April 9, 2006
“Our Glorious King Jesus”
Matthew 21:1-11
Today we observe Palm Sunday, the day on which we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Like every other Sunday, it is a day to focus on Jesus, to worship and adore Him!
The word “Behold” here in Matthew 21:5 is a commanding word, a loud word, it is a call to attention something like “Extra, extra read all about it” that used to be yelled by the newspaper salesman. This morning as always we should give our prayer gained attention to Jesus.
I. Behold His Deity, His Supernatural Power – Matthew 2:1-3
1. Notice how casually Jesus displays His omniscience – Matthew 21:2
2. Jesus knew where He was going – Matthew 20:28
3. Jesus was (and is) the Son of God – Colossians 1:15
4. He proved it with His many miracles: feeding the 5,000 – John 6; walking on water – Matthew 14:25; raising Lazarus – John 11, healing the sick, etc… Yet here He shows His Deity in a quieter way
II. Behold humble commitment, His kingdom is obviously not of this world – Matthew 21:5
1. Notice the seeming lack of preparation: No posters, no skywriting, no commercial from the heavenly Father
2. Notice the lack of obvious pomp / pizzazz, his donkey is borrowed, at the last minute – Matthew 21:3 Think of what He could have done – a cloud, chariot of fire, army of angels, rolls Royce
3. Notice the description: “Lowly, and sitting on a donkey” – Matthew 21:5; Isaiah 53:2
III. Behold His Praises (those He received) and His PURPOSE – Matthew 21:6-11
1. The word “Hosanna” in the Hebrew means, “Save, we pray!” and so, those who met Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, seem to realize that He is going there to work out their salvation! They shout this to encourage Him and beautifully they seem to be on His side.
2. Yet the salvation He goes to attain for them is different than what they thought:
A. They expected an uprising and overthrow of the Roman Empire, and a restoration of the dominance of King David.
B. He was bringing them salvation from their sins – Matthew 1:21
3. It is very likely that many who cheered, “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday were yelling “Crucify Him, crucify Him” on Good Friday!
4. Know that Jesus would have known this – John 6:14-15; John 2:23-25 (He knows our true hearts – Matthew 15:19)
IV. Apply what you have seen in Christ to your life!
1. Because He is God, worship Him!
2. Because He is humble, follow His example –
NKJ Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
3. Because He is so mindful of the spiritual salvation of your soul, you should mind it also –
NKJ Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 "Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
NKJ 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
