TEXT: LUKE 19: 29-44
READING: PSALM 148: 1-14
SUBJ: The highly significant but unusual manner of our Lord's declaration of triumph over sin and death before He had accomplished and the worship that attended the event.
AIM: That we might learn from the example of these worshipers and so see, through eyes of faith, the majesty they saw in Him.
INTR: Today is typically referred to as Palm Sunday in reference to the event described in our text. While there is no scriptural call to a special observance, we will give attention to it as we would any other timely event.
1. In making that statement note that the aim of this passage is not so much His entry into Jerusalem as it was the spontaneous reaction of the crowd with Him.
2. We are shown here worship in simplicity and truth and we would avoid the attempts of men to add their own sense of grandeur to the elegant expressions of the Word.
3. Thus, we would note that Christ appeared in all humility but His majesty shown through and was recognized by those who beheld Him by eyes of faith.
THESIS: The true worship of God will never be hindered by circumstances and His majesty not in any way dependent on the perceptions of men.
I. Submission to the sovereignty of Christ (vv. 29-35)
1. It is always a great delight to see creation respond to the directives of Christ our Lord such as the winds, the sea, and a fig tree that He would curse.
2. There were obvious times when His Apostles questioned His directions and acted in their own will.
3. This was not the case on this day as we shall note:
1) They were given directions that seemed open to question but were obeyed without a word.
2) A specific description was given them, and they obeyed and
3) They were provided with an answer to any who should question what they were doing.
4) Again, His directions were not questioned.
5) The owners raised no objection.
4. The colt on which He was to ride was special in that it was prophesied.
1) We further note that this was an unbroken colt (see v. 30)
2) Yet, the animal submitted to its creator and did not resist His weight upon its back.
3) This is the first of two references here to the natural world and its testimony against those who would chafe at the yoke we are bidden to put on.
II. Submission to the Majesty of Christ (vv. 36-40)
1. We often hear this term used in showing respect to those considered as royalty.
1) Synonyms: stateliness, dignity, magnificence, pomp, solemnity, grandeur, grandness, splendor, resplendence, glory.
2) Compare these words to those used by Isaiah in chapter 6.
2. The unusual thing here is that nothing like these things was apparent here:
1) We have man in ordinary clothing sitting on an unclean animal (He may have been redeemed as was required under the Law)
2) The disciples used their clothes in the absence of a saddle.
3) There was no advanced guard and no heralding of His appearance in any way.
4) Were it not for the crowd He might have gone unnoticed.
3. But these people saw something that the world cannot see, and they remain blinded unto this day. They were quite vocal in their praise.
1) They were rejoicing and praising God for mighty works they had witnessed.
2) They spread their clothes in the way and cut branches to acknowledge His majesty (no red carpet needed). He had preached the Gospel to the poor and needy and there was more value in what they spread in His path that all the gold in the world.
3) It would be said of others, "she hath done what she could."
4) They were acknowledging Him as the Messiah and their King (the language of v. 38 is similar to that which was declared at His birth).
4. That the scene was unseemly in the eyes of men is witnessed in the reaction of the Pharisees that were present.
1) They saw neither majesty nor dignity and were much offended.
2) And they wanted them silenced. It must have seemed to them total nonsense.
3) His answer must have astounded them - Our God will be praised even if the rocks must do it.
4) Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalms 148:7-13)
III. Compassion in triumph (vv. 41-44)
1. Despite all He knew of rejection and denial, He still had compassion on His people the Jews.
2. We consider the impact on Him that He was moved to tears at what He knew of their demise and of the end of all who deny Him.
3. What is the impact on us?
