Introduction

Dear beloved congregation, there's a warmth, a familiarity in gathering together today, like a family reunion of souls, bound not by blood but by the love of Christ. We are here, not as strangers, but as fellow pilgrims, walking arm in arm on the path of faith. So, as we gather in this holy huddle, let's turn our hearts towards the profound wisdom of the Word, and allow it to be the beacon that guides us through the complexities of life.

In the words of the esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." So, let's make our home today in the book of Luke, specifically, Luke 19:28-40. Let's read:

"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?' say, '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.' They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 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!' 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.'"

What a vivid and powerful scene from the life of our Savior! A scene that speaks volumes about His divine authority and humble heart. A scene that invites us to reflect on the nature of His kingdom, the depth of His humility, and the response of our hearts.

Let's bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to gather together in Your name. As we reflect on Your Word today, we pray that You would open our hearts and minds to understand the truths You have for us. May we not just be hearers of the Word, but doers also. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Kingdom Arrival of Jesus

In the passage we just read, we see Jesus making His way to Jerusalem. This was not just any visit. It was a significant moment, a pivotal point in His earthly ministry. It was the beginning of the end, the start of the final chapter that would culminate in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem was more than just a physical entry into a city. It was a spiritual declaration, a proclamation of His kingdom.

This arrival was not marked by the grandeur that one might expect of a king. There were no chariots, no royal entourage, no display of wealth or power. Instead, Jesus chose to ride on a colt, a young donkey, an animal associated with peace and humility. This was a deliberate choice, a symbolic gesture that revealed the nature of His kingdom. His was not a kingdom of earthly power and might, but of peace, love, and humility.

In this act, Jesus was fulfilling an ancient prophecy from the book of Zechariah. There it says, "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." This was a clear message to the people of Israel, a sign that their long-awaited Messiah had come.

The people recognized this sign and responded with joy and praise. They spread their cloaks on the road, a gesture of honor and respect, and they shouted, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" They acknowledged Jesus as their king, welcoming Him into their city and into their hearts.

However, not everyone was pleased with this display of adoration. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time, were disturbed by the people's reaction to Jesus. They asked Him to rebuke His disciples, to silence their praises. But Jesus responded, "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." This was a powerful statement of His divine authority. If the people did not acknowledge Him as their king, then creation itself would bear witness to His kingship.

This moment in Jesus' ministry was a clear demonstration of His divine authority and His humble heart. He did not come to establish an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one. He did not come to rule with an iron fist, but with a heart of love and compassion. His arrival into Jerusalem was a testament to this truth.

Kingly Authority in Humility

The humble entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a colt, is a striking image ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO