Image via WikipediaBEHOLD THE LAMB OF GODAn Easter Series -- Part 1 of 7
Introduction
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the religious authorities began to intensify and focus their efforts to have Jesus put to death. During the days leading up to His crucifixion, the crowds poured out their praise for Him, ready to make Him king, then later at the prompting of the religious authorities, joined in calling for His death. But there were still a good many believers and most of the people’s praise was sincere even though the later actions were misguided. Still, the result was the necessary death and payment for sin. I want to call your attention to and remind you of some of the things this great event means for us today.
I. Jesus Must Be Received as the Messiah and King
It is right that there should have been a great outpouring of praise for Jesus. He received very little praise on this earth; He could not be denied this moment or the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40). He who had been praised in heaven from all eternity would know only a little praise during His life on earth, considering who He was.
A. They had sincere praise for His works that they had seen, including the raising of Lazarus.
B. Some thought Jesus would free them from the Romans
C. Prophecy Had To Be Fulfilled (Matt. 21:5, John 12:15). This event fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 (NASB):
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
D. His entry, though humble, demonstrated His royalty.
E. He was met as the Messiah and King.
II. Jesus Demonstrated His Spiritual Kingship
A. As King of a spiritual kingdom, He went to the spiritual rather than government “palace,” that is, the Temple.
B. Jerusalem is the city of the great King, the beloved city. His own city, from which He in His millennial kingdom will rule.
C. He wept over the city, knowing her fate because of rejection of God’s message.
D. Further demonstrating His spiritual kingship, He later went to the temple and healed the blind and the lame.
People, including children, were saying, “Hosanna to the son of David.” [ Mt 21:16 “…out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise…” ] The authorities were indignant, mostly because of envy.
E. He left the city and lodged in Bethany, probably at the home of Lazarus and his sisters.
F. All this contrasts greatly to the later events of the week!
III. His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Was Stirring for the People.
It is believed that there were at least 3,000 people witnessing it. No one was unaffected. The whole city took notice of it, even those who didn’t see it.
A. He stirred praise and worship.
Some were already wholehearted believers. Many who witnessed the raising of Lazarus thought Jesus must be the Messiah. Jesus’ acceptance of their praise as Son of David confirmed this for them. They placed their garments in His path, and cut tree branches for it.
B. He stirred admiration and expectation.
Some who had no spiritual worship for Him had admired Him and hoped He would free them from the Romans. When He did not take on this task, their disappointment turned them many of them against Him.
C. He stirred hate and opposition. He asserted spiritual authority.
1. He cursed the barren fig tree. This shows His authority over nature, and by this symbol, His wrath against an impressive appearance not supported by good works (fruit). This seems to picture the Pharisees, whom He soon denounced directly.
2. By His second cleansing of the temple, He again asserted His authority over it. He was challenged by the authorities, but they would not answer His question about the authority of John the Baptist, and dared not question Him further.
a. He drove out those who were making unjust profit from religion.
b. He drove out those who hindered worship
c. He drove out those had become a hindrance to prayer and worship for others.
D. He strongly denounced the scribes and Pharisees.
Their hypocrisy was so obvious to Him and any serious observer, yet they held sway over and commanded respect from the people. Jesus acknowledged their authority to teach, but strongly criticized their lack of concern, their unbearable pride, and their rejection of God’s Son. Beyond the direct denunciation of them, His parables illustrate His points.
E. He is opposed by many today, including religious and political leaders.
1. Some who want to merge Christian beliefs with those of other religions
2. Unbelieving “ministers.” A man who does not believe the gospel has no business being in the ministry.
3. Some who profess to be Christians, but deny or distort the basic teachings of the Bible.
4. Some who are so concerned about offending people of other religions, they don’t want to have their own supposed faith proclaimed.
5. Some appear much more interested in making money and gaining a following than in ministering to the needs of the people.
F. Some who praised Him were later persuaded to call for His crucifixion.
Not everyone who starts to follow Him is a true believer. Some are looking for an opportunity to criticize, deny, and betray. They do religious things without the Spirit of God. Many who called for His crucifixion had second thoughts and probably became true Christians. There is still hope if a person is willing to accept God‘s terms. But there comes a time when it’s too late.
G. Proclamation of the Gospel Will Stir Up Many, and will Affect Everyone.
1. If there is no response, the Gospel has not been preached.
2. Our response to Him must go beyond momentary praise to a life-changing decision.
3. Our decision leads to a life lived in a manner worthy of the gospel.
4. We are secure in our salvation once we receive it by faith.
5. We should be only too happy to tell others about it.
IV. He Showed the Spiritual Character of His Kingdom
His statement the next day, about being lifted up (John 12:32), which for some was not consistent with their idea of the Messiah. He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” He was about to be lifted up on the cross, then at the Ascension, then in the gospel message.
Conclusion
We Need To Have Him Make a Triumphal Entry into Our Heart, Life, Church and Nation.
His triumphal entry was prepared for, celebrated, and well-deserved. He deserves the praise of all, always. Unlike the people in Jerusalem that day, we should not simply praise Him then abandon Him, but let Him into our hearts, whatever anyone says about it.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version except as noted.
Photo: Entry into Jerusalem; Christ (played by Anton Lang) and John, with donkey; at the Oberammergau passion play, Bavaria, Germany, 1900. Public domain.
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