This sermon explores Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of living in God's word to understand and embody His teachings.
Good morning, beloved. It's another beautiful day that the Lord has made, and we are here to rejoice and be glad in it. We are here to gather in His name, to bask in His love, and to learn from His word. It is indeed a privilege to be in His presence, a privilege that we should never take for granted.
Today, we are going to open the pages of the Holy Bible to the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 11, verses 1 to 11. But before we do that, let's take a moment to reflect on the words of the great preacher and theologian, Charles Spurgeon. He once said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." Isn't that a profound statement? The Bible is not just a book that we visit; it's a book that we live in. It's a book that shapes us, molds us, and guides us. It's a book that reveals to us the heart of God, the love of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now, let's turn our hearts and minds to the Scripture. Mark 11:1-11 reads: "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, 'What are you doing, untying that colt?' They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!' Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.'"
The narrative of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a powerful proclamation of His Kingdom. It's a vivid display of His sovereignty and authority. As we look at the text, we see Jesus sending His disciples to fetch a colt, a young donkey, for Him to ride on. This was not a random choice. It was a deliberate act, a symbolic gesture that carried a profound message.
In the ancient Near East, a king riding a donkey was seen as a sign of peace. It was a statement that the king was not coming to wage war, but to establish peace. By choosing to ride on a donkey, Jesus was declaring that His Kingdom was a Kingdom of peace. He was not coming to conquer by force, but to rule with love. He was not coming to oppress, but to liberate. But there's more to this story.
The donkey that Jesus rode on was not just any donkey. It was a colt that no one had ever ridden. In the Old Testament, animals that had not been used for ordinary purposes were considered holy, set apart for sacred use. By riding on a colt that no one had ever ridden, Jesus was affirming His holiness. He was asserting that His Kingdom was not of this world, but of heaven. He was not just a king, but the King of kings, the Holy One of Israel, the Son of the Most High God.
The people's response to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem further underscores the proclamation of His Kingdom. They spread their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!' This was not just a welcome; it was a worship. They were acknowledging Jesus as their King, their Messiah, their Savior. They were expressing their hope, their joy, their faith in Him.
But what's interesting is that their shouts of 'Hosanna' were not just praises; they were prayers. The word 'Hosanna' literally means 'save us, we pray.' By shouting 'Hosanna,' the people were crying out to Jesus for salvation. They were recognizing their need for Him, their dependence on Him. They were admitting that they couldn't save themselves, that they needed a Savior. And in doing so, they were affirming the purpose of Jesus' Kingdom. His Kingdom was not just about power, but about salvation. It was not just about rule, but about rescue. It was not just about authority, but about grace.
As we continue our study of Mark 11:1-11, we find ourselves in the midst of a significant event - the arrival of the King ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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