Title: The Coronation of King Jesus
Alex Navalny ? Russian activist - poisoned in August 2020 – and almost died.
• he received ed Medical Care in Berlin
• then - he Returned To Russia – and was Immediately Arrested.
• Sent to Siberian prison – killed – on Feb 16, 2024. (age 46); wife and 2 children.
Why did a man with a wife and 2 children return to Russia knowing he would be arrested ?
Transition - Why did Jesus walk into a deadly ambush in Jerusalem?
See Matt 20:17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
Today’s text (Palm Sunday);
Luke 19:28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “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. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37 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:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 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. 43 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. 44 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.”
1. The Problem - Shalom is Elusive
Our world is in big trouble today – & in Jesus’ day, Jerusalem Was In Trouble - (And It Still Is)
… in the 21st century – we find peace elusive – in our own hearts – and in our 21st cent. World it seems more elusive than ever.
• War in Ukraine… ( 2 plus years now)
• Since October 7th - War in Israel (AGAIN) – hostages/Massacre/
• Hong Kong…Taiwan
• Haiti ( in a state of chaos )
• Cuba (Protests)
• Corrupt governments abound
Here at home…
• We face a serious housing crisis…
• inflation/food inflation…
• climate change…
• Morality is now being decided on an entirely new paradigm - the principle of “emotivism” (do what feels right to you.)
• truth and moral absolutes have been sacrificed to this new god.
First Century Jerusalem:
a. Politics – Roman occupation
b. Religion – was rife with hypocrisy
c. Economically – poverty & subsistence living prevailed. (Tax collectors & greedy merchants were the winners)
d. Socially – women and slaves were exploited.
God’s grand vision for Israel – covenanted with Abraham – & the 10 commandments -for Israel to be a kingdom of priests to proclaim the one true God to the nations - was in shambles.
Prophet after prophet was sent – preaching repentance…
Peace - God’s “Shalom” was nowhere to be found.
You and me also – in the 21st century – we too find peace elusive – in our own hearts – and in our 21st cent. world, - it seems more elusive than ever.
*Ironically, Jerusalem is the most fought over city in the entire history of the world!
Hope is scarce… (then and Now)…peace is elusive--- anxiety is epidemic
Our world so desperately needs Palm Sunday and the hope and promise of Easter.
2. God’s Solution - Jesus sets his eyes toward Jerusalem (Luke 18:31-32)/Matthew 20:18
Jesus of Nazareth has been preaching the message of the kingdom of God for 3 years now… “the kingdom of God is near - repent and believe the good news…”
a. He’s healed the sick
b. He honored the poor and the marginalized
c. He esteemed children
d. He’s raised the dead
e. He’s performed exorcisms
f. He’s called for obedience to the Torah… (love God, neighbour & enemies)
All of this is now moving toward a climax (on the surface however its looking like A DIASTER) as Jesus tells the 12 - “we are going to Jerusalem…I will be arrested and crucified…” (Luke 18:31-32)
Is this a failure of the highest order – is this a case of over promise/under deliver?
No!
You see Jesus’ ultimate reason for coming to earth is about to unfold – he’s going to sacrifice himself – to save you and me (!) – to save the world – from the grip of sin & death…and to see God’s covenant of blessing fulfilled in the whole world!
This is what Palm Sunday is pointing to… and why we mark this day as the beginning of Holy week.
It is through his self-giving death and his subsequent resurrection that Jesus will turn around the history of the world – and set it in an entirely new direction…
one person at a time… one family at a time.... and yes, even to change and renew communities and nations.
All of this, in anticipation of Jesus return to earth and the fulfillment of his glorious plan to renew the entire world.
3. Jesus’ Coronation Ceremony Begins
As the crowds gather for the Passover festival - Jesus creates a moment of symbol-laden drama – fulfilling prophecy.
He finds a donkey – in Jewish culture a symbol of peace. In contrast to the intimidating stallions of the Romans
Do you like horses? I love watching the Kentucky derby ? the first race in the triple crown of horse racing. You may remember the great “Secretariat” - Triple crown winner (1973)
But Jesus is not on a stallion – he’s on a donkey – he is coming in peace.
The crowds – who have been hoping that indeed Jesus was the Messiah…respond with joyful celebration!!!
They are shouting “… hosanna! ...waving Palm branches… Garments are placed before this donkey and his passenger - He is getting the red carpet treatment!
These Jews ….they get it - They know Zechariah 9:9 - it’s been read to them in the synagogue all their lives!
“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.
Finally, our champion is here – and he will put the Romans on the run!!!
It’s a coronation of the KING!
4. Complication - …But instead of rejoicing in the acclaim…As Jesus approaches Jerusalem he weeps… Luke 19: 41,42
And speaks the saddest lament,
(Luke 19:41) if you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace… but you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Does Jesus Know He Has Walked Into An Ambush?
The acclaim and adoration is very short-lived…Instead of going to Pilate’s quarters and overthrowing the govt – he goes into the Temple and overthrows the tables of the merchants. The Jewish religious authorities are exposed for their hypocrisy and Rome gets off with nothing!
The people are confused and disillusioned. The religious leaders see their opportunity. Jesus didn’t fulfill the people’s political agenda and so when it came down to allegiance – the politically savvy Jews sided with Rome & the religious establishment. Jesus arrest is near.
It turns out the people prefer the tyrant, King Herod to King Jesus.
And when Pilate offers to release a prisoner as an act of goodwill – the people ask for a rebel named Barabbas.
**Where are the palm branches now and the shouts of Hosanna?
Suddenly everyone is against him…
You see Jesus’ kingdom was and is - a kingdom of justice and righteousness… - and we enter by repentance. Jesus rival is not Rome – but Satan and the kingdom of darkness…and the battleground is the human heart. And by his death and resurrection Jesus will defeat his enemy – and his affliction of sin and death. Jesus has come to destroy the devil’s work. And destroy the last enemy – death itself. This is what it will take to save & transform us – you and me alike.
So the acclaim that Jesus receives is very short lived…I’m always amazed by how shallow our commitment to Jesus can be when things don’t go our way – when some adversity is applied. Will you run away from Jesus in tough times?
And so, what seemed like a Coronation ceremony – in a few days will become a tragic Crucifixion. The crowds will condemn him to death…they take a 180 degree turn. Remember his words… the son of man will be flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Jesus has entered his last week – he will soon be arrested and interrogated … flogged, and suffer a bloody beating. Everything about it screams defeat and humiliation. The 12 disciples worry if they are next…
**But Jesus death is actually his moment of glory and victory. In Jesus’ prayer before his arrest (John 17) he begins, “Father, the time is come – glorify your son – that your son may glorify you.”
***The coronation becomes a crucifixion – AND, the crucifixion actually becomes his coronation!
Now my friends… how do we live in light of Jesus triumphant KINGSHIP? …Is Jesus Your King?
Place yourself into that crowd… into that dangerous world of oppression and exploitation? Where would your loyalty land? When the religious leaders asked Jesus to quiet the worshippers, Jesus replied if they are silent, the stones will offer worship!
Is Jesus your convenient king?
Is he your forever and always king??
Amy Carmichael spent 55 years as a missionary in India… she wrote 35 books including this compelling poem… (Has thou no scar?)
… I’d like to read the final stanza…
No wound? No scar?
Yet as the Master shall the servant be,
And pierced are the feet that follow Me;
But thine are whole. Can he have followed far
Who has no wound nor scar?
Amy Carmichael
One day, a couple of years ago, Jesus made a dramatic entrance into our family…
When I was a kid - My parents decided to follow Jesus as KING
a. Jesus has been our king ever since!
b. He made such an incredible impact on our family
My wife and I have 4 children…
But…Our son N. walked away… and it was a long walk – a 15 year long walk. But in 2021 ? my Dad of 89, passed into God’s presence – at the service, I told Dad’s story – and it paralleled N.’s rebellion. Like N. Dad had been away from God from age 15-30. That was the moment that Nathan encountered Jesus in a very deep and personal way. Jesus walked in softly – as if on a peaceful donkey… and he went all the way to N.’s heart – and now he is KING in my son’s heart.
What a wonderful change! (like being born again!”) …and we are shouting “hosanna! Glory to God who saves us!!!” “O happy Day!!!”
I want to ask you – is Jesus your KING?
…Are you following Jesus?
Is he your KING?
Or, will you join the mob that seeks to crucify him?
We all must choose. --- where is your allegiance???
Will you crown Jesus as king – or crucify him?
You cannot be indifferent when it comes to Jesus - Its either crucifixion - or coronation.
I met a young lady from Nepal a couple of weeks ago – as I shared the gospel with her I asked, do you know who Jesus is? Do you know what Easter is about (Chocolates? was her tentative answer).
Easter - What an amazing opportunity to invite someone to church.
? Now today - will you allow Jesus to make his entry Into Your heart?
*Jesus is still weeping over Jerusalem – and Toronto and you
“…if only you knew who would bring you peace…”
I’m reminded of the words of Paul in Romans 10:1 “my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.”
Conclusion:
**Why did A. Navalny return to Russia – and like Jesus- walk into a trap?
Quote - “to fulfill his promise to his supporters” (and Russia) – here’s an excerpt from one of his last letters from prison in Siberia…
“If you want, I’ll talk to you about God and salvation. The fact is that I am a Christian, … I was once quite a militant atheist …
“But now I am a believer, and that helps me a lot in my activities, because everything becomes much, much easier.
There are fewer dilemmas in my life, because there is a book in which, in general, it is more or less clearly written what action to take in every situation.
It’s not always easy to follow this book, of course, but I am actually trying. And so, as I said, it’s easier for me, probably, than for many others, to engage in politics.”
Navalny went on to quote from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”
“I’ve always thought that this particular commandment is more or less an instruction to activity,…And so, while certainly not really enjoying the place where I am, I have no regrets about coming back, or about what I’m doing. It’s fine, because I did the right thing.
On the contrary, I feel a real kind of satisfaction. Because at some difficult moment I did as required by the instructions, and did not betray the commandment.”
***Jesus …knowingly walked into a trap – an ambush – to save you…to give this troubled and broken world hope.
Now today - will you allow Jesus to make his entry Into Your heart?
(optional ending...)
"That's My King." by Dr. S.M. Lockridge
"The Bible says my King is a seven-way king....
1. He's the King of the Jews;
2. He's the King of Israel;
3. He's the King of Righteousness....
4. He's the King of the Ages.....
5. He's the King of Heaven....
6. He's the King of Glory....
7. He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords.
That's my King. Well....I wonder, do you know Him?...."
He's enduringly strong....He's entirely sincere....He's eternally steadfast....He's immortally graceful....He's imperially powerful....He's impartially merciful...
Do you know Him?" (he wants to know you!_
He's God's Son....He's a sinner's Saviour....He's the centerpiece of civilization....He's unparalleled....He's unprecedented....He's the loftiest idea in literature....He's the highest personality in philosophy.....He's the miracle of the age.
"He supplies strength for the weak....He's available for the tempted and the tried....He sympathizes and He saves....He strengthens and sustains....He guards and He guides....He heals the sick....He cleanses lepers....He forgives sinners....
He discharges debtors....He delivers the captives....He defends the feeble....He blesses the young....He serves the unfortunate....He regards the aged....He rewards the diligent....and He beautifies the meek.
... Do you know Him?"
My King is the Key to knowledge...He's the wellspring of wisdom....He's the doorway of deliverance....He's the pathway of peace....He's the roadway of righteousness ....He's the highway of holiness....He's the gateway of glory.
.. Do you know Him?"
" His promise is sure... His goodness is limitless....His mercy is everlasting....His love never changes....His word is enough....His grace is sufficient....His reign is righteous... His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you, .....but He's indescribable ....He's incomprehensible....He's invincible....He's irresistible."
"Well, you can't get Him out of your mind....You can't get Him off of your hands....You can't out live Him, -- and you can't live without Him....
The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him....
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him...
Herod couldn't kill Him....
Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him.
Yea!!!, that's my King, that's my King."
"And..."Thine is the Kingdom....and the Power....and the Glory....Forever"....and ever, amen!
I would love to pray for you – and with you.
Prayer of salvation (Romans 10:9-10)
Jesus came for you – he died for you – and he’s here today, reaching out once again.
Big Idea? Jesus’ coronation became His crucifixion – but his crucifixion became his coronation.
He is indeed king of all kings!
