Series: He is Risen

Sermon Title: His Journey Must Become Our Journey

As we are getting ready to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, we also consider the events that led up to it.  In doing so we come across a very spectacular moment in time.  This spectacular moment occurs when Jesus purposely sets in His heart to go to Jerusalem.  The crowds welcomed Him and even began to praise Him with palm branches as He began His triumphal entry.  It was a spectacular moment indeed. 

• But for what purpose?
• What is significant about this event?
• What is our response to this event?

That is what we hope to uncover today. This event was significant enough that it was recorded in all four synoptic gospels.  (Mt. Mk. Lk. Jn) We will read from Matthew’s account today.

Where Was Jesus Going?

Matthew 21:1-11

¹ Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives,

First off places are very significant in the Bible.  Places have names and names have meanings.  When a place is referred to in the Bible that is where the action is taking place.  That’s the part of the world that we are zoomed in at, which plays a part in God’s plan for mankind and the earth.

Matthew 20:29 And as they went out of Jericho

Jericho – a place of fragrance

Jericho was the first nation that God had given over to the Israelites. It was dedicated to destruction. It was the “first fruits” which belonged to God. Much like the first born of the livestock belonged to God. Jesus had left Jericho and went to Bethphage.

As Jericho was the first fruits, Jesus is said to be the firstborn of all creation.  As Colossians states “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

This speaks of Christ's preexistence. He is not a creature but the eternal Creator. God created the world through Christ and redeemed the world through Christ. Note that Jesus is called the first-born, not the first-created.

His willful sacrifice would become a sweet aroma which appeases the wrath of God on our behalf.  As Jericho was destined for destruction, Jesus was destined to die.

Jesus goes to Jericho, a place of fragrance, the first fruit. Just as Jericho meant a place of fragrance, Jesus’s obedience to the cross was a fragrance of worship. 

Bethphage - House of Unripe figs

It was a small village between Jericho and Jerusalem.  Figs in the Bible represent prosperity, well-being and security.  Figs were first mentioned in the book of Genesis when Adam and Eve made coverings for themselves out of fig leaves when they had realized they had sinned.  We have learned this was an insufficient covering for their sins. Only the blood of a pure spotless lamb (mainly Jesus) could atone for our sins.

The fig tree is often used as a gauge of the attitude and health of the Israelites.

• Full, vibrant, fruitful fig trees are symbols of a healthy, vibrant, faithful people. (Canaan)
• Empty, sick, barren fig trees are symbols of ill, suffering, sinful people (Jesus & fig tree)

The thing about Figs is that they are a Superfood:

• Rich in antioxidants. ... 
• May support healthy blood pressure. ... 
• May support bone health. ... 
• May improve diet quality and aid weight
• Promote digestive health

The main idea with the unripen figs is that though you can see the formation of the fruit, the full benefits of those figs would not be available just yet.  More time was still needed.  In a similar way more time would be needed before Jesus would finalize the establishment of His Kingdom which we see in

Revelation  21:1-3

¹ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

Jews living around the time of Jesus were highly anticipating the coming messiah who would set up His kingdom on earth with Jerusalem being the capital city.  He would rule the world in peace and righteousness from Jerusalem.

They were correct to an extent. Jesus is the king of Israel, and His kingdom would bring peace to all the nations.  However, their understanding of Jesus' kingship at this point is flawed.  They were expecting a complete takeover at that point.  They were hoping Jesus would overthrow the Roman Government and set up His throne in Jerusalem. They were thinking this must be the reason for going to Jerusalem.  They were getting ready to reign. 

If there was a lesson to be learned about the unripen figs, I believe it would be “not yet.” You will taste of the “promised land” “heaven” where there will be abundance and delicacies such as figs, I will establish my kingdomand dwell among my people and you will no longer have to deal with evil empires any longer.  But the time for that is not just yet.  This is not why we are currently going to Jerusalem.  Let’s continue

How did He Arrive?

then Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” ⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

⁵ “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
 humble, and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (also found in Zechariah 9:9)

It is fascinating to me that Jesus came riding into town on a donkey.  We know in His second return that He will be coming on a white horse, a stallion, He’ll have fire in His eyes and sword in His hand.  It will be a much more majestic scene then our story today which really demonstrates the humility of Jesus. 

Being that He was 100% God and 100% Man He could have easily arrived in a Luxurious chariot pulled by the most magnificent Breeds of Horses. He could have had a Band of trumpeters announcing His arrival or even better he could have had the host of heaven escorting Him into Jerusalem.  He could have had the “red carpet” rolled out in front of Him to show that His arrival was something to take notice.  But He instead chose a more humble approach, He chose a donkey. 

You may have heard that donkeys are a bit stubborn.  When a donkey senses danger, his natural reaction is to freeze in place and assess the situation. In most cases, he won't move a single step until he figures out the safest action.

There are times when a donkey isn't actually in a dangerous situation but thinks he is.  In which case they can usually be persuaded through good leadership and through rewards to move along as you would wish. The more he becomes aware he can trust you as a leader and that doing what you ask pleases you, he will seek the rewards of following your instructions rather than his instincts.

It is worth mentioning that this donkey examined the risks and was willing to separate from its master and go alongwith Jesus’s disciples.  Even as it escorted Jesus into Jerusalem and multitude of people were shouting, it continued to do what it was called to do.

There is a peace that is found in Jesus that causes even stubborn donkeys trust Him.  

How Was Jesus Received?

⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.⁸ Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” ¹⁰ And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” ¹¹ And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

1. Spread their cloaks on the road.

The Jews of His day wore two garments, an interior "coat" or "tunic" (an undergarment), and a more costly exterior cloak (outer garment). This cloak was used, not only as a jacket or overcoat during the day, but also as a covering to sleep under at night.

This was more than just an act of honor, this was also an acknowledgment and declaration that Jesus was not only a good person or a good teacher but rather He was the King of Kings, the promised Messiah.  No other person was worthy of such a gesture.

When we come to the realization of who Jesus is and what He has done for us in laying down His lifefor us, a proper response is to lay our lives down before Him just as the crowd laid down their cloaks. Meaning all that we are and all that we have should give way to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The talents you have, your identity, Your family, your financial gains, your status, they all should be submitted the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  He rules over all.

2. Cut Palm branches from the trees.

In the book of John we are given a little bit more detail regarding their response.

John 12:13

¹³ So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 

In the Old Testament Palm trees were tied with feasts and celebrations and they were used to honor royalty.

Leviticus 23:40-41

⁴⁰ And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. ⁴¹ You shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 

Also in the Old Testament, the Psalmist David compares the righteous to a palm tree:

Psalms 92:12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

The picture here is a righteous person who flourishes, who remains upright. 

Palms can reach up to 80’ in height.  Yet even under heavy winds the palm tree will bend but not break easily.  In fact, it takes winds of more than 145 mph to snap a palm tree.  This is because of its elasticity of the fiber of the palm. For this reason, Palm trees are symbols of victory.  Likewise, we have the victory because Christ was victorious. We may bend under the pressure of life, but we will not break because it is Christ who holds us together.  We will continue in our upward journey towards Christ just as the palm continues to reach toward the heavens.

So, the crowd took branches from these magnificent trees and they waved them before Jesus and began to shout Hosanna. Jesus was the king of the Jews and the Gentiles. His death, burial and resurrection would bring about the greatest victory to all who believes in Him.  There was reason to celebrate.  

3. They shouted Praise

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Only Upon having the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the “Son of David” the fulfillment of prophecy, could one declare “Hosannah.”

Hosanna - an exclamation of adoration “O Save!”  It was a plea for help.  A plea that was directed to the only person who could do something about their current condition. 

Hosanna! I believe that you are who you said you are.  I believe that you are who the prophets foretold about.  Save us! Take your rightful place as King in our lives.

4. They were stirred up (Kjv) Moved (seiō)- to agitate (disturb) the mind.

Merriam Webster – agitate - to excite and often trouble the mind or feelings of

The mind is agitated or disturbed is when something or someone challenges the principles upon which it has been shaped. 

• Perhaps it did not make sense for their much-anticipated King to come to them riding on a donkey. He came in meekness and did not come in the way or manner which they thought He would.
• How could anything good come from Nazareth others wondered, Isn’t he the carpenter’s son. These questions and more disturbed their minds.
• Could this really be the messiah?
• If He was the messiah, how it would all go down.
• Would the Roman guards be called in to keep the order?
• Would there be an epic battle and would there be loss of life?
• How does this affect me and my family?

His arrival in Jerusalem must have stirred or agitated their minds greatly. However, the entry into Jerusalem with waving palms was a short-lived preview of the eternal Palm Sunday to come.   

Revelation 7:9-10

⁹ After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Only Recap:

• On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus travels through Jericho (Place of Fragrance) to Bethphage (place of unripen figs)

• He arrived humbly riding on a donkey (the beast of burden.) Under His leadership the donkey was not startled or alarmed.

• Jesus was welcomed with, people laying down their cloaks, waving of palm tree branches, and shouts of Hosannah. He was acknowledged as the much anticipated Messiah. Though He went to Jerusalem to die.

• This event was a shadow of what was to come at the end of the age.

The correct response to this event is to ask yourself the question “How does this event affect me, my family, and my sphere of influence?”

What must I do to be a part of the congregation who will wave their palm branches in their hands when the Lord returns? 

*What we all must learn—is that following Jesus has a cost. 

Jesus' journey to Jerusalem must become our journey.

As Jesus took the humble approach, we too must come to the Father with great humility. 

         James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Though donkeys are reluctant to get themselves into danger, it was assured by the nearness of the Master.  We too can have inner peace and calm in our heart regardless of what we face if we trust in the master.  

As the people laid down their cloaks for Jesus to ride upon, we must allow His kingship to reign over our lives.

As the people waved palm branches in adoration for who He is, Let us also magnify the Lord and bless His holy name for He is our deliverer.

If Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem to die, we must set our face to die with him. 

What does that mean?

         Romans 8:13-14

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

The death that we are called to as followers of Jesus is the dying to our sinful fleshly desires.  But the life that we are also called to, is life through the Spirit of God.

His journey must become our Journey.