Our Meek Lord
Notes
Transcript
ILLUSTRATION: Choose a boy from the audience. Ask his preferred riding animal. Then ask the audience if they have an animal available. One man volunteers his donkey colt (another man). The “colt” comes forward and the boy mounts. Then ask for volunteers to help honor the “very important visitor” on the colt. Two men run out and return with branches to pave the path. Ask for more volunteers. Another man volunteers his garments. These volunteers then shout praise and admiration. Pull another man from the audience, asking him to join in. However, he just stands off to the side and looks angry.
Do you recognize this event? Let’s open our Bibles now and read about it!
Matthew 21:1-11
Hosanna: “Oh save!”; adoration; “He’s here! The one sent by the Lord—the King—is here!”
Things We Must Give Up to Honor and Follow Christ
Things We Must Give Up to Honor and Follow Christ
What a remarkable time this was! What did these people have to give up in order for Christ to have these things?
Their means of wealth
Livestock wasn’t cheap! This man undoubtedly had plans to make money with these donkeys. If he loaned them to Jesus, would they get injured? Would he ever get them back?
Their time
It took time and effort for the people to cut down branches, and for them to praise and adore Jesus Christ. They had busy lives, and lots of plans! Yet Christ was worth their sacrifice.
Their comfort
Would you like to throw your clothes on the ground so a donkey could walk on them? “What’s the point? Isn’t dirt good enough for the donkey’s hooves?” These people sacrificed their possessions and their comfort to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.
Their praise
Do you praise God? Do you thank Him for all He has given to you? Do you stop and think about your blessings? Do you deserve them? Is God required to give them to you?
Their self-centeredness
It’s hard for us to praise God when we only think of ourselves. It’s hard for us to stop thinking about ourselves, because we think our situation is more important than others’. If we’re going to honor God in our lives, we need to give up our selfishness!
Reasons People Won’t Follow Christ
Reasons People Won’t Follow Christ
They want to be honored and admired
Volunteers to read: John 12:9-11 and John 12:17-19.
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
They have hard hearts
Volunteer to read: John 12:37-40
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
They fear what others will say
Volunteer to read: John 12:41-43
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Did these rulers truly get saved? We’re not told, but simply believing in one’s head isn’t enough. (John 8:30, 48)
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Why You Must Believe On and Follow the Lord Jesus Christ
Why You Must Believe On and Follow the Lord Jesus Christ
He is God in the highest
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
That wording reminds me of another passage!
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men.
The Bible foretold Christ’s coming
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee:
He is just, and having salvation;
Lowly, and riding upon an ass,
And upon a colt the foal of an ass.
He will set you free from sin and give you purpose, peace, and victory
And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
It was unnatural for this colt to submit to being ridden, but Jesus did it. We sinners are out of control, but Christ can set us free from sin!
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
He is coming in peace…for now
A king rides into town in magnificent splendor. Jesus Christ rode in humility and meekness, as the OT judges once did. (Judges 5:10, 12:13-14) He was given by the Father to die for our sins!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
But one day, He is coming back as the King of kings and Lord of lords!
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Don’t be like the Pharisees and religious rulers, who knew so much about Scripture, yet believed not on the Son of God. Instead, be thankful that God sent His only begotten Son to die in our place. Accept Christ’s invitation, and give Him your heart and your life. He wants to save you and change you.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.