Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Reflects on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing the recognition of Jesus as King, His sacrifice, and the sustaining power of faith.
Welcome, beloved friends and family in Christ. It is indeed a joy to gather here today, in this sacred space, where we are bound together by our shared faith, our shared hope, and our shared love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are here to delve into the richness of God's word, to find solace, strength, and sustenance for our souls.
We are here today to reflect on an event of great significance in the life of Christ, an event that heralds the arrival of the King, honors the Savior's sacrifice, and harnesses the power of faith. This event is none other than the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of the end of His earthly ministry, and sets the stage for the ultimate sacrifice He made for us on the cross.
The scene that unfolds in John 12:12-19 is one of great significance. It is the moment when Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, makes His way into Jerusalem. The crowd that gathers to welcome Him is not just any crowd. They are individuals who have heard of His miracles, who have witnessed His power, and who have been touched by His compassion. They are people whose lives have been transformed by His teachings, and who now gather to honor Him, to welcome Him, and to proclaim Him as their King.
The crowd's response to Jesus' arrival: It’s not a spontaneous outburst of joy, but a deliberate act of recognition and reverence. They take branches of palm trees, a symbol of victory and triumph, and go out to meet Him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!' This is not just a greeting, but a declaration of faith. It is an acknowledgment of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the one who has come to save them.
What they are doing: In this moment, the crowd is not just welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem, they are welcoming Him into their hearts. They are opening themselves up to His teachings, His love, and His grace. They are acknowledging His authority, His power, and His sovereignty. They are recognizing Him as their King, their Savior, and their Lord.
About Jesus' recognition of His mission: He does not enter Jerusalem on a horse, a symbol of power and conquest, but on a young donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. This is a deliberate choice, a symbolic act that reflects His mission to bring peace, to serve, and to save. It is a reminder that His kingdom is not of this world, but of the world to come.
The nature of Jesus and His kingdom: The crowd's response to Jesus' arrival, and Jesus' choice of how to enter Jerusalem, are both significant. They reveal the nature of Jesus' kingship, and the nature of His kingdom. They remind us that Jesus is not just a king, but the King of Kings. He is not just a savior, but the Savior of the world. He is not just a teacher, but the Word of God made flesh. He is not just a leader, but the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.
As we immerse ourselves in the narrative of John 12:12-19, we find ourselves standing shoulder to shoulder with the crowd, waving palm branches, and crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!' The crowd's response to Jesus' arrival is not a spontaneous outburst of joy, but a deliberate act of recognition and reverence ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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