Introduction

Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, fulfilling the prophecies and presenting himself as the Messiah. Despite the religious authorities' rejection, he proved to be the Messiah.

I. The entry into Jerusalem.

A. To fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, Jesus sent for a donkey. "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." Donkeys are not easily ridden, so this was a miraculous event.

B. His disciples and others who recognized him rejoiced, understanding the significance of this act.

C. The people of the city did not understand because they did not know him (Matthew 21:10-11).

D. The religious leaders refused to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah and became angry when they heard the people acclaiming him.

II. The Eastern Gate leads directly to the temple.

A. The prophecy in Ezekiel 44:2 states, "The Lord said to me, 'This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it.'"

B. The people of that time failed to appreciate the privilege they were given.

C. Jesus lamented that night, saying, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate" (Matthew 23:37-38).

D. It is not good to despise God. It is dangerous to ignore his voice. We are the ones who suffer when we do so.

E. God only seeks our well-being.

III. Cleansing of the temple. Jesus went straight to the temple (his house).

A. He was indignant at the lack of respect and misuse of the temple. If Jesus physically entered here, would he feel welcomed?

B. "My house" - Jesus entering his own house - he has every right to demand what he wants.

C. "House of prayer" - a sacred place for worshiping God. Some come out of routine, others to socialize, others to observe and criticize, to pry into the lives of others. There is no fear of God.

D. Jesus grabbed a whip and drove out those who were acting irreverently. If Jesus were to enter here today, would he be pleased or indignant?

E. Jesus began to heal the blind and the lame (Matthew 21:14). That is the true purpose of the church - to bring healing to those who are suffering.

F. The priests and scribes were offended because they did not accept Jesus' authority (Matthew 21:15, 23). They questioned him, "By what authority are you doing these things?" Do not be mistaken. The gospel is not for debating doctrines; it is for ministering salvation, divine healing, and setting free those oppressed by the Devil.

Conclusion

Application: It is time to recognize that the church is the house of God. He demands that his will be done here. This place must be a house of prayer, where continuous worship is offered to God. When we obey God in this, he will begin to bring healing to the sick, both physically and emotionally. Then we will witness people being delivered from evil spirits because that is why Christ came - to destroy the works of the Devil.

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