SUBJ:
The highly significant but unusual manner of our Lord's
declaration of triumph over sin and death before He had accomplished and
the worship that attended the event.
AIM: That we
might learn from the example of these worshipers and so see, through
eyes of faith, the majesty they saw in Him.
INTR: Today is typically referred to
as Palm Sunday in reference to the event described in our text. While
there is no scriptural call to a special observance, we will give
attention to it as we would any other timely event. 1. In making that
statement note that the aim of this passage is not so much His entry
into Jerusalem as it was the spontaneous reaction of the crowd with Him.
2. We are shown here worship in simplicity and truth and we would avoid
the attempts of men to add their own sense of grandeur to the elegant
expressions of the Word. 3. Thus, we would note that Christ appeared
in all humility but His majesty shown through and was recognized by
those who beheld Him by eyes of faith.
THESIS: The true worship of God will
never be hindered by circumstances and His majesty not in any way
dependent on the perceptions of men.
I. Submission to the
sovereignty of Christ (vv. 29-35) 1. It is always a great delight to
see creation respond to the directives of Christ our Lord such as the
winds, the sea, and a fig tree that He would curse. 2. There were
obvious times when His Apostles questioned His directions and acted in
their own will. 3. This was not the case on this day as we shall
note: 1) They were given directions that seemed open to question but
were obeyed without a word. 2) A specific description was given them,
and they obeyed and 3) They were provided with an answer to any who
should question what they were doing. 4) Again, His directions were
not questioned. 5) The owners raised no objection. 4. The colt on
which He was to ride was special in that it was prophesied. 1) We
further note that this was an unbroken colt (see v. 30) 2) Yet, the
animal submitted to its creator and did not resist His weight upon its
back. 3) This is the first of two references here to the natural
world and its testimony against those who would chafe at the yoke we are
bidden to put on.
II. Submission to the Majesty of Christ (vv.
36-40) 1. We often hear this term used in showing respect to those
considered as royalty. 1) Synonyms: stateliness, dignity,
magnificence, pomp, solemnity, grandeur, grandness, splendor,
resplendence, glory. 2) Compare these words to those used by Isaiah
in chapter 6. 2. The unusual thing here is that nothing like these
things was apparent here: 1) We have man in ordinary clothing sitting
on an unclean animal (He may have been redeemed as was required under
the Law) 2) The disciples used their clothes in the absence of a
saddle. 3) There was no advanced guard and no heralding of His
appearance in any way. 4) Were it not for the crowd He might have
gone unnoticed. 3. But these people saw something that the world
cannot see, and they remain blinded unto this day. They were quite vocal
in their praise. 1) They were rejoicing and praising God for mighty
works they had witnessed. 2) They spread their clothes in the way and
cut branches to acknowledge His majesty (no red carpet needed). He had
preached the Gospel to the poor and needy and there was more value in
what they spread in His path that all the gold in the world. 3) It
would be said of others, "she hath done what she could." 4) They were
acknowledging Him as the Messiah and their King (the language of v. 38
is similar to that which was declared at His birth). 4. That the
scene was unseemly in the eyes of men is witnessed in the reaction of
the Pharisees that were present. 1) They saw neither majesty nor
dignity and were much offended. 2) And they wanted them silenced. It
must have seemed to them total nonsense. 3) His answer must have
astounded them - Our God will be praised even if the rocks must do it.
4) Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire,
and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains,
and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle;
creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people;
princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old
men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name
alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalms
148:7-13)
III. Compassion in triumph (vv. 41-44) 1. Despite
all He knew of rejection and denial, He still had compassion on His
people the Jews. 2. We consider the impact on Him that He was moved
to tears at what He knew of their demise and of the end of all who deny
Him. 3. What is the impact on us?
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