Cornerstone Church Palm Sunday – 4.13.14
“The King’s Tears”
Luke 19:28-44
Most of you know that I grew up as an unbeliever. My parents went to church like many Americans but I would say that they were not born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Besides some of the trauma I experienced later because of their bitter divorce (I guess all divorce has bitter overtones) I had a fairly normal upbringing.
Somewhere in my teens I chose not to do what the family was going to do that day. My parents had decided to go to an amusement park. I think that it was Cedar Point. I knew that they would be home late. Maybe midnight!
This led me to do one of those things you later regret. You got it, while the cats were away, the mouse began to play! I invited some friends over. Certainly there isn’t any harm in having just a few friends over! We asked the older brother of a friend of ours to buy us some brew! All seemed to be under control. A few guys, a few brewskis and no parents home!
The word got around that a party was happening at the Finitzer’s house. More friends came than I anticipated. If I remember correctly, some came that I only knew marginally. What started out to be a good time started to be a problem. Things were getting out of hand! I dismissed it for a while thinking I still had a lot of time before my parents returned.
Then doorbell rang. I’m sure that it wasn’t the first time that night. Someone at the party answered it. They said, some man is out here and he wants to get into his driveway!
Guess what? My dad was standing at the door!
JUDGEMENT WAS COMING!
My father had returned earlier than expected!
* Because I’m still here you know I survived!
* It was a good lesson! When you play you pay!
God the Father’s judgment of Israel is looming on the horizon as well!
* His judgment is like an approaching storm.
* You know the storm is coming, but for some strange reason you think you have more time to flee for safety than you do!
GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO THE WORLD:
THROUGH HIS GLORIOUS CREATION (Natural Revelation)
Ps. 19:1-4 NIV The heavens declare the glory of God; … Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
THROUGH HIS GLORIOUS WORD (Special Revelation)
2 Pet. 1:20-21 NIV …For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
THROUGH HIS GLORIOUS SON (Divine Revelation)
Hebr. 1:1-3 NIV … but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Unbelievers then and now continue to disregard these messages from God!
Rom. 1:18-19 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
Judgment is coming to the children of Israel and one day to the rest of the world yet they refuse to humble themselves before God and turn to Him!
* They are as naïve as those who watched as the band played on while the Titanic was sinking!
* Their doom was unavoidable!
What I hope you will see this morning as we look at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is the great compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ!
2 Pet. 3:9 NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
God will one day complete His judgment of the world! He must!
WHY?
* He is Holy!
* He is Righteous!
* He is Just!
The world may appear to be out of control! In a state of chaos!
* God is sovereign and still in control!
* Currently He is displaying His mercy, grace and His patience!
Jesus’ emotions revealed during His Triumphal Entry show us His compassion.
Jesus’ weeping over the lostness of His people and the holocaust He knew was on the horizon for them is often overlooked!
* God’s love for sinners is seen in His desire to send His Son to die for the sins of the world!
* Jesus’ love for sinners is seen in the fact that He willingly is going to give His life to redeem mankind!
* Jesus’ compassion is seen in the emotions He released in weeping for the city of Jerusalem!
The Prophet Jonah did not reflect the same spirit.
* He did not want to see Nineveh spared!
* He was angry that the Lord would spare those people!
Jonah 4:2 NIV He prayed to the LORD, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.
Let’s Look at Jesus’ – Triumphal Entry
Outline:
* The King’s Preparation – Luke 19:28-34
* The King’s Procession – Luke 19:35-40
* The King’s Tears – Luke 19:41-42
* The King’s Speech (Proclamation) – Luke 19:43-44
* The King’s Purification – Luke 19:45-46
Jesus for 3-3.5 years has been proclaiming the message of the His Kingdom, calling people to repent and has been ministering to the people: cleansing the lepers, healing the sick, raising the dead.
Jesus is now ready to go Jerusalem. He knows that He must:
* Suffer
* Be rejected
* Be killed
* Be raised to life!
God’s plan is perfect! Each detail is fulfilled flawlessly!
* Jesus is fulfilling prophecy!
* Jesus is orchestrating His steps to the cross!
He is going to die exactly at Passover! Why?
Jesus as the spotless Lamb of God is fulfilling His mission that was put into place before the foundation of the earth!
* Shepherds were present at His birth (raising sacrificial lambs)!
* He was born amongst livestock!
* Passover Lambs were being picked out this very day
The religious leaders would like to kill him. They are looking for any excuse to execute Him.
* Raising Lazarus was too much (dead man raised after dead for 4 days)!
* Jesus went too far that time!
* Their anger was boiling!
They want to kill Jesus but not during the Passover.
Matt. 26:3-5 NIV Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. “But not during the Feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
They were wise politicians!
* They had a good plan!
* It just wasn’t God’s plan!
SURPRISE! They are going to have to deal with Jesus!
Jesus is in control!
Jesus orchestrates the events!
Jesus dies on God’s command, not man’s plan!
John 10:18 NIV No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Jesus leaves the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha where he had dinner with them the night before and Mary anointed Jesus for His burial.
The King’s Preparation
Luke 19:28-34
And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”
Luke 19:28-31
He sent two of His disciples off to fetch a donkey and its colt.
* They left Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem to enter the city.
* They were likely following the road from Jericho to Jerusalem that the Romans used.
Because of His omniscience He knew that a donkey and its colt would be there. He gave the Disciples specific instructions:
* Go into the next village
* You will find tied up a donkey with its colt
* Untie them
* Bring them to me
* If someone asks why, tell them: “Lord has need of them!”
REMEMBER: He also knows about your particular need in your life.
He cares for you!
Watch what happens! SOVEREIGNTY IN ACTION!
So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”
Luke 19:32-33
The King’s Procession
Luke 19:35-40
And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.
Luke 19:35-36
Jesus walked everywhere during the years of His ministry unless taking a boat!
He doesn’t need the colt because He is tired but to fulfill prophecy!
ZECHARIAH’S 500 YEAR OLD PROPHECY IS FULFILLED
Zech. 9:9 NIV Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This can be seen in other Old Testament Prophecies about Messiah
Gen. 49:10-11 NIV The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
A donkey reflected Kingship in the ancient world.
Horses in the Bible typify war.
1 Kgs. 1:33 NIV …he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and set Solomon my son on my own mule and take him down to Gihon.
The donkey’s colt had not been ridden. Never ridden animals were used if the event was for a sacred task (example moving the Ark of the Covenant).
1 Sam. 6:7 NIV “Now then, get a new cart ready, with two cows that have calved and have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.
This again, reveals the precision with which Jesus fulfilled the prophecy.
* His ride was a sacred ride.
* The cloaks reflect the honor paid to a King!
2 Kgs. 9:13 NIV They hurried and took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!”
The stage is set!
* Jerusalem is beginning to swell and bulge for the Passover!
* The Roman soldiers are on alert in case an insurrection breaks out!
* The priests are trying to ready the festivities!
Lights, Camera, Action! SHOUTS THE DIVINE DIRECTOR!
As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:37-38
They are on the road making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
* Jesus has made this journey at least three times a year.
* Jerusalem and the Temple was the backdrop to major transition points in Jesus’ life:
o Dedicated at the Temple – 8 days old
o Twelve Years Old talking and listening to the teachers
o Wilderness Temptation
o Now the Sacrificial Lamb of God
The crowds are throwing cloaks down and Palm Branches forming a tapestry for Jesus to ride upon as He makes His way to Jerusalem (ancient “Red Carpet).
* The crowds are increasing (going to the city and others flocking out from the city)!
* The pilgrims are rejoicing and praising God for the wonderful works they have seen!
* The worshippers praise turn to songs from the Psalms!
As they make their way from the east towards Jerusalem, soon parts of the city begin to come into focus and can be seen.
They now break forth in a chant known to all, a chant taken from the Hallel (the Messianic Psalms 113-118) A chant that Jesus, himself, most likely sang growing up.
It was an antiphonal chant
FIRST GROUP: Hosanna!
SECOND GROUP: Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
FIRST GROUP: Hosanna in the Highest!
Hosanna = Save Us! Save Us!
Save now!
Luke gives this version:
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Does that sound familiar?
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace
to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14
As the pilgrims walked step by step onward towards Jerusalem, and rounded each bend in the road, I’m sure that the intensity of their in singing increased!
Their singing got the attention of the Religious Leaders!
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
Luke 19:39 NIV
Previously Jesus tried to silence premature worship or any allusion that He was the Messiah! Not today!
“I tell you,” he replied,
“if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Luke 19:40 NIV
How ironic! He is talking about the stones crying out in worship to Him and this same Psalm they have been chanting and singing talks about the Messiah being the Stone the builders rejected.
Ps. 118:22 NIV The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
This very day was the day that the Pilgrims were instructed for centuries to pick out their Passover Lamb! It was the 10th day of Nisan and they kept the Lamb until the sacrifice on the 14th Day of Nisan (The Passover) according to Exodus 12:3-7. – 2 Million worshippers – 256,500 lambs 1 to 10
* This day their true Lamb was present that could take their sins from them and they rejected Him!
* This was also the day that Daniel predicted that the Messiah would be cut off in Daniel 9:24-26. It was the end of the 69th week (483 years) of the 70 weeks (490 years) predicted that God would work with His people.
The King’s Tears
Luke 19:41-42
Luke 19:41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
It was at this point that the masses kept on going and singing as they marched towards Jerusalem. I do not know if the crowd is still with Jesus or whether He is alone!
* It is my opinion that He might have been alone at this time with His closest followers.
* As He neared Jerusalem around the next turn the entire city came into full view!
* It was at that moment that He released His emotions! Remember, Jesus was 100% man as well! His heart was overwhelmed!
Wept = “to sob”
“to wail aloud”
“He lamented over it”
This Wailing is like the mourning mothers whose babies were killed at His birth:
Matt. 2:18 NIV “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Jesus wept because of their blind shepherds leading them!
* The religious leaders misunderstood His birth and now misunderstand His mission to redeem mankind!
* They should have recognized the donkey, cloaks and other trappings related to the Messiah!
Jesus wept because of their spiritual blindness and apathy!
The blame cannot be laid solely on the religious leaders. Yes, they had greater culpability.
But the people were looking for the wrong kind of Messiah.
* They wanted a Messiah who would feed them!
* They wanted a Messiah who would heal them!
* They wanted a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans!
They were not, however, concerned on finding out what it took to reconcile with God! How to make peace with God! How to maintain a relationship with God!
Jesus wept because their praise was hollow!
The crowd was made up of fair weather fans!
* On the road to Jerusalem they are singing praises to Him!
* Soon they will be using their voices in a different way.
Matt. 27:22-23 NIV “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
Jesus wept because of the Holocaust that was coming!
The King’s Speech (Proclamation)
Luke 19:43-44
For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Jesus knows with the same precision and certainty as He did about the Donkey and Colt what is going to happen in the days ahead to His people.
THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM
The Roman General Titus was ordered by Rome to stifle the Jewish resistance. So fierce was the Jews resistance that he had to siege the city.
* April 9, AD 70, just after Passover the siege began.
* Many pilgrims were trapped in the city.
* The siege lasted 143 days. Famine set in. The siege lasted through the summer. The inhabitants grew so weak that they could not bury their own dead. Instead, they threw them over the wall into the valley.
Titus, one night while on his rounds saw these valleys choked with the dead:
“He groaned and raising his hands to heaven, called God
to witness that this was not his doing.”
Finally around September he went in and destroyed the Temple and the city.
* More Jews were killed!
* Others were deported to Rome for the Gladiatorial Games.
o In the end 600,000 Jews died!
o In the end the Temple was destroyed!
This verse takes on new meaning:
Luke 23:28 NIV Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.
The imagery of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple is reflective of Babylon’s destroying the city and deporting the people. Prophet after prophet was raised up and killed until God (the landowner) sent His Son thinking they would surely hear Him and they are going to kill Him too!
Jer. 3:8 NIV I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.
If all of that was not enough in AD 135 Hadrian sought to erase any remaining Jews from their land eliminating any trace of them having lived there or from history.
Hadrian’s onslaught of killing Jews bordered on extermination (“ethnic cleansing”).
He renamed this area: Syria Palaestina.
Why did Jesus do this? He tells us!
“Would that you, even you, had known on this day
the things that make for peace!
“..because you did not know the time of
your (God the SON’s) visitation.”
Reconciliation = Peace with God was avoided and not sought.
Recognition of God the Son’s Visit was not acknowledged or accepted!
The King’s Purification
Luke 19:45-46
Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’’”
Jesus officially moves from His procession to His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to cleanse the Temple! Jesus gives the leaders a target (which they will put on the Cross)
WE SAW THIS MORNING HOW:
* Jesus fulfills prophecy written hundreds of years before His birth.
* Jesus with precision saw the destruction of Jerusalem and it was fulfilled within 40 years.
* Jesus is coming back some day to complete His judgment!
ARE YOU READY FOR THE FUTURE DAY OF GOD’S VISITATION?
Do you know Him as your Savior? If not, why not?
* Will pride keep you from reconciling your relationship with God?
* The party cannot continue forever! The Father will send His Son again!
* His patience while vast doesn’t last forever!
Luke 13:34 NIV “O 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, but you were not willing!
Today is all we know! Tomorrow may never come!
Here is the only message that can bring you true hope!
2 Cor. 5:20 NIV We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Reconcile = Make peace with God!
For those of you who know Christ as your Savior, are you sharing your faith?
People are going to perish in a siege far worse than Jerusalem.
JESUS WEEPS FOR THE LOST AND IS WEEPING FOR YOU,
WISHING YOU WOULD TURN FROM YOUR WAYS?
