Why Palm Sunday?

John 12:12-19

Palm Sunday~April 9, 2006

WHY PALM SUNDAY?

Introduction:

A little boy was sick on Palm Sunday and stayed home from church with his mother. His father returned from church holding a palm branch. The little boy was curious and asked, "Why do you have that palm branch, dad?" "You see, when Jesus came into town, everyone waved Palm Branches to honor him, so we got Palm Branches today." The little boy replied, " Aw Shucks! The one

Sunday I miss is the Sunday that Jesus shows up!"

- What is Palm Sunday all about anyway? What was Jesus’ agenda in this event?

- Today, I would like to share with you what I believe is the beginning of what this day is all about…

1. To bring ATTENTION to His purpose.

- Not to Himself, but to His purpose, His destiny and ours

-John 17:1-5 – Jesus declares what He wants to draw attention to – the glory of the Father and the hope of eternal life

-Jesus could have easily drawn the wrong kind of attention – fame, political power, etc. but rather, chose to draw attention to His true purpose and passion: the redemption of mankind

-THE REAL QUESTION: Does Jesus have your attention? When He does, what do you see?

2. To bring COMPREHENSION to His purpose. v.13:

-The people gathered unwittingly declared what Jesus’ purpose was: “Hosanna!” – SAVE; “Blessed is… he who comes in the name of the Lord…the King of Israel!” – God’s Kingdom, not man’s

-But only those who stuck with Jesus and truly paid attention discovered and understood - V. 16

-THE REAL QUESTION: Do you understand who Jesus is & what He is able to do in you?

3. To bring DEVOTION to His purpose. v. 19

-Now, some followed Him and others became followers

-Some followed Jesus because of who they thought He was, others followed Him because of what they knew He was

-Everything that Jesus did led ultimately to the cross which is more than a passing fad – it is our hope – transformation & eternal life

-and at the cross we are faced with a decision: Are we going to be devoted to Him or simply cheer for Him until something else comes along?

-When we become devoted to His purpose, we discover our purpose.