READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY l A City Prepared for Praise – I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out
Jerusalem was built for such a time as this – Jesus’ triumphal entry where He is hailed as King (v38). The scene echoes Psalm 24:7: “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” It would have been impossible for Creation to remain silent, and even if the disciples did not celebrate Him, the stones would have cried out (v40).
The image of Jesus’ entry would have stirred significant parallel historical images for the Jews.
- 950 BC: Solomon’s coronation at Gihon where Solomon was installed as king, ushered in on his father’s mule (1 Kings 1:33)
- 840 BC: Jehu’s anointing. His followers took off their cloaks, laid them on the ground and proclaimed him as king (2 Kings 9:13)
- 164 BC: Judas Maccabeus victorious entry riding into Jerusalem on a warhorse after defeating Israel’s enemies. The people welcomed him with palm branches. His cleansing of the temple gave rise to the feast of Hanukkah (2 Macc. 10:1-8) which is commemorated every year by the Jews.
What kind of Jesus am I shouting about?
1. I shout for Jesus who meets needs
Many in the crowd praised Jesus because of ‘all the deeds of power they had seen’ (v37). They had witnessed a Jesus who:
- drove out demons (Luke 4:36, 9:42)
- healed (Luke 4:39 5:13, 5:25, 8:44, 13:13)
- raised the dead (Luke 7:14, 8:54)
- calmed the storm (Luke 8:24)
- fed the 5000 (Luke 9:16)
They were following the Jesus who provided their daily bread – sustenance, security and wellbeing.
Kingdom above comfort, family and plans
Jesus has cautioned that discipleship is costly. It is not only about God meeting our needs but includes sacrifice:
- Creature comforts – the Son of Man has ‘nowhere to lay his head’ (Luke 9:58)
- Family – “Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:60)
- Plans – “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
Many of us may have started our journey with Jesus because we were in crisis, and He met our needs. Spiritual maturity calls us beyond seeking daily bread to seeking Jesus because of who He is – the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
2. I shout for Jesus who establishes the kingdom
Some disciples shouted support for Jesus because they believe He would restore and establish the kingdom. Yet many were disappointed because His kingdom did not meet their expectations.
A. Jesus’ kingdom is different from that of the Zealots (Luke 6:15)
Jesus arrives humble, riding on a donkey, not as a military conqueror. His kingdom is not advanced by violence or political force.
“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Matt 21:5, Zech 9:9)
B. Jesus’ kingdom is different from Judas’
Judas was looking for power, position and personal gain – to build his own throne.
When we follow Jesus, we inevitably face situations where Jesus’ agenda clashes with ours. How do we respond even in our disappointment?
Jesus tells us what it means to be a true disciple: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
3. I shout for Jesus who is the Lord
The two disciples followed Jesus’ instructions to get the colt simply because “the Lord needs it” (v31,34). They obeyed Jesus even though they were likely fearful, aware of the danger that Jesus had forewarned.
- “The Son of Man must suffer…rejected by elders/chief priests/teachers…be killed” (Luke 9:22)
- “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)
Jesus is not demanding that we be stronger, braver or wiser. He understands that our spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:41). What He asks is for obedience – that we would say ‘Yes’ to following Him, even if it were to a place we would rather not go.
Are we shouting for a Jesus who meets our needs, one who fulfills our expectations, or the Jesus who is truly King and Lord? May we allow the Lord to search our hearts this Palm Sunday.
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Read Lk.19:28-40 and identify the different responses to Jesus.
- Describe contemporary reasons of Singaporean Christians who follow Jesus.
- What do I fear most when I think of full surrender to Jesus?
- How can I live to say ‘yes’ to Jesus at my home, work-place, community?
