Tag: Matthew 21:1-11

“O’ Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant. O’ Come, Let us Adore Him. Him Who is the Christ, Our Lord!” Matthew 26:36-45

Matthew 26:36-45 New King James Version

The Prayer in the Garden

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [a]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [b]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Well, it is now Good Friday in the year of our Lord and Savior 2023 and it seems to me the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is coming to its full circle.

AGAIN …. FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME

Not so long ago in our Christian calendar we were contemplating and then we were celebrating His Advent, His quiet coming into the world of sinful mankind.

We read and studied and prayed for the umpteenth time in our own Christian experience over the birth narratives from Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John.

As I sit here in my dining room contemplating what this devotional effort might become from the Word of God for His Children, from me, then through the Holy Spirit, then unto you, the current and future readership of this blogging effort,

the inspiring words to one of my most beloved, favorite hymns, came rushing from some recessed place in my memory banks and into my mind and my soul.

O Come, All Ye Faithful [text by John F. Wade 1743; trans. by Frederick Oakeley 1841 and others

1. O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

2. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,
lo, he shuns not the Virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father, begotten not created;
(Refrain)

3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
(Refrain)

4. See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
(Refrain)

5. Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
we would embrace thee with love and awe.
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?
(Refrain)

6. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
(Refrain)

Or in the Latin (verse 1) which is my preferred way of singing the verse;

1. Adeste Fideles laeti triumphantes,
Veníte, veníte in Bethlehem.
Natum vidéte, Regem Angelorum:

Veníte adoremus,
Veníte adoremus
Veníte adoremus Dóminum

Everyone it seems gets all hyped up to rush from where ever they are, from whatever it is they were quietly going about their everyday activities doing,

In the middle of the night when they were awakened out of their hum drums, regular local news cycles by a great chorus of angels shouted “joy to the world.”

to rush to some manger in the city of Bethlehem to witness God’s triumph, His most triumphant return straight to the messed up internal affairs of mankind.

The remainder of the Gospel Narratives takes us through His early growing up years, through His dedication at the Temple, through His baptism, through His Temptation Narratives, through His triumphant entry into His earthly ministry.

We read of all the great crowds of people who surrounded him, came from miles and miles from every possible direction to hear his teachings, receive healings.

To witness great miracles of thousands of people being fed from what amounts to a the meager offerings of bread and fish small boys lunchbox from his mom.

Crowds followed Him everywhere during all times of the day and night and the middle of the night, they saw His power over the winds and over all the waters.

All through the Gospel narratives God has delicately, indelibly weaved the song:

1. O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

2. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,
lo, he shuns not the Virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father, begotten not created;
(Refrain)

3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
(Refrain)

4. See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
(Refrain)

5. Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
we would embrace thee with love and awe.
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?
(Refrain)

6. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
(Refrain).

And the people were listening intently to the song of God for they were coming!

Palm Sunday – His Humble Yet Triumphant Entry.

Matthew 21:1-11 New King James Version

The Triumphal Entry

21 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to [a]Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

4 [b]All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, [c]and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

1. Adeste Fideles laeti triumphantes,
Veníte, veníte in Bethlehem.
Natum vidéte, Regem Angelorum:

Veníte adoremus,
Veníte adoremus
Veníte adoremus Dóminum

1. O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Oh …. Really?

Matthew 21:12-17 New King James Version

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

12 Then Jesus went into the temple [a]of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.  15  But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were [b]indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”

And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,

‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have perfected praise’?”

17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.

Are the Chief Priests, the Scribes, the experts in the Law of Moses, Temple Authorities singing this self same tune with the self same fervor as God is?

As the Merchants in the Temple Courtyards who will soon, now very soon have all of their livelihoods upset, turned over and destroyed by their coming King, who will soon openly, visibly and quite angrily accuse them all of being a den of profiteers, thieves and robbers with no regard for the sanctity of God’s House?

Let’s take some time to discover, then to re-discover what Jesus is trying very hard to communicate, to connect us, to teach us, by his cleansing of the temple.

When Jesus entered the temple area after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he began overturning carts driving out everyone who was buying and selling there.

What had stoked the fires of his divine wrath and anger?

Jesus became angry because religious hucksters were inside the Temple grounds and they were not praying nor were they worshiping God.

Instead, with the full permission of the Temple Leaders they were using God to make extra money, to fleece the people of their wages and ability to meet those sacrificial requirements set aside, covenanted by God in the Levitical Codes.

You see, people traveling into Jerusalem for the Passover needed to buy animals for the sacrifices they would offer to God during this festival.

Most of those people also needed to exchange their money for temple currency in order to buy the animals.

The trouble, though, was the money changers and sellers, not to mention the Temple Leaders, were often dishonest and took advantage of those travelers.

And their corruption was INSIDE THE SACROSANCT TEMPLE GROUNDS!

What had been so commonplace and “grudgingly accepted” by the everyone was, in fact, an abomination before the eyes of the Lord – and Jesus acted!

So, who inside those Temple grounds, with all of their wares and livelihoods and authority “before God,” were triumphantly singing or uttering the words;

“O’ Come all Ye Faithful?”

“Adeste Fidelis”

“O’ Come Let Us Adore Him?”

“Venite Adoremus”

“Christ, the Lord.”

“Dominum.”

We Came and Went With Him to the Garden Alone

Matthew 26:36-45 New King James Version

The Prayer in the Garden

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [a]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [b]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Jesus Retreats Before His Last Battle

There were no crowds now.

Jesus and His disciples had celebrated the Passover in the Upper Room.

Now, Jesus with His Disciples have retreated from public view to Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:37-38 Amplified Bible

37 And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [James and John], He began to be grieved and greatly distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and stay awake and keep watch with Me.”

This last retreat took place as Jesus prepared for his last battle with Satan’s forces, just as he had done before his first battle with Satan (Matthew 4:1-2).

In this last retreat Jesus combined community, solitude, and prayer.

He went to Gethsemane with his disciples and then retreated in solitude to pray.

Matthew 26:39-40 Amplified Bible

39 And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup [a]pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour?

He returned three times for community support from his friends, who for one reason and rationale or another, had all slept instead of praying with, for, him.

Have you ever been stretched out on your sofa watching the big game or a favorite movie and you suddenly fall asleep and miss how it ends?

Oh, the frustration!

You missed the best part.

You slept and the best parts of the movie just passed right on by you!

Peter, James and John had a similar experience because they fell asleep.

There were no crowds now except for those betrayer Judas would soon bring.

It was in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus had told his disciples to stay and pray while He went to pray nearby.

But on the precipice of the greatest moment in history, they dozed off.

They missed the moment—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for discipleship.

God wants us awake and alert, not only to serve Him, but for Him to equip us to serve others.

Awakened to the “God moments” and “God opportunities” He will make us go, and move more like Jesus, and send us out so His work can be done through us.

He calls us to actively hear, listen pray for His direction, to readily to say “yes.”

When asked by Jesus to do something, have you ever fallen asleep?

I know I have.

He calls, and I’m often snoozing.

But the real question is: have we learned and grown from such experiences in order to become more committed disciples?

Let’s learn from the disciples’ mistake and stay alert so we can follow our master more deeply.

1. O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Let’s not miss out on the joyful and triumphant things He wants us to see in His earthly ministry, His life, His death and His resurrection, to do in and through us.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

~~ Clara H. Scott, 1841-1897 ~~

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

https://translate.google.com/

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry! Our Great Expectations? What About A King Paraded on the back of a Donkey? Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 21:1-11 Amplified Bible

The Triumphal Entry

21 When they approached Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples [ahead], 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and at once you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you should say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and without delay the owner will send them [with you].” 4 This happened so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, saying:

5 
“Tell the daughter of Zion (the people of Jerusalem),
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Gentle and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

6 Then the disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them, 7 and they brought the donkey and [a]the colt, and [b]placed their coats on them; and Jesus sat on the coats. 8 Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road [as before a king], while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of Him, and those that followed Him, were shouting [in praise and adoration],

“[c]Hosanna to the Son of David (Messiah);
Blessed [praised, glorified] is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest [heaven]!”

10 When He entered Jerusalem, all the city was trembling [with excitement], saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Triumphal Entry? Great Expectations? A King on His Donkey?

At first observation after a few readings of this narrative account of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, I realized something about the two images disconnected.

The picture would have been perfect if Jesus had been riding a white horse, used in those days by warrior kings to symbolize conquering power, decisive victory.

But the narrator Matthew specifically highlighted: Jesus rode on the back of a donkey – the disciples celebrated and paraded their Messiah King on a donkey.

Why?

What image were they hoping, planning to project to the gathered crowds?

What were they expecting the gathering crowds to see and understand of this?

What of the gathering crowds at the gates of the city of Jerusalem?

What were their expectations of the coming of their “Messiah King?”

What were we expecting to see?

What “coming new thing” were we expecting to learn about or be reminded of?

An unarmed conquering warrior Itinerant Master Rabbi?

Long ago, prophet Zechariah said the Messiah would come in righteousness, riding on a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace (Zechariah 9:9 Amplified).

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King (Messianic King) is coming to you;
He is righteous and endowed with salvation,
[a]Humble and unassuming [in submission to the will of the Father] and riding on a [b]donkey,
Upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Though most of the people would have probably seen Jesus fulfilling this prophecy as their Messiah (see also Psalm 118:25-26 Amplified),

25 
O Lord, save now, we beseech You;
O Lord, we beseech You, send now prosperity and give us success!
26 
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord;
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord [you who come into His sanctuary under His guardianship].

Jesus came in triumph into His city under God’s guardianship, they expected him to announce the arrival of a war of rebellion against Roman oppressors.

But he didn’t.

Instead he had no army behind him, nobody is waving any swords or spears.

He was not even armed with a spear or a sword nor did anyone hand him one!

Perhaps with expectations crushed that’s why the chanting crowds changed their tune from “Hosanna” to “Crucify him!” 5 days later (Matthew 27:22-23).

Matthew 27:22-23 Amplified Bible

22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what has He done that is evil?” But they continued shouting all the louder, “Let Him be crucified!”

Considering our state of current events, I don’t guess, and I wont prophesize that things will have actually changed much from then until now, have they?

People are still willing to rally around the banner of Christ if it goes along with their own interests, if their expected understanding of Christ comes to them as they always expected, approved because their expectations have been fully met.

We also desire, even to go so far as to expect we can maintain a good Christian confession while trying to avoid standing too close to the lingering shadows of the cross, or getting too close to actually running to the tomb to see emptiness.

But Jesus, the King who actually rode on an actual donkey, calls us to actually examine our much paraded walk with him as we come to the cross this Friday.

Center yourselves and dig deep and CRY,

“Am I just here for the Parade?“

Am I just coming along side of everyone else, because everyone else is here right now or everyone else is going along for the ride because it all looks so very interesting and might even be a measure of fun or something I and my business might profit from?

If I have to actually get serious about all this, to decide between God and my job, my reputation, something else in my life—will I also change my expectations?”

The celebration of Palm Sunday is about King Jesus riding to the cross in total obedience to his Father – about His grace and peace come by way of the cross.

Will we with our packed luggage of preconceived expectations receive him in the same way he was presented by the Gospel narrator Matthew in chapter 21?

Our Expectations – A Humble, Triumphant King?

Matthew 21:5-11 Amplified Bible

5 
“Tell the daughter of Zion (the people of Jerusalem),
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Gentle and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

6 Then the disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them, 7 and they brought the donkey and [a]the colt, and [b]placed their coats on them; and Jesus sat on the coats. 8 Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road [as before a king], while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of Him, and those that followed Him, were shouting [in praise and adoration],

“[c]Hosanna to the Son of David (Messiah);
Blessed [praised, glorified] is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest [heaven]!”

10 When He entered Jerusalem, all the city was trembling [with excitement], saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Jesus was getting near the end of His ministry.

He had been telling the disciples that He would be killed.

Now He comes riding into the city, sitting on donkey’s foal.

This was to fulfill a prophecy made by Zechariah.

Kings, leaders, presidents and others in high authority are known for arriving with a lot of pomp and circumstance – it is expected to show them great respect.

There is always a lot of fanfare going on to bring in someone of high leadership.

Whenever the President of the United States arrives at a building where he is going to speak, he arrives with a great fanfare and a great entourage of people.

There are multiple vehicles in front and behind him.

When he walks out into a room, there is always some music playing, people rise up for him, and He is announced.

The same goes for famous celebrities.

Standing room only crowds

There is a lot of pictures and videos being taken.

All kinds of busyness, posting and sharing activity across social media outlets.

Celebrities arrive in a large limousine.

There is flashing of jewelry and expensive clothing.

There are red carpets.

There are lots and lots of television and journalists, and paparazzi’s.

It is a show of pride and luxury, with no sign of humility.

In many countries, when their leader arrives, there is also a great show of their military power.

Soldiers, weapons, and military equipment tour d’ force go paraded before the visiting leader to show who is in control and who exactly has all the power .

Jesus did not do any of this.

He came in riding on a baby donkey.

In the biblical times, a king would arrive on a horse showing great power.

Jesus did not show any of that, even though He had more power than all the kings on the earth combined.

He created the earth and all who are in it (John 1:1-5).

John 1:1-5 Amplified Bible

The Deity of Jesus Christ

1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and [b]the Word was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines on in the [c]darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

The purpose of His arriving in that way, was to show love and compassion.

He is a king who can understand where people are, so He comes in humility.

Most people do not have the grand horse to ride on, but just have the donkey.

Even today, our Savior, our King Jesus comes to you in love and compassion.

He does have the power, but will not show a force of threat to get you to follow.

Jesus wants you and me to want to follow Him.

He understands where we and our “great expectations” are and is there for you.

As we proceed through this Holy Week,

Let’s take a slightly longer look at our “great expectations,”

our Godly versus Worldly priorities;

Matthew 6:33Amplified Bible

33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

He is not unapproachable.

He is not unknowable.

He is not unreachable.

He is not untouchable.

Do not fear your king.

Do not fear your Savior.

He is gentle.

He is always and forever in and within our very midst …

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

1. Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

2. Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

___Charles Wesley___ 1707-1788

I pray today that you will know this Jesus riding on the donkey’s back as your king; you will know Jesus is gentle and loving; that you and I will seek him as he seeks you and me to find Jesus in our life; that we will show His love and humility in your life. Lord Jesus, may we ever so lovingly and willingly obey you and joyfully follow you, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Savior of us all, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

 

Hosanna! It Is Our Palm Sunday! Is Our Jesus Our Center or Periphery of Life? John 12:12-19

John 12:12-19 Amplified Bible

The Triumphal Entry

12 The next day, when the large crowd who had come to the Passover feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took branches of palm trees [in homage to Him as King] and went out to meet Him, and they began shouting and kept shouting “Hosanna! Blessed (celebrated, praised) is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; just as it is written [in Scripture], 15 “Do not fear, Daughter of Zion; Behold, Your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” 16  His disciples did not understand [the meaning of] these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified and exalted, they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him. 17 So the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to tell others about Him. 18 For this reason the crowd went to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this [miraculous] sign. 19 Then the Pharisees [argued and] said to one another, “You see that your efforts are futile. Look! The whole world has gone [running] after Him!”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Amen.

Open your Bible to John’s gospel chapter 12.

We have come to the last week of Jesus.

On Saturday, He had been in Bethany with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in the home of Simon the ex-leper.

Then on Monday, He left Bethany, and headed towards Jerusalem riding on the foal of a donkey.

Soon the people took palm branches and shouted: John 12:13 “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” Blessed is the King of Israel.”

So, when Jesus comes into the city of Jerusalem on this occasion with the word going everywhere about raising Lazarus from the dead, they are all thrilled and have broken off their palm branches, waved, hailed the arrival of Jesus as king.

John 12:13-15 Amplified Bible

13 they took branches of palm trees [in homage to Him as King] and went out to meet Him, and they began shouting and kept shouting “Hosanna! Blessed (celebrated, praised) is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; just as it is written [in Scripture], 15 “Do not fear, Daughter of Zion; Behold, Your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

In John’s narrative account of Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem, the crowd shouts the right things about Jesus, “Hosanna! blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel” but we soon find out that even Jesus’ disciples really “did not understand all this.”

Then we read in the very next verse that His disciples were mysteriously blank.

They didn’t realize the true gravity of this event was a prophetic fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) until after Jesus rose into heaven.

Zechariah 9:9 Amplified Bible

9 
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King (Messianic King) is coming to you;
He is righteous and endowed with salvation,
[a]Humble and unassuming [in submission to the will of the Father] and riding on a [b]donkey,
Upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.

The crowd had come out to meet Jesus only because they had seen or they heard that Jesus had raised someone named Lazarus from the dead earlier.

And the Pharisees saw Jesus’ popularity as a threat to their own power and position (John 11:47-50; 12:9-11).

Why do or did you come out of wherever it is you live to attend Palm Sunday?

Were you aware of the words of prophecy of Zechariah 9:9?

Are you at Palm Sunday worship service because you only briefly heard of Jesus?

Do you even know of the name of Lazarus and his biblical connection to Jesus?

Are, were you, there because it is an “old family tradition” of uncertain origin or because being there is fulfilling a favor to someone even though you do not, have no plan to believe in God, the Father or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?

Or are we those who consider ourselves totally committed loving GOD 1000%?

It’s easy to think that we would do better.

It’s easy to think that we know who Jesus really is.

But most longtime followers of Christ would agree that Jesus is a mystery.

He is not any easier to get to know than anyone else we might meet.

In fact, we wouldn’t be wrong to assume that it would take more effort to know the Son of God than to know anyone else.

And yet we can grow to know Jesus.

We can acknowledge that Jesus spends more time as an out layer of our life.

We can recognize where, when Jesus spends too much time on our periphery.

Our relationships with our family members, with our neighbors, co-workers.

Our relationships with strangers on the streets, our fellow communities of faith in our shared efforts to provide volunteer services, meals, a glass of cold water.

We can learn how to gradually move Jesus into the center of our lives where we are the ones who are most eager to not just wave our Palms but to lead Jesus in.

Taking the reins of the colt while Jesus sits next to us on the colt and enters in.

Setting the pace of the colt with Jesus sitting on its back.

Crowds of people see, witness our lives at the center of where Jesus is coming.

Directed display of Discipleship in action.

It takes time to move out from the crowds, work on our part, we are not alone.

The Spirit of Jesus himself comes into our hearts, teaches us (see John 16:7-15).

By the Holy Spirit, John and the other disciples eventually did understand what was going on here, what their closeness and proximity to Jesus meant to others.

And as we diligently study the Bible as God’s living Word, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can grow, greatly mature to know, experience Jesus too.

It can take some mightily significant work, but the Holy Spirit will help us, and there is no better relationship to invest in than our relationship with our King.

Palm Sunday … Jesus is Being Led into the City

Palm Sunday is a Christian celebration that marks the beginning of the Holy Week leading to Easter Sunday.

It commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, when people laid down palms and branches in front of him as a sign of honor.

In modern times, churches hold Palm Sunday services in which assembled worshippers are each given a palm branch or cross made from palm leaves.

The celebration involves singing hymns, reading Scripture, and sometimes even a parade or procession with the palms around the church or community.

Palm Sunday is a timeless reminder of the selfless love Jesus showed by laying down his life for us, entering directly into the center of our lives and it is a time to reflect on our own lives, how we can show that same love to those around us.

Palm Sunday is the day we each remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered Jerusalem as our coming Savior and King.

As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches, their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Palm Sunday is a moveable holiday that changes yearly based on Lent and the spring equinox.

Many churches celebrate Palm Sunday by waving palm branches, singing traditional hymns, and making crosses out of palm fronds for the children.

But while this is a triumphal entry, it is Jesus’ first step toward His death.

Many churches celebrate Palm Sunday.

Maybe your church has their member congregants, the children, even complete strangers collectively waving palm branches to help them connect to the story.

But while this is our triumphal entry, it was Jesus’ first step toward His death.

Matthew 21:4 tells us:

‘This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’

*The prophecy is cited from Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11.

Palm Sunday Bible Story – Triumphal Entry

Matthew 21:1-11 – Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “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. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “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.’ ” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

In this closing of this Lenten season as we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, we see him riding a donkey as he comes to Jerusalem as King.

This animal was symbolic of humility, peace, and King David’s royalty (see also King Solomon’s Procession 1 Kings 1:33).

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey to show everyone publicly that he was the chosen Son of David (another name for the promised Messiah).

We might have expected a stallion.

But this surprising King rides a donkey.

Jesus identifies with the the common man and woman, with the lowly of heart.

The kingdom of God is totally different from the here-today, gone-tomorrow kingdoms of the world.

Don’t mistake this King on a donkey for the kind of ruler we usually see in this world.

From Jesus we learn that being a king in God’s kingdom is about service and humility.

A king serves.

So, as we fulfill our own calling, we will serve the Lord, we serve one another.

As we live by the guidance of the Spirit, visit people who are sick, care for those who are poor, feed the hungry, and we will learn to love our neighbors as much we love our God, we are servant kings and queens of the kingdom of heaven.

That is when we are most like Jesus, when Jesus finds His way delicately weaved into the center of our lives who calls us to reign with him today and for eternity.

Jesus once came riding on a donkey.

Next he will come riding on the clouds of heaven to reign over us, claim us as His own, to live with us in the new heaven and earth forever (Revelation 21- 22).

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

On the heels of this, another Palm Sunday, as we begin this Holy Week, may we constantly, centrally, be reminded of its significance, value for our lives today.

That very important day in history, when Jesus centered Himself directly, and decisively into the eternal affairs of man, began His journey towards the cross.

Yet maybe again, ultimately centrally, amid busy lives, on the heels of Spring Break, or in all the upcoming thoughts about Easter, the real central meaning of it may, even unintentionally, get missed – again – until the next Palm Sunday.

One day, Palm Sunday will be an every day celebration of the centrality of Jesus!

His Word becomes central, reveals such great truths in every part of this story.

Truths that draw us closer towards Christ, reminding us that He alone is King…

Palm Sunday reminders Centering Christ as Our King

1. God’s Word tells us the people cut palm branches, waved them in the air, and laid them out on the ground before Jesus as He rode into the city.

The palm branch represented goodness and victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

2. Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah. 9:9.

In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey.

The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions.

Jesus even then reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah. 9:9

3. When the people shouted “Hosanna!” they were hailing Christ as King.

That word actually means “save us now,” and though in their own minds, they waited for an earthly king, God had a different plan of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!” Psalm 118:26

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

4. The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem.

Amid the praise of the moment, He knew in His heart that it wouldn’t be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him, truly His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Savior.

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, 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.” Luke 19:41-42

5. Palm Sunday reminds us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any man’s mind could ever conceive or plan.

Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present day world.

Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over the grave and death itself.

This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week.

Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we can be set free of death.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,'” John 11:25

We have so much to be grateful for this week.

The enemy knows that, and you can bet, the enemy will do everything he can to distract us from this Holy Week’s true meaning.

Don’t let him win.

In this Holy Week, I fervently pray may God direct our thoughts and attention towards the exact center what and who matters most, Jesus Christ our King…

Let’s choose to center our focus on worshipping our Lord, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of the Resurrection, and the new life found in only one place, being the exact, exacting center of Him and Him alone.

Let us center our day, celebrate Palm Sunday as the crowds that greeted Christ that day, singing “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

O Lord Jesus Christ,
when you entered Jerusalem,
great crowds waved palm branches and cried “Hosanna.”

Save us now from our sins,
and make us to rejoice in you,
our only Redeemer;

through your mercy, O our God,
you are blessed,
and live and govern all things,
now and forever. Amen.

Adeste Fidelis! Venite Adoremus! Dominum.

Gloria! In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

https://translate.google.com/