Palm Sunday Triumph

What was on the mind of Jesus when he entered in to Jerusalem on Passion week?

(READ LUKE 19:28-40)

“Mount of Olives” - Prominent northside ridge in the Judean ountains lying due east of Jerusalem and the Kidron Valley.

Inequality of ground. The temp and the more northen portions are hid by the slope of Olivet on the right, the mosque of Dabid, and the angle of the western wall.

Known for large groves of olive tress and gravestones.

The locker room is a powerful place because everything that happens there provides an indication that something is about to happen.

Jesus entered into Passion week knowing what he was going to do.

1. Jesus fulfilled the scriptures.

“The took place so that was was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Tell Daughter Zion, See, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Matthew 21:4-5)

A colt is a young donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

Verse 38 is quoted from (Psalm 118:25)

More fully, “Hosanna”, that is, “save now”.

This verse is reminiscent of the angels who declared the brith of Jesus to the shepherds.

Before this moment, Jesus often discouraged public regonition.

Here, Jesus yielded his whole soul to the wide and deep acclaim of the promised Messiah entering the city.

People are tempted to only recognize Jesus with their feelings.

Before we recognize Jesus with our feelings, we must believe that He is the fulfillment of God’s holy word.

(John 1:1)

Jesus was intentional in every action because he is the promised Messiah.

He even died according to scripture.

2. Jesus was not surprised.

“Get the donkey. Here is where it will be.”

“Find the man with the water jug. He will meet you and introduce you to the owner of a house. The owner will take you to a room furnished for us.” (Luke 22:7-13)

He knew Judas would betray him. Peter too.

None of this surprised our Lord.

Can you imagine walking toward your own death? Jesus not only knew, but He allowed suffering to come and led the disciples gently through the process.

“Jesus knew that the religious leaders were out to get him an yet, instead of slinking into the city under the cover of darkness he rides triumphantly in a manner that is bound to reveal him as Messiah.” Denn Guptill

When situations spring upon you, do you handle them like Jesus? With poise and confidence?

“Dear friends, don’t be surpised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.” - (1 Peter 4:12-13)

“Consider is great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Instead of shrinking back, we can walk in purpose like Jesus Christ.

3. Jesus overcome evil.

The Pharisees saw the praise of men toward Jesus and cried blasphemy!

“Teacher, tell these people that you are not the one they are claiming you to be!”

Gods long awaited Messiah had come, and he deserved all glory and honor.

If the Jewish leaders would not worship, God would bring the dead to life rom those who had died (gravestones in sight) to bear testimony to Jesus. (Evans)

True heroes do the right thing despite the recognition they may receive. Dads leading their families.

Jesus would participate in the passion week.

Cleanse the temple.

Lead the disciples.

Deal with betrayal.

Be arrested, mocked, and beaten.

Crucified to death and buried.

Raised to life on ressurection morning.

Ascend to the throne next to the Father.

Jesus overcame evil for you and me.

“One of the scariest questions int he Palm Sunday story… How will I respond when Jesus comes riding humbly into my life? Will I recognize the time of God’s coming to me? Will I recognize and welcome God’s personal visit? - Mary Boller