Palm Sunday
gtcotr/ss040906
Key Passage: John 12 NKJV
1 ¶ Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.
2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.
3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Last week we began our Easter sermon series by following Jesus during the last two weeks before His crucifixion.
Next Sunday is Easter: The day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
Last Sunday in history began the week Jesus left the Galilee and walked south along the Jordan River to the city of Jericho. Along the way He spoke many parables and healed several people.
Jesus knew He was on His last earthly journey to Jerusalem. Stopping in Jericho, Jesus met Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was unaware that this was the last chance to meet Jesus and perhaps his last chance to change.
To find out what Zacchaeus did and how his story can be your chance to change, access the archived messages online at cotr.com or you can order a tape or CD from our information booth in the foyer.
Now, here we are this morning only one week from Easter. Today is part two in our three part Easter sermon series.
Here we are, sitting in a church in Southeast Texas, on the first day of the week, a very special week, Passover week, 2006.
Passover is always the 15th day of the Jewish month, Nissan, which this year corresponds to the 13th of April on our calendar. Actually Passover begins at sunset on the evening before, this year it begins Wednesday evening, the 12th. Now here we are:
But, I don’t want to lose you in all the details, the question is: where was Jesus on this same day in history, the first day of the week, Passover week, in about the year AD 30, the last Passover He would spend on earth before going to the cross?
As best as my studies can conclude, given that the account is recorded in all four of the Gospels, Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19 and John 12, Jesus must have arrived in the small village of Bethany, almost two miles outside of the city walls of Jerusalem, just on the Eastern crest of the Mount of Olives, on Friday, late afternoon, just before sunset and the beginning of what the Jews still call Shabbat HaGadol - The Great Sabbath -- which is the Sabbath just prior to Passover.
We get this chronology from John’s account. Incidentally, Shabbat HaGadol for this year was yesterday, April 8th.
Now that we know when and where Jesus is, let’s turn in our bibles to the book of Mark to continue this story.
Mark 11 KJV
1 ¶ And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Notice the young colt in this story: Perhaps this colt is you!
This young colt speaks of Jesus’ desire to cultivate new leadership.
Notice in verse 4 that this colt was tied in a place where two roads met:
4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
Many of you today are standing at the point of decision in life.
Jesus is sending His disciple your way to “loose you” from the things which hold you …
Why?
If any person questions why? I tell you … It’s because:
“The Lord has need of you!”
Jesus wants to go to your city, your school, your family, your workplace, your social places and into your friendships and He wants you to carry Him.
The Gospel needs a vehicle and you are His chosen vessel.
I have been sent today to untie you, let me set you free this morning. Come with me to Jesus. I will take my garment and place it over you and equip you to carry Jesus to your world.
How many of you will say this morning:
“Pastor, I am standing at the point of decision in my life.”
“I feel like the Lord has need of me.”
“I am willing to let Jesus ride on my back.”
“I will answer the call.”
Then take the first step right now, come, come now! If you are serious, come to the altar and let me place my garment of prayer over you so that you will leave here today, a carrier of God’s Word to a lost and hurting world.
You know, it says in John 12 that many important people believed that Jesus was the Messiah, Son of David, the promised King of the Jews, but they did not publicly identify with Him because they were afraid it would hurt their image, their standing in their community … it might make others mad at them.
John 12
42 ¶ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
What a sad story.
Like the story of Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. (John 3:2) Or the story of Joseph of Arimathaea, (John 19:38), a secret believer who only after Jesus’ crucifixion, confessed having a relationship with Him. Why did he wait?
Don’t wait until it’s too late for you. Come now and say: “Here I am Jesus - I believe in You - If You can use me - use me!” Come now! Just as you are.
