The Drama

The Drama March 29, 2015

John 12

Video (Jesus triumphal entry)

Jesus was considered radical for the time and place when He arrived and started His ministry. He became the epitome of the Temple. He was healing people on the streets, forgiving them of their sins, declaring that they would be able to get to heaven without having a temple, but by receiving who He is.

The Temple represented the Old covenant. A covenant that was flawed not because of God doing, but because of what man had created it to become. You see the Temple itself had become an idol. People started believing the temple and the priest were more important than God.

I have often mentioned that the laws themselves had been added to so much that the extensions of the law took precedent over the laws themselves. It became apparent to Jesus as He entered that He had to take the visual of what was to what is to be and is now existing. That only God can save.

Let’s see what the scriptures say.

John 12:1-17

Lev. 23:40 "lift up palm branches and celebrate"

Zach. 9:9 “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look your King is coming to you. he is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey, riding on a donkey colt.NLT

So let me give you a drama of what is taking place. The triumphal entry.

Mark 11:15-?

Jesus is clearing out the area that was the place where the Gentiles those that were not Jews could worship, but also to signify that He, Jesus, was God’s salvation for mankind.

Friends, I know this a lot to take in so I want to make sure that you understand what is taking place here.

Jesus in the beginning of His ministry and now just a few days before His death on the cross cleanses the temple, but ultimately He is giving them an understanding that salvation cannot be truly received by the blood of animals, because no animal is pure enough to take away the sins of this world.

No animal could really take away mine and your sins. It only covered it up. It only took and put a sheet if you will over the deeper issues which is issues of the heart.

My friend Gordy!

Jesus knew that as He was doing all of this that this was the last few days He would have to truly help them understand what was about to take place.

This last week Jesus would reveal His identity even more so than in all of His ministry and people would still denounce Him primarily those that live for the religion and not for God.

Religion cannot save you!

Religion is what got them in trouble in the first place. It is what caused most of the riots within the walls of Jerusalem and later throughout the whole Roman empire.

Religion today is one of the greatest wars that is being fought. Even everything that is going on right now with the islamist extremist is to do with religion.

Religion is man’s view and interpretation of God not God.

Religion is what separates the churches in our community instead of faith in Jesus.

Sacrifices cannot save you!

You may be the best tither in this church and give the most of your time, but it is just motions.

Listen to the words of this song by Matthew West called"The Motions"

This might hurt, it's not safe

But I know that I've gotta make a change

I don't care if I break

At least I'll be feeling something

‘Cause just okay is not enough

Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions

I don't wanna go one more day

Without Your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking

What if I had given everything

Instead of going through the motions?

No regrets, not this time

I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind

Let Your love make me whole

I think I'm finally feeling something

‘Cause just okay is not enough

Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

‘Cause I don't wanna go through the motions

I don't wanna go one more day

Without your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking

What if I had given everything

Instead of going through the motions?

Only a relationship with Jesus can save you.

That’s right a relationship! That means putting aside everything that hinders you.

Heb 12:1-4 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. NLT