Message: The Center of Your Circle

Luke 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

• Introduction:  I want to begin today with a confession.  If it weren’t for the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, I would be one of the most selfish people on the planet.  There’s more.  I know Jesus as my Savior, and His Spirit dwells within me, yet I still sometimes find myself being selfish.  At times, I even find myself doing good things for selfish reasons.  I can testify that the Spirit is helping me, and for that I am grateful. 
  • The Lord has given all of us a survival instinct that, in proper alignment, is helpful.  This survival instinct keeps me from falling off of tall buildings, it helps me (mostly) drive the speed limit, and it reminds me that I should not spend all my savings on golf clubs so that I can eat tomorrow.  🙂
  • However, this survival instinct, if unchecked, can make us selfish and people who are always looking after themselves without considering others. 
• This reality could easily make me respond incorrectly to Jesus’s example in the Triumphal Entry. 
• Does any of this speak personally to you? 
• As we look at our text today, we see Jesus triumphantly entering the city, and at the same time, he is weeping.
• Jesus is weeping—some insight into his weeping. 
  •  Weeping could also be translated as wailing. 
    • Jesus is deeply moved amid the rejoicing.
    • It is the original, “It’s my party, and I will cry if I want to.” 
  • He weeps for the city and not for himself. 
  • Let’s look at the text again,
    • 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
  • He weeps for a city filled with spiritually blinded people.
    • I went to Israel with Steve Thigpen and my brother some years ago.   When we entered Jerusalem, the tour guide announced, “Welcome to the holy city filled with many unholy people.” 
    • Jerusalem means “city of peace,” but the city of peace would lose out on peace.  Why?  They preferred a military messiah to free them from Roman bondage instead of a spiritual Messiah who would bring freedom from sin. 
• How could people in such proximity to Jesus miss it? 
• Illustration:  This is the weekend of the Masters Golf Tournament.  Most of you couldn’t care less.  However, for golfers, it is the Super Bowl of sport.  Right now, the golfer who is on top of the golf world is a guy named Scotty Scheffler.  Scotty is a devout follower of Jesus, and years ago, he selected a caddy named Ted Scott.  The biggest reason.  He was also a very committed follower of Jesus.  In an interview leading up to this week’s tournament, this is what Ted Scott said,
• If you put yourself in the center of your circle, it always leads to misery. But if you put Christ at the center of your circle, you will be led to purpose and life.
• That day, as Jesus was ushered into the city, he knew that he was surrounded by a bunch of people whose propensity was to place themselves and their desires at the center of their circle.
• Their greatest desire was for a political messiah, and that desire would lead them to destruction in less than a generation. 
• Look with me.  Jesus proclaims,
• 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
  • Do you see it?  A people who find themselves inside a circle that will be absent of Jesus is a circle that closes in on itself and brings destruction. 
• As the people waved palm branches representing military victory, they missed out on the donkey representing peace. 
• Again, how could people in such proximity to Jesus miss it? 
• Let’s zoom in on the crowd and look at some people closest to Jesus.  How about those who were in his inner circle?
• Let’s begin with
  • Simon Peter
  • Matthew 16: 21 NIV From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
    • What’s happening here?  Simon Peter may be in the inner circle of Jesus yet he is more worried about being the center of his own circle. 
• How about the Zebedee brothers?
• James and John (Sons of Zebedee)Mark 10: 35 NIV Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” Later in the text, the other disciples are “indignant”…. Upset.  Why?  There is likely a part of them that desires the same position. 
• The takeaway: The very men in Jesus’s inner circle battled the temptation to want to be the center of their own circle. 
• Illustration: The Mouse Trap Story.
  • We battle the same temptation. 
• Conclusion:  Our small stories connected to HIs bigger story. 
• What is the correct response to the Triumphal Entry? 
• Model the posture of Jesus.  What is the posture of Jesus?
• Zechariah prophesied that he would come “humble, riding on a donkey.”
• Zechariah got it right.  Jesus would, and He is calling us to do the same. 
• Conclusion:  Here’s the truth.  Jesus has drawn a circle, and he has placed your name at the center of it.  We truly understand life when we draw a circle and put him and his mission in the center of our circle. 
• Basin Theology.  It is a theology modeled in our posture to put others first. 

Series: The Road to the Cross 

Message: True Triumph 

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 

• Good morning, Church of the Nazarene! If you have a copy of God’s Word or your phone, please turn to the Gospel of Luke 19 with me.   

• Introduction:  One of the keys to effective communication is getting your listeners to connect with you and feel comfortable with you.  So, in preparation for speaking today, I have been tuning in online to do research.    So to help, I replaced my traditional water with a Gatorade. 🙂  Does that help?  Also, I want to go ahead and get it out.  Don’t I look really handsome today? 🙂 In all seriousness.  What an absolute privilege I have to stand before you today.  Many of you are well aware of my deep connection to this church. I want you to know that I have loved your pastor since I met him and have deep connections with the staff and leadership of this amazing community of faith.  Thank you for affording me this opportunity.  (TECH TEAM: MAKE SURE TO USE NLT) 

• Luke 19:28 NLT 28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. 36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” 

• So let’s understand the bigger picture today before we dive into the text we just read.   

• In the infinite wisdom of your pastor, staff, and leadership, you have been welcomed into this series “The Road to the Cross.”  Why?   

• This series centers on the most significant week in the history of the world: Holy Week.   

• This road to the cross is so significant this week because it is marked by the love and compassion of our Savior, Jesus Christ.   

• Let me explain. The New Testament has four gospels that tell of the life of Jesus.   

• You have Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels because they are so similar in focus and information. John chooses to be different by leaving out some of their information and focusing on information they didn’t share.   

• However, did you know that 30% of all three gospels are specifically focused on the events of Holy Week?   

• Also, 43% of John’s gospel centers on Holy Week alone.   

• The Triumphal Entry is one of the stops on this crucial road to the Cross.   

• As we dive into the text today, good leaders and learners have discovered the power of asking great questions. I have had the privilege of pastoring the same church for 23 years. In those years, I have found that asking questions helps me learn and helps my staff and leadership know what is essential to fulfilling the church’s mission. The questions you ask will be critical to the success or failure of your leadership.  Here’s the thing: Sometimes, I ask questions to gain valuable insight, and other times, I ask questions I already know the answers to to benefit those I’m serving and leading.   

• Over the last few weeks, as I have prayed, studied, and prepared to be with you, the Spirit led me to a great question that finds its genesis in our Scripture today.   

• Ready for the question?  Here it is.  

• Who has the ultimate authority in my life?   

• This is an important question. I make it singular because we will each have to ask it individually.   

• It can’t be who has the ultimate authority in our lives because this isn’t a decision we make in a group.   

• Illustration: This is a brutal admission. I first visited this church 30+ years ago. I was a college student then, and I came to see my oldest brother, the lead pastor of this congregation. This was a “Church of the Nazarene classic.” It was so “old school” that this property was still a field, and the church met on Roosevelt Street.   

• When I walked through the doors of that Church on Roosevelt Street, I had plenty of knowledge about Jesus Christ, but Jesus had not been given authority over my life.  I fit in just fine with everyone here.  I was the pastor’s brother, and I knew the church lingo.  Yet I was living in rebellion. I will share more on that later.  

• Considering the question, who has the ultimate authority in my life? Today’s message has two basic focuses: To help us…. 

• Understand God’s authority as revealed in Scripture. 

• To help us….   

• Understand our response to Jesus’ authority in our lives.   

• In our text today, the authority of Jesus jumps from the page.   

• TECH TEAM:  I will move quickly through v. 29b, 30, and 31.   

• Let’s begin in 29b.   

• He sent two disciples ahead (29b).  

• Jesus is sending and giving instructions to his disciples.  He’s calling the shots.   

• Now look at verse 30.   

• 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 

• So, Jesus is giving instruction that requires foreknowledge.  They haven’t just left the village but are instead approaching it.  Jesus says, “Go into that village over there.”   

• In my imagination, I see Jesus saying, “Go through the main gate.  Take a right at the first intersection near the market.  Take a left at the corner with the barking dog, and the donkey will be tied to a post a few doors down.”   

• Once you get to the young donkey, untie it and return it to me. If anyone questions you, just tell them the Lord needs it.  

• Oh Ok! That makes perfect sense. Not!  

• Context/Illustration:  Let’s just say we dismiss the service today, and on your way to your vehicle, you see two guys trying to hotwire your car.  You ask, What are you doing?  They respond, “The Lord needs it.”  What do you do next?  You dial 911. 😁 

• 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said.  33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 

• The authority of Jesus is on full display in the text.   

• However, there is more. The authority of Jesus can be found in some details that can be missed if not examined closely.  Return with me to verse 30… 

• 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. 

• Jesus is choosing to ride in on a young donkey, and this decision to enter a city on such an animal would have been strange to many.   

• Why? This is supposed to be a triumphal entry, and these entries were common and established by kings who returned victoriously from war. When kings returned victorious from war, they almost always chose to ride in on this…. 

• Show the photo of the king on a stallion.  Kings often marched into cities like this.  

• TECH: SHOW STALLION AND KING PHOTO.  Kings rode in on corvettes—these stallion warhorses were the nicest transportation in town.    

• So, how about Jesus?  Jesus rode in like this… 

• TECH: SHOW JESUS RIDING IN ON A DONKEY PHOTO.  

• Corvettes don’t need an introduction. However, now that we see Jesus on a donkey, I have to ask a question.  How many of you know what a Chevette is?   

• Jesus didn’t ride in on a Corvette but rather a Chevette.   

• Jesus demonstrated his authority in this situation by choosing the donkey.   

• Can everyone say together: Why the donkey?   

• Let’s begin with the apparent reason revealed in another portion of scripture.  Some 500 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Zechariah would proclaim.  

• Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you.  He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.  10 I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. 

• The authority of Jesus was testified to by a prophet who lived 500 years before Jesus entered our world.  Praise the Lord!  

• I want to submit that an apparent detail could have predicted that Jesus would ride that donkey long before Zechariah’s prophecy.   

• I showed you a photo of Jesus on a donkey earlier.  However, let me show you a picture of a donkey from a different angle and perspective.   

• TECH TEAM: Use this photo or any other photo that prominently shows the “donkey cross.”  

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g186402-d7348820-i275673905-The_Donkey_Sanctuary_Birmingham-Birmingham_West_Midlands_England.html 

• Could it be from the foundations of the world that God, demonstrating his ultimate authority, would put the signature of the cross on the very animal who would have the honor of carrying the Son of God?   

• The authority of Jesus is discovered not only in the sign of the cross on the back of the donkey, but the scripture is clear that the donkey that Jesus chose to ride in on had never been ridden.   

• Not many of us in the room have ever tried to ride a horse or donkey that hasn’t been broken.  Why?  It is one of the most dangerous things a person can do.   

• So, as Jesus rides this donkey (that had not been broken) into this boisterous crowd, which is screaming and laying things down in front of him, it is just another subtle reminder that Jesus is ultimately in authority.   

• Return with me to the text. 

• 38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” 

• So, as Jesus rides in on this donkey with His full authority on display for the crowd who are worshipping him and celebrating him, we must be prepared for a significant plot twist.   

• Following Jesus proclaims, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers.” Here’s what would happen.   

• Jesus would weep over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44).   

• Jesus would, with righteous indignation, drive the cheating money changers out of the temple (Luke 19:46-48).   

• Jesus’ authority would be questioned (Luke 20:1-8). 

• Judas would betray Jesus (Luke 22:1-6).  

• Jesus would have his Last Supper with his disciples, and then shortly after would be arrested by the authorities, abandoned, and denied by his friends (Luke 22:7-71). 

• He would then stand before Pilate as a common criminal who seems to have no authority.  Many people in the crowd who celebrated him as King just hours ago are now chanting, “Crucify Him,” “Crucify Him.”  He would be found guilty and sentenced to die by crucifixion (Luke 23). 

• Now, suddenly, the authority should be questioned…right?  

• Things were lining up earlier, and the Scripture points to Jesus being entirely in control.   However, now all these bad things are happening, and it seems Jesus has no authority.   

• Let me explain by returning to the Triumphal Entry and two prominent symbols that would clash.   

• The Palm branch and the donkey.   

• You see, palm branches and donkeys don’t go together, at least not in the way that the crowd anticipated.   

• The palm branch was a sign of victory in competition and battle.  Victorious kings would ride into town on their war horse stallions, and people would celebrate military success and victory.   

• However, as the crowd waved palm branches, Jesus was riding a donkey, and as he rode, the words of Zechariah return to our ears.    

• Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you.  He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.  10 I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. 

• The problem arose here: The crowd wanted a King who would deliver them from Rome’s bondage. Jesus came not to set a particular group of people free politically, but to see all humanity free from sin.   

• This truth leads us to the second focus of our message.   

• To let us….  

• Understand our response to Jesus’ authority in our lives.   

• As we look at the Triumphal entry, we realize that….  

• As the people waved palm branches and declared Jesus their King, they had a condition.   

• A vast majority of the crowd was proclaiming,  

• Jesus, you are my King if you deliver us from Rome.  

• However, Jesus didn’t meet their condition, and when he didn’t meet their condition, they turned on him.   

• So it is appropriate for us to ask.   

• Do we have conditions? 

• So, I asked a question at the beginning of our message today that we all need to ask individually. The question is… 

• Who has the ultimate authority in my life?  

• Here’s how you find the answer.  It is explained in a basic sentence structure conversation.  Here me out:   

• “Jesus, you are my King” is an independent clause that stands alone. Does the clause end with an exclamation point or continue with a conjunction?  

• Let me explain…. 

• Jesus, you are my King if ______________________.  

• Can you fill in the blank?  If you fill the blank with anything, it reveals that Jesus has a conditional kingship in your life.  

• Jesus, you are my King if you bless me financially.   

• Jesus, you are my King if you give me a spouse.   

• Jesus, you are my King if you keep my kids safe.   

• Jesus, you are my King if you give me a new home.   

• When Jesus has the ultimate authority in your life, the independent clause remains independent and concludes with an exclamation mark.   

• Jesus, you are my King!  

• Conclusion:  Here’s the staggering truth for us today.   

• Jesus has authority over this earth and all of creation, yet he doesn’t force his authority on our individual lives.  

• He leaves it up to us.   

• 30+ years ago, I walked into the doors of this congregation, and at that time in my life, I had a form of religion, and yet I was living in rebellion.   

• What has changed? God revealed to me the truth of Romans 2:4.   

• Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 

• His kindness led me to repentance. His kindness led me to surrender.   

• Response: Does Jesus Christ have the ultimate authority in your life?   

NOTES 

Does Jesus have a conditional kingship in your life? Jesus wants to know the strings attached.  If you can fill in the blank with anything, it is likely that you desire what Jesus can do for you more than you desire Jesus himself.   

Jesus rides  

Jesus is my King is an independent clause, meaning it stands alone.  However, if you put a comma after King the rest of the sentence is a dependent clause that requires the independent clause.   

Who has authority in my life?   

In this story, at the beginning of the week, it is clear that Jesus has complete authority and control of the situation, but as the week progresses, it appears that Jesus has no authority at all.   

The day that Jesus rode into town on the donkey was four days before passover.  It was on this very day that the lambs would be chosen in the temple for sacrifice.   

While the donkey is a common animal, in some Jewish mystical texts, the word “chamor” is linked to the concept of “material” or “matter” (chomer), suggesting the donkey can be a symbol of materialism and crassness. 

Jesus is my King as long as he ________ 

For the people, it was Jesus is my King as long as he defeats Rome.   

What is it for? If you can fill in this blank with anything, then you have a conditional kingship with Christ.  Jesus doesn’t want a conditional kingship.  I need to be King of your life with no strings attached.  If you can fill in the blank, the truth is that you are more interested in what God can do for you than who he is to you.   

The most miserable people on the planet are half-committed Christians.  You have just enough of Jesus to be sad in the world, and you are just enough in the world that you are miserable in Jesus.   

Old Chinese Proverb.  The One who tries to walk down both sides of the road will split his pants.   

Choose your hard.  To follow Jesus with all your heart and life is hard.  However, it is a lot harder not to follow Jesus.  To be faithful in your tithes and offerings (especially at the beginning) is hard, but being stingy with God is much harder.     

“Blessed is the King of Israel.”  Question: What kind of king did the people have in mind? A, king who could feed the masses, raise the dead, or throw off the yoke of Rome.  Someone who could smooth out the inconveniences and annoyances of life.  Would the crowd have been so energetic and lavish in its praise if it had understood just what kind of king Jesus offered himself to be?  Jesus, in allowing the people to celebrate, was fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9.  

Sunday evening notes: The temptation for a wrong response to the Triumphal Entry.   

The animal that Jesus chose to ride in on was an unspoken hint to the kind of king Jesus came to be. Jesus, as the Son of God, had his choice of animals to ride in on. He didn’t choose some sleek, dark stallion, which would be the preference for military leaders, but rather a humble and meek donkey, which symbolizes the type of Kingdom that Jesus would rule over.  It is so easy to miss.  Even the inner circle of Jesus missed it: Simon Peter would be rebuked by Jesus when he tried to rebuke Jesus for predicting that he would be mistreated, arrested, and crucified.  At another point, the Zebedee brothers in a very carnal way were preoccupied with their own position in Jesus’ kingdom (Mark 10:37).   

The three men who made up the inner circle aren’t my favorite disciples.  Who is?  Andrew the Bringer who at no point in the message cared about his position or making Jesus something that he wouldn’t be.  He was simply to busy bringing people to Jesus.   

At the same time the Pharisees are disturbed because Jesus is interfering with their lives and religious system. “See this is getting us nowhere.  Look how the whole world has gone after him.”  In their zero-sum world, if Jesus advanced, they could only decline. 

Session #3 – April 13, 2025 – Palm Sunday (Stephen Willis in Harrisonburg) 

The Road to the Cross 

Series Purpose: 

After hearing this series – leading up to and including Easter – members of the congregation will 

view the cross – and those who surrounded it – in a different light, getting a fresh glimpse of 

the power of the Cross for their lives today. They will see the cross as a sign of victory for the 

21st century believer. 

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion 

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem 

See, your king comes to you 

righteous and victorious, 

lowly and riding on a donkey, 

on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

Zechariah 9:9 

" The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the 

dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts. It was because they had spread the word of this 

latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade. The Pharisees took one look and 

threw up their hands: ' It’s out of control. The world’s in a stampede after him.'" 

John 12:17-19 The Message 

Part 1: The Shadow of the Cross – Setting the scene for the crucifixion. An introduction to the 

two thieves, the triumphal entry and the Roman Centurion. The unrepentant thief. 

Part 2: The Forgiveness of the Cross – Understanding the two thieves – what each symbolizes 

and what that symbolism means to us. The repentant thief. 

February 24, 2025 

16 

Part 3: The Road to the Cross (Palm Sunday) – The paradoxes and ironies of the triumphal 

entry and how they should impact 21 st century believers. 

Part 4: The Power of the Cross (Easter Sunday) – The realization of the Roman Centurion and 

why it’s so important to understand his reaction in that pivotal moment. 

Session Purpose: 

After hearing this message, members of the congregation will see the triumphal entry as true 

triumph – but not in the way anyone was expecting. They will correlate that to the unexpected 

ways in which God acts today, not conforming to the dark culture of this world, but ushering His 

Kingdom – and genuine victory – wherever believers may be. 

Risk/Consequence: If a person doesn’t effectively grasp the meaning of this message, they run 

the risk of: 

Missing the multiple applications for the story of the Triumphal Entry – theological, 

political, eschatological – and seeing it only as the ironic story they’ve been 

hearing since they were children. 

Over-distancing themselves from the crowds in the story. 

Looking past what the disciples may have been thinking and feeling in the 

moments of The Triumphal Entry. 

Failing to see that a response of cheering and bowing down is still the right 

response to Jesus. 

The Triumphal Entry and Passover 

The Triumphal Entry – All Four Gospels 

Key Concepts 

List of events that we find in all four Gospels: 

o Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee 

o Jesus feeds the five thousand 

o Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem 

o Jesus predicts his betrayal 

o Peter denies Jesus 

o Pilate sentences Jesus 

o Crucifixion 

o Jesus dies 

o He is buried in a tomb 

o The tomb was empty 

The prophecy of Zechariah 9 underscores the historical importance of the triumphal 

entry. It matters that Jesus didn’t just show up in Jerusalem that day. And the fact that it 

is detailed in all four Gospels emphasizes its importance. 

Were the same people who cried “Hosanna!” also the ones who cried “Crucify Him!”? 

February 24, 2025 

17 

In ancient Rome, the palm branch represented “victory.” It was awarded to winning 

athletes at events. Romans were awarded palm branches when they were victorious at 

tournaments. 

o Perhaps that is exactly what the palms laid before Jesus represented, only not in 

the way people were expecting. 

Key Texts 

John 12:12-19 

 12  The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way 

to Jerusalem. 13  They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 

“Hosanna!” (Of Hebrew origin יָשַׁע (H3467) and נָא (H4994) – Save us. Be propitious) “Blessed is 

he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

“Blessed is the king of Israel!” 14  Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 

15  “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” 

16  At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they 

realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to 

him. 17  Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him 

from the dead continued to spread the word. 18  Many people, because they had heard that he 

had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19  So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, 

this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” 

Text Analysis 

The Misconceptions of the Triumphal Entry 

What Some Believed What Was True 

That Jesus would overthrow political power. The political powers would see to His crucifixion. 

That He would free them from Rome. The Roman Empire would actually last for 450 

more years after the resurrection. 

That this would be just a normal, if crowded, 

Passover in Jerusalem 

In a few hours, graves would be opening up all 

over town. 

He would win over crowds and crowds of 

people. 

In short order, crowds and crowds of people 

would be calling for His execution. 

His disciples would always support Him. One betrayed Him, another denied Him, others 

kept their distance. 

Crucified people stay crucified. He didn’t. 

An Analysis of John 12 

John 12 in Detail 

February 24, 2025 

18 

Hosanna! 

It is important to keep in mind the significance of these crowds. Many scholars believe 

that the regular population of Jerusalem in this period was about 50,000 and that during 

Passover it grew to perhaps 100,000 to 120,000. The social dynamic of this change was 

immense. The city could not contain the population and as a result, thousands of people 

lived on the hillsides surrounding the city. The crowds brought tension to the leadership 

of the city (12:19), who knew that any social disruption that began at a festival could 

explode violently. 

The branches from date palms (12:13) were abundant in Israel, and their use here is 

important for symbolic reasons. Palms had become a symbol of Jewish nationalism. 

When the temple was rededicated during the Maccabean era, palms were used in the 

celebration (1 Macc. 13:51; 2 Macc. 10:7). In the extrabiblical tradition, palms were used 

by Levi as a symbol of ruling power (T. Naph. 5:4). During both major wars with Rome, 

reliefs of palms were stamped on the coins minted by the rebels. Thus this act of 

celebration is by no means neutral. It symbolizes Israel’s national hopes, now focused on 

Jesus, being hailed as he enters the city. 

The cry of “Hosanna!” is an Aramaic phrase meaning “Save us now!” and it occurs in a 

number of the psalms (esp. Ps. 118:25). The following words (“Blessed is he who comes 

in the name of the Lord”) likewise continue to quote from Psalm 118:26 and announce a 

blessing on the pilgrim arriving in Jerusalem. But what comes next (“Blessed is the king 

of Israel!”) is not in the psalm and departs considerably from its intent. Suddenly we gain 

the impression that the crowds are greeting a national liberator. 

“Triumphal entries” were common in the ancient world. A conquering hero or king 

would return to his city, bringing the spoils of his battles and stories of conquest. This 

imagery would not be missed on any Greek-speaking audience on the eastern edge of the 

Roman empire. When John says that the crowd “went out to meet him,” this is a common 

expression used for cities meeting their triumphant, returning king. In a Jewish context, 

“Hosanna” was used to greet such incoming kings (2 Sam. 14:4; 2 Kings 6:26). In fact, 

Jewish culture understood these “royal welcomes” so well that it adopted such forms 

commonly. 

Therefore this scene is awash in Jewish political fervor. The palms, the entry, and the 

cries all remind us of what happened in John 6:14 – 15. After Jesus fed the five thousand, 

the crowd announced that Jesus is “the Prophet who is to come into the world” and 

promptly attempted to take him “by force” and “make him king.” Jesus was 

misunderstood then; now he is misunderstood again. The Lazarus miracle that fuels the 

crowd’s enthusiasm is now twisted into something linked to Jerusalem’s political 

aspirations. 

Jesus’ use of a young donkey (12:14) is an attempt to calm the zeal of the crowd, which 

John interprets for us with a quote from the Old Testament. “Do not be afraid” may either 

February 24, 2025 

19 

come from Zephaniah 3:16 or Isaiah 40:9, while the balance of the quote is cited from 

Zechariah 9:9. These are reassurances of God’s presence in Jerusalem to work on behalf 

of the people. However the larger context of Zechariah 9 — surely assumed by the crowd 

— is helpful. Matthew knows this and cites the passage more widely (Matt. 21:5). The 

triumphant king is “gentle and riding on a donkey.” This “gentle [humble] king” is not a 

man of chariots and war horses, swords and bows (Zech. 9:10), but one who will bring 

peace to all nations. His gift is a gift of life, not conquest. Hence, Jesus is forcing a 

messianic reinterpretation of his purposes for the crowd, which is caught up in a frenzied 

passion for Jesus’ kingship. 

John concludes this part of his story with a “transitional” section (12:16 – 19) that sums 

up what has transpired thus far as this “Jerusalem drama” reaches its crescendo. Not only 

do the crowds fail to understand the true nature of Jesus’ “kingship,” but the disciples 

likewise misunderstand “all this.” (They understand the messianic nature of Jesus’ acts, 

but they cannot see beneath the surface to the true meaning of Jesus’ mission.) John’s 

editorial comment about their misunderstanding recalls 2:22, following Jesus’ cleansing 

of the temple. It was not until Jesus was glorified — when they saw the nature of Jesus’ 

person and work and were filled with God’s Spirit — that they understood the true 

picture of what was happening. 

John reminds us that the catalyst for the crowd’s excitement was the raising of Lazarus 

(12:17 – 18). At this point we are also reminded that the Pharisees have begun to despair 

at Jesus’ popularity (12:19). This parallels similar concerns voiced by Luke. When Jesus 

reaches the city, his popularity swells and some of the Pharisees tell him to silence the 

crowd (Luke 19:39). When Jesus teaches in the temple, the Pharisees despair, 

recognizing that so many people “hang on his words” (Luke 19:47 – 48). 

But double meaning is still at work in John. When the Pharisees say “the world” has gone 

after him, the deeper irony is that these words point to the fulfillment of Jesus’ primary 

mission. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save 

the world through him” (3:17). The “world” in Johannine thought generally refers to 

those men and women who stand in disbelief, refusing to acknowledge God or his Son. 

Now we learn that the “world” is running to Jesus. It is no accident that the next episode 

records characters from that larger Mediterranean world, namely, some Greeks who are 

eager to see Jesus. (NIVApplication Commentary) 

Key Texts 

Matthew 21:1-17 

22  21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent 

two disciples, 2  saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a 

donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3  If anyone says 

anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 

4  This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 

5  “Say to Daughter Zion, 

    ‘See, your king comes to you, 

February 24, 2025 

20 

gentle and riding on a donkey, 

    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 

6  The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7  They brought the donkey and the 

colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8  A very large crowd spread their cloaks 

on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9  The 

crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 

“Hosanna [b] to the Son of David!” 

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

“Hosanna [d] in the highest heaven!” 

10  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 

11  The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 

12  Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He 

overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13  “It is 

written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ [e] but you are making it 

‘a den of robbers.’” 

14  The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15  But when the chief 

priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in 

the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. 

16  “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. 

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, 

“‘From the lips of children and infants 

    you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” 

17  And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night. 

Text Analysis 

In Matthew, the thing Jesus did right before the triumphal entry was to give two blind 

men their sight. And the very next thing he did after it was cleanse the temple. 

Some in the city didn’t even know who He was. But they soon would. 

Understanding Matthew 21 

A Historian Looks at the Triumphal Entry 

Preaching on the Triumphal Entry 

Jesus’ climactic entry to Jerusalem (21:8 – 11). The events for which Jesus has 

prepared the disciples now begin to unfold. As he descends from the Mount of Olives to 

enter the city, “a very large crowd” gathers to acknowledge his arrival in Jerusalem. 

Some in the crowd throw garments in Jesus’ path, symbolizing their submission to him as 

king (21:8). Others cut palm fronds (cf. John 12:13) from the trees and spread them on 

the road before Jesus (Matt. 21:8). Palms symbolized Jewish nationalism and victory, 

such as when Judas Maccabeus and his followers recovered Jerusalem and the temple 

desecrated by Antiochus ( 2 Macc. 10:7; cf. 1 Macc. 13:51). Many coins at the time of 

Jesus contain palms, expressive of nationalism generally, both Jewish and Roman. 

February 24, 2025 

21 

Matthew refers to “the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed him.” 

John’s Gospel helps us understand the picture. Crowds come out from Jerusalem to greet 

Jesus, apparently those pilgrims in Jerusalem for the Passover who have heard of Jesus’ 

miraculous feat of healing Lazarus and who are caught up in the messianic expectation 

(John 12:12). They meet Jesus en route and turn around to form an advance processional, 

while those who are accompanying Jesus from Bethany, including his disciples, follow 

behind. 

This large crowd is a mixed sort. Luke tells us that there is a multitude of Jesus’ own 

disciples (Luke 19:37), which includes the Twelve and the larger group of his followers. 

Among the larger group are most likely the women disciples who followed Jesus from 

Galilee (Matt. 27:55 – 56), but also the contingent of believers in the Jerusalem region — 

among them Lazarus, Martha, and Mary and others who believed when Jesus raised 

Lazarus (cf. John 12:1 – 3). Within the crowd are also those who are not Jesus’ disciples 

but who are part of the typical crowds that followed Jesus throughout his ministry. They 

follow with their own particular expectations, here thinking perhaps that Jesus has come 

to liberate Jerusalem and the people of Israel from Roman oppression. Others are there 

most likely out of curiosity and are caught up in the excitement. Luke further reveals that 

the crowd also has some religious leaders, such as the usual Pharisee contingent that 

opposes Jesus’ claim to authority and are keeping watch on him (Luke 19:39). 

The crowds shout out “Hosanna,” which is the transliteration of the Hebrew expression 

that means “O save” (cf. 2 Sam. 14:4; 2 Kings 6:26). This draws the crowd to make a 

connection to the Hallel (Ps. 113 – 118) that was sung during the Passover season, 

especially expressing the messianic hopes of Israel as voiced in Psalm 118:19 – 29 (cf. 

esp. 118:25: “O Lord, save us”). They further cry out to Jesus as “Son of David” (21:9). 

Linked with Hosanna, the title “Son of David” is unmistakably messianic. The crowd 

acknowledges what Jesus has already stated in his fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9: He is the 

Davidic Messiah (see comments on 1:1), on whom they call to save them out of their 

oppression. 

As the advancing crowd enters the city, “the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is 

this?’ ” This reminds the reader of the reaction of Jerusalem when the Magi came seeking 

the One born the king of the Jews — “all Jerusalem” was “disturbed” ( 2:3). Now as 

Jesus enters Jerusalem, “the whole city” is “stirred.” The expression “the whole city” 

indicates that the religious establishment is once again paranoid of this One whom they 

believe may attempt to usurp their power, and they want an explanation of who Jesus 

intends to present himself to be. (NIV Application Commentary) 

Bottom Line Suggestions 

What they didn’t know, would save them. 

It really was a triumphal entry, just not in the way they were expecting. 

Hosanna means “save us!” and that’s exactly what He did. 

Only one person knew what was really happening, and now you do too. 

Suggested Illustrations 

February 24, 2025 

22 

Speculate on how the disciples were feeling at the moment of the triumphal entry, 

especially in light of John 22:16. 

What are some modern comparisons to the triumphal entry – where people didn’t 

understand the true import of what was really happening. Normandy invasion, 

invention of the PC or printing press, etc. 

Reflect how the palm branches would have meant something different in 33 AD than 

they do today. 

Mother Teresa, when interviewed by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, and asked 

about how she'd handle the accolades that came with winning the Nobel Peace 

prize: "Do you think, Mr. Carson, for one moment, that that little donkey thought the 

crowd was giving him the praise and glory instead of Jesus?" 

Evidence in the Triumphal Entry 

Why Did Jesus Ride a Donkey? 

A prophet? On a Donkey? 

Here comes your king 

The Arrival 

Spurgeon on the Triumphal Entry 

"In 586 BC, Ezekiel saw the glory of God leave the temple, leave the holy city, and come down on 

Bethany at the Mount of Olives. Now, the One whom the Scriptures define as the brightness of 

the glory of God comes from Bethany, from the Mount of Olives, goes into the Eastern Gate, 

goes to the Holy City, and goes to the temple." 

R.C. Sproul 

Thought Starters 

The Donkey 

Other Possible Texts 

Luke 19:28-40 

Mark 11:1-11 

Isaiah 62:11 

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 

28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. 36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” 

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you.  He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.10 I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River[g] to the ends of the earth. 

https://www.bible.com/events/49419788

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus 

Encounter The Cross Part 3 

Victory comes through suffering and sacrifice not strength and striving 

Today we will look at “the road to the cross” as we take a closer look at what we call Palm Sunday or the triumphal entry. 

Jesus surprises us. 

Consider the triumphal entry when they thought they were welcoming a mighty warrior king, but instead they were ushering the suffering savior to death on a cross. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬ 

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 

As they question, “Who is this?”: 

Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. (Genesis 3:14-15) 

Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is “Melchizedek King of Salem,” King of Peace. (Genesis 14:18) 

Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. (Genesis 49:10) 

Isaiah will tell you, “Immanuel,” “Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) 

Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, “the Lord our Righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:6) 

Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah. (Daniel 9:26) 

Hosea will tell you, He is “the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial.” (Hosea 12:5) 

John the Baptist will tell you, He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) 

The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, “This is My beloved Son.” (Matthew 3:17) 

We, His disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of life, the Redeemer of the world. 

And the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.” (Mark 1:24) 

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬-‭12‬‬ 

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. 

We don’t expect that sequence of three words to describe a king: 

righteous…victorious…lowly 

The tragedy of this event was the fickleness of the people. At this point they are acclaiming the Lord Jesus as the long expected Messiah – within a few days they were crying for His death! 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬‬ 

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” 

Paul Wallace 

He came in peace to give the people peace. They preferred salvation from taxation to salvation of their souls – and so in a few days they would prefer Barabbas to be freed instead of Jesus. Jesus could see that this was their mindset, and so in the midst of this praise, with people waving the palm branches like a national flag, Jesus wept.” 

WHAT WE THINK WILL SAVE US CAN’T, 

WHAT WE NEVER IMAGINED COULD, WILL. 

· WELCOME

· NEXT WEEK ON SUNDAY 5PM SERVICE

· STEPHEN WILLIS

· HOLY WEEK- PASSION WEEK

· EASTER EGG HUNT-GOOD FRIDAY

BAPTISM:

· WHAT: FOR ANYONE PUBLIC CONFESSION

· WHEN: SUNDAY APRIL 27TH

· WHY: BECAUSE JESUS DID IT

· ALMOST LIKE A MARRIAGE VOW- PUBLIC

LAST WEEK STARTED A NEW SERIES: ENCOUNTER

· OPENED WITH IMAGES/LOGOS/SYMBOLS

· STOOD OVER TIME (NIKE/COCA COLA)

· THEY ARE A PRESENCE MOVING FORWARD

· THE CROSS IS THE IMAGE

· IT CASTS A SHADOW OVER HISTORY

APPLE LOGO

· THIS STARTED IN 1977

· STEVE JOBBS HIRED ROB JANOFF

· WANTED A SIMPLE LOOK

· TOOK A BITE OUT – SO DISTNGUISHABLE

· WANTED RECOGNIZED REGARDLESS OF SIZE

· MASSIVE CROSS IN EFFEINGHAM ILLINOIS

· 198 FEET TALL- 113 FEET ACROSS

· 50 PLUS MILLION YEARLY ON I 57/70

 MAN AND THE CROSS

· BRANSON CROSS- BUILT IN APRIL 2019

· TALLEST IN AMERICA 218 FEET TALL

· BLUE TEAR DROPS- 8 DOWN- 8 WERE SAVED

· 5 ACROSS-3 NAILS WOUNDS, SPEAR WOUND, CROWN

· THE GRACE OF GOD EXTENDED TOWARD ALL

THREE CROSSES AT NIGHT

· ONE OF MY FAVORITE SITES

· ROUTE 81 STRASBURG EXIT

· STOPPED HERE THIURSDAY WAY HOME

· JUST STOOD BENEATH THE MIDDLE CROSS

LAST WEEK WAS THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

THIS WEEK IS THE FORGIVENESS OF THE CROSS

 MARK 27:38-39

38. TWO REBELS WERE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, ONE ON HIS RIGHT AND ONE ON HIS LEFT. THOSE WHO PASSED BY HURLED INSULTS AT HIM, SHAKING THEIR HEADS.

  MARK 27:40-41

40. AND SAYING, “YOU WHO ARE GOING TO DESTROY THE TEMPLE AND BUILD IT IN THREE DAYS, SAVE YOURSELF! COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS, IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD! “IN THE SAME WAY THE CHIEF PRIESTS, THE TEACHERS OF THE LAW AND THE ELDERS MOCKED HIM.

 MARK 27:42

42. “HE SAVED OTHERS, THEY SAID, “BUT HE CAN’T SAVE HIMSELF! HES KING OF ISRAEL! LET HIM COME DOWN NOW FROM THE CROSS, AND WE WILL BELIEVE IN HIM.

 MARK 27:43

43. HE TRUSTS IN GOD. LET GOD RESCUE HIM NOW IF HE WANTS HIM, FOR HE SAID “I AM THE SON OF GOD. “IN

THE SAME WAY THE REBELS WHO WERE CRUCIFIED WITH HIM ALSO HEAPED INSULTS ON HIM.”

PAINTING 3 CROSSES

· REMEMBRANDT PAINTING

· MANY IN THE PAINTING

· LOOK AT EACH OF THE CRIMINALS

· ONE IS IN THE DARK (DEJECTED) ONE IS IN LIGHT

 LUKE 7:40

40. “JESUS ANSWERED HIM, “SIMON, I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU.” “TELL ME, TEACHER, HE SAID.

LUKE 7:41-42

41. “TWO PEPLE OWED MONEY TO A CERTAIN MONEYLENDER. ONE OWED HIM FIVE HUNDRED DENARII, AND THE OTHER FIFTY. NEITHER OF THEM HAD THE MONEY TO PAY HIM BACK, SO HE FORGAVE THE DEBTS OF BOTH. NOW WHICH OF THEM WILL LOVE HIM MORE?”

 LUKE 7:43

43. SIMON REPLIED, “I SUPPOSE THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGER DEBT FORGIVEN.” “YOU HAVE JUDGED CORRECTLY,” JESUS SAID.

 LUKE 7:44

44. THEN HE TURNED TOWARD THE WOMAN AND SAID TO SIMON, “DO YOU SEE THIS WOMAN? I CAME INTO YOUR HOUSE. YOU DID NOT GIEV ME ANY WATER FOR MY FEET, BUT SHE WET MY FEET WITH HER TEARS AND WIPED THEM WITH HER HAIR.

 LUKE 7:45-46

45. YOU DID NOT GIVE ME A KISS, BUT THIS WOMAN, FROM THE TIME I ENTERED, HAS NOT STOPPED KISSOING MY FEET. YOU DID NOT PUT OIL ON MY HEAD, BUT SHE HAS POURED PERFUME ON MY FEET.

 LUKE 7:47

47. THEREFORE, I TELL YOU, HER MANU SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN- AS HER GREAT LOVE HAS SHOWN. BUT WHOEVER HAS BEEN FORGIVEN LITTLE LOVES LITTLE.”

LUKE 7:48

48. THEN JESUS SAID TO HEAR, “YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.

· STARTING IN 1940

· MAN HAD A PASSION SHARING THE GOSPEL

PICTURE OF MAN CARRYING CROSS

· ARTHUR BLESSIT- CARRIED A 12 FOOT CROSS

· CARRIED CROSS 43,000 MILES- 85 MILLION STEPS

· 324 NATIONS

· 50 YEARS

· ALMOST HALF THE CHURCHES SAID NO

· JANUARY 14TH, 2025 PASSED AWAY

INVITATION IS THE SAME FOR US TODAY-COME AND DIE

LUKE 23:33

33. “WHEN THEY CAME TO THE PLACE CALLED THE SKULL, THEY CRUCIFIED HIM THERE, ALONG WITH THE CRIMINALS-ONE ON HIS RIGHT, THE OTHER ON HIS LEFT.

LUKE 23:34

34. JESUS SAID, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. “AND THEY DIVIDED UP HIS CLOTHES BY CASTING LOTS.

LUKE 23:39-40

39. “ONE OF THE CRIMINALS WHO HUNG THERE HURLED INSULTS AT HIM: “AREN’T YOU THE MESSIAH? SAVE YOURSELF AND US!” BUT THE OTHER CRIMINAL

REBUKED HIM. “DON’T YOU FEAR GOD, “HE SAID, “SINCE YOU ARE UNDER THE SAME SENTENCE?

LUKE 23:41

41. WE ARE PUNISHED JUSTLY, FOR WE ARE GETTING WHAT OUR DEEDS DESERVE. BUT THIS MAN HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG.”

DID YOU SEE THE ORDER:

1. MOCKING BY EVERYONE BASICALLY

2. MOCKING INSULTS BY CRIMINALS PLURAL

3. JESUS SPEAKING “FATHER FORGIVE THEM”

4. ONE CRIMINAL STILL INSULTING

5. ANOTHER CRIMINAL NOW DEFENDING

LUKE 23:42-43

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

VERILY- 76 TIMES- TODAY- NOT LATER, NOT GO IN A HOLDING TANK- TODAY.

· HE ACKNOWLEDGES A KINGDOM

· HE SAYS “WHEN”

· WONDER WHO IS HERE TODAY FIGURES THEY WENT TOO FAR?

· APPROXIMATELY 1/3 AMERICANS CRIMINAL RECORD (77 MILLION) YOU GONE TOO FAR?

· YOU HAVEN’T DONE ENOUGH GOOD STUFF?

WHAT WOULD YOU BE SAYING THAT DAY?

· ON WHAT BASIS ARE YOU HERE?

· THE MAN ON THE MIDDLE CROSS SAID I CAN COME

· IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE BASING IT ON?

QUOTE THE MAN ON THE MIDDLE CROSS

· SO INTERESTING WHY MOST CASES 3 CROSSES

· BECAUSE ITS AS IF THE QUESTION IS STILL BEING ASKED- WHAT SIDE ARE YOU ON?

TODAY AN OFFER FOR YOU TO COME

YOU SAY I ALREADY DECIDED- HALLELUJAH PRAISE GOD

SOME OF YOU WOULD SAY I’M STILL OVER THERE

SOME MIGHT SAY I HAVENT WANTED TO GET TOO CLOSE

MIGHT GET SOME BLOOD ON ME

LORD FORGIVE ME- FOR TAKING YOUR FORGIVENESS LIGHTLY

SOME THINK YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR

LAST WEEK WAS THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

THIS WEEK IS THE FORGIVENESS OF THE CROSS

ONE WANTED OUT- TAKE ME DOWN

THE OTHER WANTED IN- TAKE ME UP

IN HEAVEN THERE WILL ONLY BE FORGIVEN PEOPLE- IN HELL THERE WILL ONLY BE FORGIVEN PEOPLE

THE INVITATION IS THE SAME FOR IS- COME AND DIE

WHY DO WE THINK WE ALMOST ALWAYS SEE THREE CROSSES TOGETHER

CALL IS TO COME AND DIE

https://www.bible.com/events/49414974

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus

Encounter The Cross Part 2

An ancient execution devise is now a universal symbol of hope and life.

Today we are continuing our new teaching series called “Encounter The Cross”.

We want to see and understand how this ancient execution devise is now a centuries old symbol for hope and life. We want to experience the life and victory that the cross offers. We want to encounter the cross.

Our series continues today as we seek to encounter the other two crosses beside Jesus.

Let’s turn to our teaching text today in Luke 23

Luke 23:32-33

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

All of the gospel writers are brief when it comes to the details of crucifixion. Everyone already knew what it was, and what this meant.

We don’t know what crimes these other two guys committed. It’s believed they were some sort of political revolutionary, or something like a terrorist or freedom fighter in our world today. These were bad dudes in the eyes of the Roman justice system.

And this is the scene, three crosses on a hill top.

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

In the midst of this gruesome scene, we have the first words of Jesus since being nailed to the cross- Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.

You can imagine with each labored and heavy breath, he keeps pleading these words. “Father forgive them… Father forgive them…they don’t know what they are doing.”

Jesus had always taught his disciples to love their enemies, now he is doing it. This is the cross.

Luke 23:35-42

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

From one side of the cross, this criminal uses his dying breaths to taunt and insult Jesus. Seemingly oblivious to his own fate, he throws out a sarcastic plea for salvation.

Then from the other side of the cross comes a completely different reaction to what’s happening.

Confronted with a love he had never seen before, a power greater than the power of pain and death. Something changes. As Jesus suffers and prays for his enemies- this criminal realizes something is different here. This Is not like anything or anyone he has ever seen or heard of before.

Even in his own desperate state, he recognizes this Jesus is different. And he responds…

Where the first criminal seems to be angered by his circumstances, this man seems to have remorse for the life that has lead him here. He knows what he’s done, he deserves what’s happening to him.

After rebuking his partner in crime, he turns to Jesus with a plea for mercy. He asks that he would simply remember him when he comes into his kingdom.

Luke 23:43

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

In these final hours, the man who sought mercy in Jesus found the absolute assurance that he would indeed be remembered.

This man didn’t go to a bible study, he didn’t give any money to the church, he didn’t even have a chance to do any good works- yet, he’s with Jesus as we speak. This is the power of the cross. This is the forgiveness that Jesus offers, this is the promise of eternal life.

This is the cross. This is the story of all 3 crosses..

As we encounter these other two crosses, we encounter our story. That’s the importance of remembering these other two crosses. To invite us to reflect and to think about our own response to Jesus.

To ask of ourselves “Which side of the cross am I on?”

The first man prayed, get me down from here, get me out of this mess.

The second man prays “Lord can I go up with you? Can I go where you are?”

Which side of the Cross are you on?