April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday Facebook Live Service
The story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem is found in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44 and John 12:12-19.
This was the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. Soon He would be arrested, severely beaten and ultimately crucified; His mind and emotions were most likely filled with that reality. But His love and care for His people never diminished, and His purpose and mission were always in focus. As Jesus approached Jerusalem and observed the people, His heart was touched by their joyful celebration and cheerful recognition of their Messiah and King. And He didn’t take that away from them.
What can we learn from Jesus’ actions and attitudes in this grand event?
1. Be Compassionate.
Luke 19:41-44 (NIV) 41 As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 44 …you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Jesus had a compassionate heart for His city.
In our present reality, we may become stressed, or get defensive or even angry.
Jesus was focused on His people.
Let’s focus on people…stressed, hurting, fearful people.
Be compassionate and hopeful today.
Psalm 23:4 (NASB) Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;…
2. Be Humble.
Matthew 21:2-5 (NIV) 2 “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” [Zechariah 9:9]
In Deuteronomy 17:16, God ordered kings not to multiply horses and chariots, so kings would not trust in them rather than in God in the day of battle.
Jesus could have ridden in on a horse fit for a king, but He humbly obeyed God’s Word.
Jesus trusted His Heavenly Father.
Zechariah 9:9 (NASB)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just (righteous) and endowed with salvation (victorious),
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Jesus calls us to be humble—not just act humble (to act humble is pride).
We can humbly share the message of salvation which Jesus brought to all of us.
3. Be Worshipful.
John 12:13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”
Jesus was Compassionate, and Humble.
He was also Exalted – because the crowd knew He was the Messiah!
“Hosanna” means “save us now” or “help us now.”
“Hosanna in the highest” refers to crying out loudly, such as, “GOD, SAVE US NOW!”
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” means “Praises to the King who comes with the authority of the Lord God.”
The people knew Jesus was their King.
They praised Him, and rejoiced in His presence.
We too should learn to praise Jesus to the highest degree.
In the middle of quarantine, physical distancing and a deadly disease, we can EXALT the Name of Jesus!
Let’s be worshipful and praise our Savior and King of Kings.
Conclusion:
Jesus knew He was about to suffer for the sins of the world.
But He remained focused on compassion, humility and saving the world.
This Palm Sunday, let’s remain compassionate, humble and worshipful.
Carry the Gospel of Salvation to a hurting world.
People need the love of Jesus right now.
They need the forgiveness of God right now.
Let us follow Jesus’ example and be victorious as we engage our world.