Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. I greet you with the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose love for us is as boundless as the sea and as constant as the rising sun. As we gather together in this sacred space, let us remember that we are not merely observers, but active participants in the grand and glorious narrative of God's love.

We stand on the threshold of a new day, a day filled with promise and potential. And in this day, we are invited to turn our hearts and minds to the pages of Scripture, to the living and active Word of God. We are beckoned to listen, to learn, and to live out the truth we find therein.

Today, we turn to the Gospel of Matthew, specifically chapter 21, verses 1 through 12. Let us hear the Word of the Lord:

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In this passage, we see our Savior, Jesus Christ, heralding his royal arrival, receiving the praises of "Hosanna in the highest," and being honored as the Son of David. Each point is a testament to His majesty, His mission, and His message.

Charles Spurgeon, a revered preacher and author, once said, "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." So let us, dear friends, be those whose Bibles are well-worn and whose hearts are well-tuned to the voice of God.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the breath in our lungs, for the love in our hearts. We thank You for Your Word, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we reflect on the events of Matthew 21, stir within us a deeper love for You and a greater understanding of Your ways. Open our ears to hear, our minds to understand, and our hearts to receive Your Word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, with hearts open and spirits attuned, let us move forward into the heart of the message.

Heralding the King's Arrival

In the heart of the Gospel of Matthew, we find a scene that is both familiar and profound. Jesus, our Savior, is making His way to Jerusalem. But this is not a simple journey. It's a moment of divine significance, a moment that has been prophesied and anticipated for generations.

Jesus sends His disciples ahead to fetch a donkey and her colt: This might seem like a small detail, but it's actually a powerful symbol. In the ancient world, a king would ride a donkey to symbolize peace. By choosing this humble creature for His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus is making a statement. He is coming as a king, but not a king of war and conquest. He is a king of peace, a king who will lay down His life for His people.

The prophetic fulfillment: This event wasn't a random occurrence. It was a fulfillment of an ancient prophecy from the book of Zechariah. The prophet Zechariah had spoken of a king coming to Jerusalem, gentle and riding on a donkey. This prophecy was well-known to the Jewish people. So when they saw Jesus on the donkey, they would have immediately recognized the significance. Jesus was declaring Himself to be the promised king, the one they had been waiting for.

The response of the crowd: When Jesus enters Jerusalem, the people respond with joy and celebration. They spread their cloaks on the road, a sign of honor and respect. They cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road, a symbol of victory and triumph. And they shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" These are not just random shouts of joy. They are declarations of faith. The people are recognizing Jesus as their king, the Son of David, the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

The question of the city: When Jesus enters Jerusalem, the whole city is stirred. They ask, "Who is this?" This question is significant. It shows that not everyone understands who Jesus is. Not everyone recognizes Him as their king. But the crowds answer, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." They affirm His identity and His mission. They bear witness to His authority and His power.

The humility of Jesus: Despite the shouts of praise and the symbols of honor, Jesus remains humble. He doesn't seek glory or power. He doesn't demand respect or obedience. Instead, He rides on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. He accepts the praises of the people, but He doesn't let it go to His head. He remains focused on His mission, His purpose, His calling.

A powerful picture of Jesus as our king: He is the prophesied king, the recognized king, the questioned king, and the humble king. He is the king who comes in peace, who lays down His life for His people, who fulfills prophecy, and who stirs the city. He is the king who is worthy of our praise, our honor, and our allegiance. And as we reflect on this scene, we are invited to respond. To recognize Jesus as our king. To celebrate His arrival. To ask our own questions. And to follow His example of humility and peace.

Hosanna in the Highest

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the richness of Matthew 21, we find ourselves standing among the crowd, echoing their cries of "Hosanna in the highest!" This phrase, so often sung in our churches and hymns, carries a depth of meaning that can be easily overlooked in our familiarity with it ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO