As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just 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 doing this?’ tell him, ’The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ "
They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?“ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, Hosanna!“ "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!“ "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!“ "Hosanna in the highest!“ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Introduction:
There was a time when you were broken, incomplete, and without purpose. In this time of your life you felt that sting of sin. That substance of sin that separated you from your Creator. You yearned for more out of life. You required the desires of your heart to feel whole again to be filled. There was a vast chasm that separated you from the One who made you and who can make you feel whole again. And in your deepest of needs He raised you up and set you on a high place. Not because of anything you did, said, or thought. Only because the Son made a bridge between you and the Father. But it came at a high price. His life….for yours. At the moment of your acceptance you felt a peace, a comfort, a joy like you had never felt before. To know that you have been freed from the bondage of sin by the King. You received Him into your life. Remember what that was like. That freedom was like? You had waited a long time to find that freedom and now it was here.
1. Your image of the King:
The people of Jerusalem had heard about the miracles, the peace that had been extend by His hand, the healing of hearts and minds from His teaching, and the transforming power of His presence. The sought the King.
a. Israel had an image of the earthly King that would free them from the oppressors. Vs. The salvation of mankind and the KING OF KINGS
b. Believers sometimes think that God’s only purpose is to bring them more stuff. The “me” attitude.
c. We should have an attitude that He has come to give us freedom from the penalty of sin. The wages of sin is DEATH
d. To have a King is to be subject to Him. People want the perks of having a King for prosperity but not of the service.
2. Your reception of the Savior:
The people welcomed Jesus by saying “Save us!” Hosanna! They wanted freedom from their affliction, their suffering, and their poverty. But what they needed was freedom from their spiritual death. Jesus was greeted with open arms by many who wanted to taste freedom.
a. Remember when you received Jesus into the gates of your heart. Remember that peace in knowing your life wouldn’t be the same again. That the burden and bondage of sin would be lifted by the Savior.
b. When you received Him you thanked Him from bringing you out of the life that you knew. You received Him as the one who saved you from your life. You knew that as a Savior He asked nothing of you except your service
3. Your home with the Son:
After receiving the Son into your life. Having him transform your life, and free you from the bondage of sin did you forget the transformation?
a. It was not long after Jesus was received that he was sent out of the city in shame. All those who had been witnesses to the power and majesty of His ministry on earth. Those that had seen healings, and other miracles were now those in attendance at his execution.
b. How now after all this time do you see the Lord. Is he still King of your life? Being in full submission to him.
c. Is He still the Savior of your soul? Do you still know how to be thankful for His sacrifice so that you might have everlasting life with the father.
d. Does the Son still have a place in your heart and your life? Has the joy of Him residing in your changed life left you and been replaced with bitterness towards God?
CONCLUSION:
This Palm Sunday as we remember the event that changed our lives. The day we welcomed the Savior into our lives to transform us. As we approach Easter lets reflect this week upon that transformation. Is there any clutter in our lives to contend with so that our lives are a place where the Spirit wants to reside.
