Morgan Memorial, Washington Ave. Dated: 6 – 13 – 1982
Matthew 21:1-116
Then 6 days before the passover Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was. They made Him a supper – Martha served – Lazarus sat at the table with Him. Mary anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
A Beautiful Way for A King to Make His Entry – John 12:1-3
The Lord Jesus Christ knew all things.
He knew God’s will for Him.
He know why He came into the world.
Now as we move on into the gospel story, we can understand that He knew His earthly ministry was drawing to a close.
He knew the hour was approaching when He must finish His mighty works by dying on the cross.
In times past He had kept this mission secret.
Now there is no longer any more need to do this.
The Lamb of God should not come to die privately and silently.
Before He dies every eye must be fxed upon Him.
Everyone must know. He was ready for it.
In a grand public demonstration as final notice to the Holy city, He entered amid the Hallelujahs and Hosannas of the multitude.
Joy was everywhere. They thought deliverance was at hand.
They thought Jesus would set up His kingdom.
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem and He stopped outside the village of Bethpage.
He sent two disciples into the village.
He told them they would find a donkey at a certain place, with a colt beside her.
They were to untie her and bring her to Jesus.
If any questions were asked just say the Lord hath need of them.
They did exactly as Jesus told them. They brought the animals to Him.
Then a saddle of clothing was put upon the donkey.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem.
As He rode great crowds went before Him and cried out Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
The city was moved.
Who is this?…and the crowd of Jesus answered “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”
Now all the people of the city went out to meet Him.
They cut branches of palm trees and put them in the road and waved them.
And cried.
Now let us learn several lessons from this presentation.
I. WE LEARN THAT JESUS HAD A PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF ALL THINGS
He knew where the donkey would be tied, and that she would have a colt by her side.
He knew what the owner would say “Why loose ye the colt?”
Nothing is hidden today from His eyes. He knows our motives and why we are here.
He sees all our deeds. Night or day, you can’t get away from His eyes.
(attitude…did we come to worship?)
He will call us to account, both here and in the hereafter. (For the way we receive His son)
II. WE NOTICE HERE HOW PROPHECY WAS FULFILLED
450 years before this time, Zachariah 9:9 prophesied Jesus would come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He knew what He was talking about.
His second coming will also be fulfilled.
No doubt about it Jesus said “I will come again.” Look for Him.
III. WE SEE HERE THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST
He could have had he most beautiful span of horses. NO, He was sweet and humble, and friendly.
His ear is always open to our cry – when we need Him.
IV. WE LEARN THAT MANS APPLAUSE ARE FLEETING THINGS
On one day the crowds cried out Hosanna.
Four days later it is probable that many of the same people were in the crowd crying out “Crucify Him. Crucify Him! Let His blood be on us and our children.”
Some people in the USA who were once the man of the hour, died in rags and poverty – forgotten by all.
The only one we can really depend on is Jesus.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
HE never changes, but we may…
So let all our trust be in Christ – the only hope.
V. HOW ARE WE TO RECEIVE THE COMING KING
Christ is continually coming to individual hearts throughout the world.
All colors and tongues – every nation.
Some welcome Him.
Others despise and reject Him.
How should we receive Him?
I. WITH HUMBLE REVERANCE
We must remember that He is the Lord of Glory – all powerful.
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
The humble saviour is now elted in the Heavens, but still reaches out to us.
Let us therefore receive Hm and His word – with reverance.
II. WITH JOYFUL ACCLAMATION
As the disciples and the multitude rejoiced and greeted Him as King of Israel – so should we.
When they remembered His wondrous words and deeds and the carious proofs He had given, that He was the promised Messiah.
Let us hail Him as or great spiritual deliverer and remembering His grace in us and others – and as we see Him advancing conquering and to conquer – REJOICE!
By His power of love in the hearts of men, let us join in rendering Him praise due Him…
III. WITH UNWAVERING LOYALTY
Let us not imitate the fickle multitude.
Why does He still come to our hearts asking for admission?
Because men are lost without Him!
If any man hear My voice and open the door I will come in to him….
Because by his self-sacrificial love can we be saved.
Surely, then we too with the heart and voice we join the thronging multitude of every age and nation in the acclaim – Hosanna – Blessed be the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the LORD!
Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and will open the door of your heart I will come in. For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
CONCLUSION
1st John 1:9 – If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave
1 – with humble reverance
2 – with joyful acclamation
3 – with unwavering Loyalty