Palm Sunday
March 23, 1997
INTRODUCTION
A little bit less than two months ago, a certain professional football team named the Green Bay Packers returned home to their loyal Wisconsin fans as champions of Super Bowl XXX. It had been 29 years since the Green Bay fans had been able to celebrate a championship. Schools dismissed for the day, people took off work and the filled the streets, anxious to get a glimpse of the players as they passed by. Excitement ran high as the players made their way from the airport to Lambeau Field abord fire engines and buses. Cheers of victory went up throughout the city on a day when the kings of football came back home.
The fanfare surrounding Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday, was also a welcome fitting for a king. It was a welcome home. In a way. A sort of homecoming.
But as he approached the city of Jerusalem, high atop the Mount of Olives he looked at the panoramic view of this sacred city and said these words in Luke 19:41-42, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.
THESIS: On Palm Sunday this year, we need to give Jesus the kind of homecoming he really deserves.
TRANSITION: There are 3 levels of the Palm Sunday story.
I. THE FEATURES OF HOMECOMING DAY
A. A Place
For a real homecoming to take place, there needs to be a place to come home to. Such as your high school or college. The alma mater.
The place that Jesus comes to is Jerusalem. It’s the center of Jewish religious and political activity. Known as the city of David, the capital city or the holy city, it was the most important city in Jewish life and history, and remains so to this very day.
This was not Jesus’ home town. In Matthew 21:11, the crowds acknowledged that Jesus was the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. But the welcome that Jesus receives lets us see that these people were welcoming Jesus as one who had finally arrived to the place where he needed to be. They were expecting the “Messiah” the Christ, the promised one who as they understood, would come and release them from the rule of the Roman government. And restore Israel to its place as a world super-power as in the time of David.
These people were trying to give Jesus a sort of homecoming, but not on the right terms.
A second feature of this homecoming day was. . .
B. A Festive Atmosphere
In most schools at homecoming time there are numerous activities to build hype and spread school spirit. Pep assemblies, special emphasis days and returning graduates help the excitement to build.
In Jerusalem it was Passover time. The biggest religious observance of the year. It was the goal of every devout Jew to be in Jerusalem for Passover. The news about this man named Jesus who had raised Lazarus from the dead had traveled quickly, making Jesus the main topic of discussion in Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside where the visitors would camp. Some were looking for him, and others were wondering if he would show up. It was the hope of all Israel for the Messiah to come, and from the sounds of it, many thought Jesus might certainly fit the bill. The city was alive.
A third feature of this homecoming was the crowning of a king.
C. A King
Most high schools crown a king at homecoming time. They usually vote for the guy most popular in the school and give him special recognition of some kind.
In our story we also have a king at this special event. The fact that Jesus chose to ride on a donkey was a deliberate demonstration for those astute enough to catch it.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Zecariah had spoken these words: “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.”
This reading had been understood by the Jews to be clearly speaking of the Messiah, or the coming King. Jesus knew he fulfilled prophecy by entering in such a way. But the donkey wasn’t exactly the stretch limousine of its day – or even the Lexus Sport coupe of its time. It was probably more like how we would currently view a ’76 Ford Pinto – not the first choice of someone who wants to call himself King.
But that was Jesus’ whole point. The Messiah was the Prince of Peace – Not military leader. He was here to establish a spiritual kingdom forever and ever for those who would have faith in him. Mark 10:45 reminds us He came to serve, not to be served.
But the people displayed the symbols of kingly treatment upon Jesus. Matthew 21 tells us, “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”
A traditional way of honoring a king. Not too difficult for us to understand since at weddings we do something similar for a bride in putting down and aisle runner – or even in expression of “rolling out the red carpet” for people of importance. This homecoming had a king.
Another aspect of this homecoming day was
D. A Parade
Homecoming parades typically feature floats and maybe a marching band. Maybe the homecoming king even rides on one of the floats.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem there was also a parade. Matthew 21:9, “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ’Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” There were people in front of him and behind him forming a parade that led from near the town of Bethany on up to the top of the the Mount of Olives, then down the other side of the mount, through the Kidron Valley and up into the city of Jerusalem.
Still another feature of this homecoming was the preparation for. . .
E. A Big Game
Homecoming time centers around the big game. A football game or a basketball game against a conference rival.
Unknown to any of the crowd in Jerusalem, Jesus was gearing up for the ultimate spiritual contest that would take place in 5 short days. It would be a battle waged against his enemy Satan that would take place in the Garden of Gethsemane and ultimately on the cross. What would look like defeat for the young man from Nazareth would turn out to be the biggest victory the world has ever seen.
The other feature of this Homecoming day is the hope for. . .
F. A Great Dance
Most high school students anticipate the celebration of their homecoming with a dance.
But the dance that Jesus looked forward to was nothing like the dances we know. He would arrive to be a part of what C.S. Lewis referred to in the last book of his Space Trilogy as the “Great Dance” when he finally got back to heaven. The ultimate time of reunion and celebration.
ILLUS. After a 33 year visit, Jesus now approached the transportation headquarters in the metropolitan area of Jerusalem that would responsible for his journey home. Not a bus stop, not a train depot, not even an airport. His vehicle would be a wooden cross – his ticket purchased long before his birth – his boarding pass to be received at the terminal of Pontius Pilate. There would be no meals aboard this flight, no one to ensure that his journey was pleasant and comfortable.
Instead of a pillow for his head – he would be given a crown of thorns
Instead of offering him a blanket – they would strip him bare
Instead of a baggage claim – they would gamble for his clothes
Instead of leg room – they would break his legs
Instead of comfort – there would be pain and agony
No friendly skies – Nothing special in the air – This would be a trip of tears and sorrow.
But bravely and resolutely Jesus set out to board his flight home. Some kind of bitter-sweet homecoming this Sunday in Jerusalem was turning out to be. No Jerusalem wasn’t really home, it was just the last stop along the way.
TRANSITION: Beyond the features of this homecoming day, the second level of this story we need to observe is . . .
II. THE FACES IN THE CROWD
A. Die Hards
These were the disciples of Jesus. We know that they were there because they were the ones who went into the village of Bethpage and got the donkey for Jesus to ride on.
These people had given up everything just to follow him. They were loyal, devoted and committed. For the past three years their lives revolved around their relationship with this man.
B. Bandwagon Jumpers
These were the curiosity seekers. Perhaps they saw Jesus as somewhat of a novelty. He had caused quite a stir by raising Lazarus from the dead. John 12:18 says, “Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign went out to meet him.”
Their commitment was not real deep, but they excited just the same. And they wanted in on what was happening. So they joined right in with the disciples. I don’t know for sure, but I would venture to say that some of these people were probably the ones waving their palm branches the hardest.
C. Grumpy Chaperones
These were the Pharisees, or the strict Jewish religious leaders. The ones who stood to the side with their arms folded and a look of disgust on their faces. Luke 19:39 says they told Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” They thought they whole event was out of control – so they were protesting to stop it.
But they had completely missed the point. They were afraid that Jesus would ruin the way things had always been.
D. Community Residents
These people were just doing their job in the city. Things were going pretty good, and all of a sudden here’s this big parade. So they asked in Matthew 21:10, “Who is this?” Because they didn’t know. Here was something new and they didn’t know what to make of it. They saw Jesus, but had not really heard of him before.
E. Resident Skeptics
These people just don’t buy it. They figure there has to be more to the story. This raising a man from the dead – just a lot of hoopla. They don’t believe in Jesus. They are the ones of whom Jesus says in Luke 19:42, “If you, even you had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.” These are the ones who just figure that Jesus gives people who are looking for that sort of thing something to get excited about. So they stay very detached and removed from the whole situation.
If this event were happening today, which face would be yours?
TRANSITION: The third level of this story that we need to look surrounds this. . .
III. FITTING WAYS TO HONOR A KING
Let’s suspend belief for a moment and just imagine together. Most of us here today probably believe that Jesus is the Supreme Being in the Universe. However, even though that belief is in place, that doesn’t automatically elicit a consistent lifestyle response. And there may be others here today who simply are not convinced Jesus is who the Christian faith claims he is. Want I want you to do is just lay aside your preconceived notion of who Jesus is for just a moment. If this man is the king of kings, then what is the appropriate human response? We can find it in the story:
A. We Are to Worship Him
The crowds cried “Hosanna!” It’s a transliterated Hebrew cry for help which really means, “Save!” By Jesus’ day it had come to be used as a statement of blessing or praise. The statement “Hosanna in the highest!” is roughly the equivalent of “Glory to God in the highest!”
Phil 2:9-11 tells us, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
If Jesus is the King of Kings, then a fitting response is to be completely submissive to him and lift up voices of praise without shame and worship him as the LORD! His followers would be so in awe of him that they would constantly pray to him and experience his presence with them.
B. We Are to Witness for Him
When the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke his disciples for giving him such honor and praise, in Luke 19, Jesus responded by saying, “I tell you if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!”
If Jesus is the King of Kings, then his followers will be so compelled to witness that it would be impossible to keep from doing it.
The prophet Jeremiah knew that feeling. Jeremiah 20:9 says, “But if I say, ‘I will not mention Him or speak any more in his name, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot.”
If Jesus is who he says he is, then there is no way his followers could keep quiet about him and the salvation he wants to freely give to everyone.
C. We Are to Welcome Him
Luke 19:41-42 tell us, “As he approached the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.”
He longed to be welcomed into their lives. But they weren’t ready. Jesus said in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
If Jesus is the King of Kings we will welcome him into our lives by obeying his teachings, and he will make his home with us. His followers will make him the most important thing in their lives so that everything becomes a reflection of their commitment to him. That’s the homecoming he really wants!
Now pick up your particular persuasion. If you believe he is the King, is this honestly how you respond to him? If you are unsure of who Jesus is, can you see the appropriate response to the record of him in the Bible? Are you willing to consider making him the King in your life? Would you like to follow him?
TRANSITION: We’ve looked at 3 levels of the Triumphal Entry story. We’ve seen the features of this Homecoming Day, the Faces in the crowd, and the fitting ways to honor him.
CONCLUSION
He is the King! I believe it with all my heart. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. My life is rooted in that belief.
He was the King when he entered Jerusalem, and he’s still the King today.
Jesus has something to say to every face in the crowd on this particular homecoming day:
If you are a die-hard: keep going! It’s worth it. I’m coming back soon! Don’t give up!
If you are a bandwagon jumper: Become more stable in your faith. Stop wavering. I will be here for you even when you’re not surrounded by others who believe.
If you are a grumpy chaperone: You can know peace the peace I came to bring. Stop fighting with me and let me be your friend.
If you are just a community resident: Get to know me! Don’t be confused by everything people say about me. Look for yourself in my Word. You’ll find me, because I’ve already found you.
If you are a resident skeptic: Jesus weeps over you. And whatever you believe about me, you can’t reason away the fact that I died because I believed you needed me to for your sins.
On Palm Sunday this year, we need to give Jesus the kind of homecoming he really deserves.
