From Hosanna To Crucify Him

Introduction

Imagine the bustling streets of Jerusalem alive with excitement as Jesus made His triumphant entry on that fateful Palm Sunday, riding humbly on a donkey while throngs of people waved palm branches and laid their cloaks before Him, their voices echoing with jubilant cries of "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Yet, in a stunning turn of human fickleness, by Friday those same voices had twisted into a venomous chorus demanding, "Crucify Him!"—a stark reminder of betrayal's swift and painful sting. Today, in our sermon "From Hosanna to Crucify Him," we'll explore how Jesus navigated this profound betrayal with unwavering grace, forgiveness, and divine purpose, offering us timeless lessons on responding to our own experiences of disloyalty and hurt. I want this message to help you today. Jesus gives us peace…

I. The Reality of Betrayal

John 2:24-25

"But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."

Matthew 26:21-22

"And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?"

A. Betrayal Often Comes from the Unexpected

1. Judas, a trusted disciple, was the one who betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16).

2. The same crowd that praised Him turned against Him within days…

3. Betrayal often arises from those closest to us, causing the deepest wounds.

Psalm 41:9

"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."

B. The Nature of Human Fickleness

1. The crowd's behavior reveals human tendencies toward inconsistency.

Jeremiah 17:9

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

2. Public opinion is often shallow and easily swayed.

Matthew 27:20

"But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus."

3. Jesus understood this and did not entrust Himself to men.

C. Betrayal as Part of God's Plan

1. Jesus knew betrayal was foretold in prophecy.

2. God often uses betrayal to fulfill His purposes (Genesis 50:20).

3. The Cross was part of God's redemptive plan, even through the betrayal.

Isaiah 53:10

"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.".

Special Note: Part of what Jesus suffered was the pain of betrayal. He suffered this pain so we could have peace when it happened to us.

II. Jesus' Response to Betrayal

Matthew 26:50

"And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him."

Luke 23:34

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."

A. Jesus Confronted Betrayal with Love

1. Jesus greeted Judas as "Friend" even during the act of betrayal in Gethsemane.

2. He prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him.

3. His response reflected His divine love and purpose.

John 15:13

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

B. Jesus Maintained Composure and Focus

1. He did not retaliate or defend Himself during His trial.

Isaiah 53:7

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

2. He focused on completing the Father’s will.

3. Jesus exemplified self-control, trusting God's justice.

1 Peter 2:23

"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."

C. Jesus Entrusted Justice to God

1. He handed over His spirit to the Father, committing Himself to God.

2. Jesus believed in God’s ultimate vindication.

3. This perspective allowed Him to endure betrayal without bitterness.

Romans 12:19

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

III. Responding to Betrayal in a Way that Pleases God and Brings Healing into our Lives.

Colossians 3:13

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."