Series: Through The Eyes Of Jesus [#1]
PALM SUNDAY THROUGH THE EYES OF JESUS
Luke 19:28-44
Introduction:
Almost every year, the Sunday before Easter means that you are going to hear about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This year, instead of hearing about Palm Sunday from a preacher’s view, let’s hear about Palm Sunday from Jesus’ view.
Luke 19:28-34 (NIV)
“After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and 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 untying it?' tell him, `The Lord needs it.'" Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it."
Jesus saw…
1. Obedience.
Jesus sent 2 of His disciples to get a donkey. Jesus also told them what to say if they were questioned about it. This would be like Jesus asking you to go get inside a stranger’s vehicle, take the keys, and leave in their vehicle. Sometimes, God asks you to do things that don’t make sense to you. What He needs from you, is not to understand what He is telling you to do; but simply obey Him.
Luke 19:35 (NIV)
“They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.”
Jesus saw…
2. Selfless giving.
Often, we look at this from everyone’s viewpoint except for the owner of the donkey. The owner asked them what they were doing; and their answer was, “The Lord needs it”. Honestly, I think I would have said, “Me too. If you want a donkey, go buy one yourself”; but that’s not what happened. He simply let them take his donkey.
Luke 19:36-38 (NIV)
“As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Jesus saw…
3. True worshippers.
People focused on Jesus. They worshipped Him through the actions of placing their cloaks on the road. They worshipped Him with their voices.
Luke 19:39-40 (NIV)
“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Jesus saw…
4. Religious frauds.
The Pharisees told Jesus to shut everyone up. They couldn’t stand to see Jesus worshipped and praised. Whether they liked it or not, Jesus was going to be praised.
Luke 19:41-44 (NIV)
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."
Jesus saw…
5. Tears.
At that point, the disciples saw Jesus being honored. I’m sure that they began to have a feeling of relief. Maybe things were going to turn around for them. That’s not what Jesus saw. He saw people who were very fickle. He saw the Holy City of Jerusalem and cried. He knew that Jerusalem would soon lie in ruins. The Temple would be taken apart stone by stone.
Conclusion:
As we are here this morning, how does Jesus see you? Does He see you as obedient? Does He see you as a giver? Does He see you as a worshipper? Does He see you as a fraud? Do you make Him cry?
