Introduction

Good morning, dear family of God. There is a palpable sense of warmth and unity in the air today, isn't there? We are gathered here not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters, bound together by the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are here to break bread, share fellowship, and immerse ourselves in the truth of God's Word. We are not here by accident, but by divine appointment.

As we turn our hearts and minds to the Word of God today, we are drawn to the vibrant and vivid account of Mark 11:1-11. Let's read it together: "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."

This passage paints a picture of a momentous event, a pivotal point in the life of Jesus Christ, our Jubilant King, and in the history of humankind. The people of Judah joyfully acclaimed Him, laying down their cloaks and palm branches, shouting 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'

In the words of the esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon, 'Our Lord Jesus was and is a King...He had a right to be a King. He was born King of the Jews, but His kingdom is not from hence, it is not of this world; it is a spiritual kingdom, and into that He has a right to enter.'

Let us now bow our heads and hearts in prayer. Father in heaven, we thank You for this day, for the privilege of gathering as Your family to worship You. As we reflect on Your Word today, open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of Your love and the majesty of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let Your truth resonate within us, transforming us to be more like You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Transition. Let's now turn our focus to our first main point: Jesus, the Jubilant King.

Journey towards Jerusalem

Here we find Jesus and His disciples nearing the city of Jerusalem. This was not a casual visit or a random detour. This was a purposeful move, a significant step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, knowing what awaited Him in Jerusalem, willingly set His face towards the city. He was not deterred by the impending suffering, the rejection, or the cross. His love for humanity, His obedience to the Father, propelled Him forward.

This act of Jesus, moving towards Jerusalem, is a profound demonstration of His kingship. Unlike earthly kings who may retreat in the face of danger or adversity, Jesus, our Jubilant King, advanced. He did not shy away from the path of sacrifice. Instead, He embraced it. He was not a king who demanded service but a King who served, a King who gave His life as a ransom for many.

In the same passage, we also see Jesus sending two of His disciples ahead to fetch a colt. This was a fulfillment of prophecy, a clear sign of His messiahship. The prophet Zechariah had foretold, 'Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey' (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus, by riding into Jerusalem on a colt, was publicly declaring Himself as the promised Messiah, the King of kings.

This act of Jesus, riding on a colt, also reveals His humility. He did not enter Jerusalem on a warhorse, as a conquering hero might. He entered on a colt, a symbol of peace. He was not a king who asserted His power through force or intimidation. He was a King who ruled with love, grace, and truth. He was a King who came not to be served, but to serve.

Transition. As we reflect on this, we are called to pursue holiness. To follow Jesus is not to conform to the patterns of this world. It is to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. It is to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died for us and was raised again. In all these, we see Jesus, the Jubilant King, moving towards Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy, receiving worship, and asserting His holiness. And as we follow Him, we are called to a life of sacrifice, humility, worship, and holiness.

Jesus, the Jubilant King

Moving on we see Jesus, our Jubilant King, in action ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO