees and Herodians, regarding the tribute money Luke 20:19-26

From the Sadducees, regarding the woman who married 7 brothers in succession Luke 20:27-38

From the Scribes, regarding which was the greatest commandment Mark 12:28-33

Luke 20:39–40 NKJV

39 Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” 40 But after that they dared not question Him anymore.

Jesus Wrestled with Misunderstanding, Luke 20:41-22:38

Jesus Practiced Submission, Luke 22:39-46

Luke 22:41–42 NKJV

41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Jesus Allowed Suffering, Luke 22-23

In the form of betrayal

In the form of denial

In the form of literal trials

In the form of voluntarily dying

Matthew 27:50 NKJV

50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

Conclusion

This is what they way of the cross looks like:

Experiencing Adoration

Exhibiting Passion

Enduring Examination

Wrestling Misunderstanding

Practicing Submission

Allowing Suffering

The way of the cross does lead home. But that way will not be all pleasant. Jesus went from the Palms of praise to the thorns of death and both were a part of the way of the cross.

It sounds like mostly bad news. It’s not. But it’s also not the rosy pathway we may have hoped for. Still, there is good news. Next week, we’ll see that not all pleasant is in no way permanent.

Communion

Luke 22:19–20 NKJV

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.