For the last few weeks we took a long walk with Jesus
What did Jesus see as He entered Jerusalem for the last time, in His earthly form?
This morning, I want to start a series that will allow us to see things through the eyes of Christ.
Instead of seeing things from our perspective, I want us to see the this final week from His point of view.
There are a few things that we need to remember.
1 Jesus was God in the flesh sent from Heaven to make the final atonement for sin. And He was absolutely aware of it. (Lk. 19:10)
2 Jesus knew that He was coming to the end of His on this earth. (Mk. 14:6f)
3 He already knew that He would be betrayed…many would falsely accuse Him and He would be crucified between two criminals. (Mt. 18:31f)
4 Jesus knew that the penalty for sin could only be paid by death and that only through His death could salvation and life be brought to His creation. (Jn 14:6)
We find Jesus five days before the Passover.
When you read your Bible do you realize that in less than a week Jesus would be hanging on a cross for your sin and mine?
Do you remember what happened while Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?
Mary poured out that expensive perfume, anointing Jesus in preparation for His burial.
As Jesus nears the city of Jerusalem, He sends two of His disciples ahead to bring a colt for His use.
As He was riding the colt, the people begin to lay down their cloaks and palm branches as they call out, “Hosanna… blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
I The King Comes to Town Mt. 21:1-11
Riding in on a donkey which is a sign of Peace rather than riding in a horse, which is a sign of a victorious warrior.
In times of war, the conqueror would ride in on a big majestic white stallion, but in times of peace, the king would often ride in on a colt to symbolize that peace prevailed.
Jesus enters as the Prince of Peace.
Hosanna Save us was their cry– The people were looking for relief from Rome.
A celebration breaks out! And while the celebration continues, Jesus begins to cry. Why?
Maybe …
A. He saw the present and the Future
He saw that His kingdom would be rejected!
B. He saw His Creation
He saw His disciples, the Pharisees, the Romans, the crowds.
People react differently when Jesus shows up. Some rush to praise Him. Others reject Him in anger.
When Jesus comes, He demands a response and the truth is, everyone will either bow before Him or fight against Him.
1. He saw those who were Confident, those who celebrate and are cured
They couldn't help but to be excited as they tried to see and touch Jesus.
a They were happy to see Jesus
b They didn't come to fulfill a habit but to fulfill a dream.
c They didn't come to put in their time, they came to give of their lives
Notice that those who were excited about His rule honored Him as their king and Messiah. They did everything they could to honor Jesus’ arrival.
2 He saw the Calloused and condemned
They couldn't stand the fact that people were getting excited about Jesus.
a Jesus upset their rituals
You see before Jesus showed up:
(1) They had a comfortable religion
(2) They had self-made boundaries to live by, that kept others beneath them
(3) They had a way to raise themselves above others
b Jesus upset their power over people
Before Jesus:
(1) They were the religious leaders and people were in awe of THEM
(2) They provided spiritual guidance, even if it led the people away from God
(3) They were considered godly even if it was “self righteousness”
Let me ask you a question:
How do you respond when Jesus comes to church?
Do you receive Him or reject Him? Are you a disciple or a Pharisee?
Here’s a quick Test:
1 I tend to get upset when things don’t go my way at church – I like my church just the way it is.
2 I tend to be negative towards the church and towards people and things that I don’t fully understand.
3 This is my church and I’m not going to let anyone change me or move me.
4 I used to serve in this or that position…
5 Do you know who I am?
6 I’m okay with God, but I used to be closer.
7 I’ve done my time…
8 That money could have used for something else - to feed the poor, etc.
9 I think the pastor ought to be doing this ___________, and I want to know where he is and what he is doing.
10 Don’t worry about me, just make sure that you take care of everyone else.
The people laid down whatever they had to honor their king…What are you willing to lay down to honor Jesus as your King?
II The King cleans the Temple Mt. 21:12-17
When Jesus arrived He found the city over-run with people – some estimates as high 3 million.
Jesus made His way to the outer courts of the temple.
The city was filled with excitement over the Passover and over this man called Jesus.
Thousands upon thousands were hoping to catch a glimpse of Him or even touch Him.
Why did Jesus make such a grand entrance as He entered the temple courts?
A He saw the human nature at it’s worst.
Left to himself, man is greedy, self-absorbed, and wildly materialistic.
Jesus was about to expose the sacredness of God’s house, the sacredness of the Passover sacrifice, the heresy of man’s religion, and the callousness of man’s heart.
B He saw the Poison of a Man made Religion
Men were determined to kill the Savior to save themselves… Lk. 19:47”Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.”
All man-made schemes, even if they have been baptized with denominational traditions and ideologies, poison the purity of the Gospel.
Legalism, liberalism, etc are constantly leading Christians into religious bondage.
C He saw the Potential of a Man’s Soul
From the lips of children – Hosanna! Save us God from our sin, our selves, and from our enemies.
Question: What tables will God need to turn over in your life to get your attention?
Conclusion Spanish Legend
An ancient wine village in Spain learned the king was going to pay a visit. In a thousand years no ruler had ever visited the town. They planned a big celebration, but since the village was poor, they had nothing to offer the king. One villager suggested that each people bring a cup of their finest wine to the town square to mix them all together to create the greatest of all wines. Everyone agreed. On the day the king arrived, hundreds of people lined the streets to make their contribution. Finally, when the king arrived, he was informed of the gift. He went over and drank from the spigot only to discover that the wine was nothing more than water. Each villager had withheld their wine and had brought only a cup of water thinking that they could save their best and that the king would never know the difference – only everyone did it and the king was greatly dishonored.
Did you bring your best today or just a cup of water hoping no one would notice?
