The Triumphant Entry of King Jesus
By Greg Johnson
http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org
In Luke 19:28-44, Jesus is entering Jerusalem with His disciples in observance of the Jewish Passover. In Israel’s early history, they were held captive in Egypt. The Pharaoh used them as slaves to build his massive cities. Israel was held in bondage for over 400 years. In the Bible, the Holy Spirit describes not only the bondage, but also God’s deliverance and salvation for His people in the first twelve chapters of Exodus.
God sent a deliver named Moses to deliver His people out of bondage. He sent ten plagues upon the land to try to get Pharaoh to loose his grip of affliction. Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the people go free.
The tenth plague was like none other. In the tenth plague God says death is going to come that night to the firstborn male, both human and animal, of every household. But God provided a means of salvation. He gave specific instructions as recorded in Exodus chapter twelve. They were to take a lamb without defect and sacrifice it. They were to specifically take the blood and apply it above and to the sides of the doorframe. When He saw the blood, that house would be passed over and salvation instead of death would come. "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." (Exodus 12:13 NIV)
God establishes the Passover and wants Israel to remember the salvation He provided them for generation after generation. "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD--a lasting ordinance." (Exodus 12:14 NIV)
In Luke 19:28-44 we see Jesus entering in Jerusalem to observe His last Passover here on earth. It’s the first day of the week; a Sunday that we refer to as Palm Sunday. Friday is the Passover. This particular Passover will be like none other. Jesus will be crucified and nailed to an old rugged cross as our Passover lamb.
In looking at Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, we can learn specifics about God that are very relevant to us in our day.
GOD FULFILLS EVERYTHING THAT HIS WORD DECLARES.
Jesus did not come as the political king they were anticipating that would relieve them from the Roman oppression that they were under. He came in all humility. This King’s transportation speaks volumes as to the type of king He was.
Jesus tells two of His disciples where to find a colt for Him to ride into the city. "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." (Luke 19:32-35 NIV)
This was all done in fulfillment to Bible Prophecy. In God’s Word, Zechariah the prophet prophesied of this day in saying "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9 NIV)
God’s Word is truth. Everything that is in God’s Word will be fulfilled. You can count on it. If God says it, it will come to pass. Here we see Jesus fulfilling God’s Word even to the minutest of detail. He rides the donkey into Jerusalem because God’s Word declared that He would do so. In doing so, Jesus declares what kind of King He is; one that brings grace and peace.
Beloved, hang on to God’s Word. Everything around you will change. God’s Word will never change. Everything around you will fail you. God’s Word will never fail you. Be a person of the Word. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Believe it. Live it. As you do, it will be fulfilled in your life!
JESUS WILL BE PRAISED DESPITE MAN’S EFFORTS TO STIFLE IT.
The Bible says "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!"" (Luke 19:37-38 NIV)
The religionist of Jesus’ day did not like the people praising Jesus and the said “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” (Luke 19:39 NIV) Notice Jesus’ response ""I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."" (Luke 19:40 NIV)
Jesus is worthy of all praise, honor and glory! His creation cries out to Him in praise. Both human and nature exalt Him! Absolutly nothing will ever be able to muffle praise to Jesus for He is worthy! He is high and lifted up! Hosanna!
Beloved, keep praise in your heart and on your lips. Praise Him in the morning! Praise Him at noontime! Praise Him in the evening! Praise Him continually for He is worthy. He is our Passover lamb that saves us from death, hell and the grave!
JESUS’ HEART CRIES OUT FOR PEOPLE.
"As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it" (Luke 19:41 NIV) This is a glorious picture. Jesus the Passover lamb is heading to an old rugged cross weeping over the city. Not because of the buildings, organizations or the establishments. Jesus is not weeping due to the mistreatment He has received from the religious establishment of His day. Jesus is weeping for the people. His heart is crying out for the people. All that moves Jesus is people. He chose to be the Passover lamb so that people can be saved from death, hell and the grave!
Jesus has a heart that breaks for you. He loves you so much; He gave His life for you as the Passover lamb. As you apply His blood to the doorposts of your heart, He saves you from this present world and He saves you from the wrath of God that is to come. He takes you out of Egypt and takes you into His promised land! Out of the bondage of sin and into the freedom of His Kingdom!
Beloved, live your life for Jesus! Stay full of His Word! Shout praises to His name! He is worthy of all praise, honor and glory! “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” All praise be to Jesus! Hosanna!
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