Placing Jesus In The Center

Placing Jesus in the CENTER of our Lives

Mark 11.1-11

BACKGROUND: Jesus was making his way to Jerusalem for the Passover as a wanted man. In fact, this will be his last trip to the Holy City. On the very day that the Jews were to choose the lamb for the Passover meal, Jesus presented Himself as the Lamb of God-the messiah. On other occasions, Jesus did not allow people to reveal His identity, but this day was different.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PLACE JESUS AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES?

v.3 TO PREPARE

Jesus prepared his disciples (Mark 10:32)

Preparation for the colt

Jesus wants to prepare us to have him in the center

Preparation involves obedience (the disciples & colt owner)

Preparation involves uncertainty

Preparation involves testimony

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PLACE JESUS AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES?

v.3 TO OFFER

in the story, it was a colt, coats, garments, etc.

Just as Lord had need of the colt, the Lord has need of you

He wants your worship (example: Mary sitting @ his feet)

Wants what you have (samson’s ox goad, moses’ staff)

What do you have to bring/give to Jesus?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PLACE JESUS AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES?

v.9 TO DECLARE

The people cried, Praise God! (Save now! Or hosanna)

Jesus came for a spiritual saving not a physical saving

We ask God to save us financially, relationships, work, etc.

We praise God as long as he blesses us, but

God is doing a much bigger work in us.

He wants us praise Him not because of what he does for us, but because of who he is.

That is the kind of life that DECLARES the saving power of God. A life with human suffering and trouble, but a heart with God at the center. Someone who can praise God expecting nothing in return.

Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord

This is the greeting of the pilgrim to a time of feasting.

To bless in the Greek language is Eulogeo. It means to speak well of (what God does). Much like a eulogy spoken at a funeral.

Bless the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

They were probably looking for Christ on a horse as a military messiah, but he came on a donkey.

We want Christ to rule over everyone but us. We need to speak well of his kingdom or his rule and what he wants to do in people’s lives.

People don’t understand who Jesus is and to them we are to DECLARE who he is and what he wants to do.

Pastor Vinnie Cappetta, PhD

Crossroads Community Church

Framingham MA

crosscommchurch.org