April 9, 2017 NOTES NOT EDITED
I Am Series: I Am the Triumphant King
I Am Series: I Am the Triumphant King
Luke 19:28-41
Series
in a Sentence: The
salvation of mankind hangs from the thread of the identity of Jesus Christ.
Appearances can change; identity never
does. Two brothers, Shawn and Curt,
loved to fish. But, fish seemed to love
Shawn more than Curt. Every time Shawn
cast his line in, he caught a fish, but Curt would sit for hours not even get a
bite. At the end of the day, Shawn would
have as many as twelve fish. Curt would
only have a sunburn. One day, Curt came
up with a plan to catch fish. He got up
very early. He dressed in Shawn’s
clothes, and carried Shawn’s fishing pole.
He went down to the river and sat in Shawn’s exact spot. He cast in his hook and bait. He waited.
In just a few short minutes, a fish popped its head up and shouted,
“Hey! Where’s Shawn?”
You can where Shawn’s clothes. You can carry Shawn’s fishin’ pole. You can sit in Shawn’s place—but, you can’t be Shawn. That is the point of our story today, only in reverse. Jesus didn’t dress like a king. He didn’t sit on a throne like a king. He even rode a donkey instead of a king’s white stallion. But, Jesus is Who He is because that’s Who He is.
You can where Shawn’s clothes. You can carry Shawn’s fishin’ pole. You can sit in Shawn’s place—but, you can’t be Shawn. That is the point of our story today, only in reverse. Jesus didn’t dress like a king. He didn’t sit on a throne like a king. He even rode a donkey instead of a king’s white stallion. But, Jesus is Who He is because that’s Who He is.
Sermon-in-a-Sentence:
Jesus is a “King” like no other
and He calls for our absolute and total devotion.
The Sunday before Resurrection Sunday, or Easter Sunday, is called Palm Sunday. All four gospels record the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem a week before Easter Sunday. All but John mention that the people took off their coats and placed them in the path of Jesus—the equivalent of a “red carpet affair” in our day. All but Luke mention the crowd also cut down branches and placed them devotedly in the path of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John specifically states that these were “Palm Branches.” Palms are native to Israel and a majestic tree standing tall against the elements with a crown of branches waving in the breeze, much as the crowd were waving with excitement at the arrival of the King of Kings.
Palm branches are highly significant in the Bible. Revelation 7:9 associates palm branches with the victory of the martyrs who come through the Great Tribulation and receive a crown of righteousness.
The Sunday before Resurrection Sunday, or Easter Sunday, is called Palm Sunday. All four gospels record the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem a week before Easter Sunday. All but John mention that the people took off their coats and placed them in the path of Jesus—the equivalent of a “red carpet affair” in our day. All but Luke mention the crowd also cut down branches and placed them devotedly in the path of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John specifically states that these were “Palm Branches.” Palms are native to Israel and a majestic tree standing tall against the elements with a crown of branches waving in the breeze, much as the crowd were waving with excitement at the arrival of the King of Kings.
Palm branches are highly significant in the Bible. Revelation 7:9 associates palm branches with the victory of the martyrs who come through the Great Tribulation and receive a crown of righteousness.
9 After
this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people,
and language, which no one could
number, standing before the throne and
before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands.
So this brings us to our text in
Luke, chapter 19. I’ve chosen Luke’s
version of the Triumphal Entry for the transition after the Triumphal Entry in
verse 41. It is a highly significant
transition that shows many people are not ready to meet the King of Kings, the
Triumphant King. Let’s read our text
together. We’ll begin with verse 19:35.
READING
As I said several times last week, I will repeat it once again. The theme of this sermon series is the identity of Jesus Christ. Who He is gives significance to What He did—and what He is yet to do. The salvation of mankind hangs from the thread of the identity of Jesus Christ.
READING
As I said several times last week, I will repeat it once again. The theme of this sermon series is the identity of Jesus Christ. Who He is gives significance to What He did—and what He is yet to do. The salvation of mankind hangs from the thread of the identity of Jesus Christ.
As we continue with our series we
examine the phrase, “I Am the Triumphant King.”
As we begin, we note that Jesus is
a King like no other! Many of the
Psalms speak of the Messiah that would come.
One such hymn of praise to the Triumphant King is Psalm 24.
1 The
earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD;
. . . . 7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the
King of glory will come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong
and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates!
Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. 10 Who is He,
this King of glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of glory.
Who is this King of glory? Let me first answer by declaring
1. He is a COMMON King. (Luke 19:28-30)
1. He is a COMMON King. (Luke 19:28-30)
28 When He had said these things, He went on ahead,
going up to Jerusalem. 29 As
He approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, He
sent two of the disciples 30 and said, “Go into the village
ahead of you. As you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there, on
which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If
anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’”
This “donkey” plays a prominent
part in the story of Easter. Many would
have—and did—expect the King of Glory to come parading into Jerusalem on a
mighty white stallion—a war horse fit for a conquering king or important
dignitary. Much has been written about
the significance of this donkey. In
fact, donkeys were much more highly prized in the East (Middle East) than we
think of them in the Western world. They
were every bit as important and significant, as well as highly prized, as a
white stallion. They were, in fact, much
more common. Kings often rode
donkeys. But, Jesus was making a
statement. “I’m not your typical kind of King.”
And, that’s where I would place the emphasis here. Jesus did not come dressed in the expected trappings of royalty and human power. He came as a common man. From the very moment of His birth, Jesus identified with the “common” folk. The rich folk, and people of power, as a general rule opposed Jesus with a few exceptions. Mark 12:37 points out: “the common people heard Him gladly.” One preacher describes Jesus as a Common King by stating:
“He came not as conquerors come, on spirited steed preceded by heraldry of trumpets. He came riding on a lowly beast of burden and His entry into the city was heralded only by the simple, common people.” (Oliver Greene)
Few of us in this room turn heads when we walk into a restaurant for example—unless we are clumsy and not a few tables over. On occasion when waiting to be seated at a restaurant, the receptionist will ask my name. I’ll answer, Jack. I’ve yet to have anyone say, “You are Jack Clegg! You are THE Jack Clegg! I’m so excited to meet you. I’ve been a fan of yours for years.”
No, that has never happened!
Jesus is every bit a king—in fact, the King of Kings! He deserves all the praise and honor of a king—and infinitely so. But, the Bible portrays Him from birth to death as a “common man.” A Common King.
So much of the political talk, especially from the right side of the aisle, focuses on our rights as Christians. We argue—and rightly so—that our nation was founded to be uniquely open to Christianity. Our laws were written with the idea that the truth of the Bible formed the bedrock of all our jurisprudence. We complain when these Christian norms and patterns are set aside, or even kicked to the curb of society. We protest. We are children of the King and we complain when society treats us like children of the butler.
Jesus did not come to “impress” society, or even primarily to transform society. Jesus came riding into Jerusalem as a Common King, whose throne would be a cross. The donkey reminds us of Christ’s “humility,” not so much His eternal nobility.
We would be well served as His followers to see ourselves riding a donkey rather than a white stallion whose mane blows in the wind as we enter the presence of others. Jesus is a COMMON King.
2. Second, Jesus Christ is a COMPASSIONATE King (19:41a).
And, that’s where I would place the emphasis here. Jesus did not come dressed in the expected trappings of royalty and human power. He came as a common man. From the very moment of His birth, Jesus identified with the “common” folk. The rich folk, and people of power, as a general rule opposed Jesus with a few exceptions. Mark 12:37 points out: “the common people heard Him gladly.” One preacher describes Jesus as a Common King by stating:
“He came not as conquerors come, on spirited steed preceded by heraldry of trumpets. He came riding on a lowly beast of burden and His entry into the city was heralded only by the simple, common people.” (Oliver Greene)
Few of us in this room turn heads when we walk into a restaurant for example—unless we are clumsy and not a few tables over. On occasion when waiting to be seated at a restaurant, the receptionist will ask my name. I’ll answer, Jack. I’ve yet to have anyone say, “You are Jack Clegg! You are THE Jack Clegg! I’m so excited to meet you. I’ve been a fan of yours for years.”
No, that has never happened!
Jesus is every bit a king—in fact, the King of Kings! He deserves all the praise and honor of a king—and infinitely so. But, the Bible portrays Him from birth to death as a “common man.” A Common King.
So much of the political talk, especially from the right side of the aisle, focuses on our rights as Christians. We argue—and rightly so—that our nation was founded to be uniquely open to Christianity. Our laws were written with the idea that the truth of the Bible formed the bedrock of all our jurisprudence. We complain when these Christian norms and patterns are set aside, or even kicked to the curb of society. We protest. We are children of the King and we complain when society treats us like children of the butler.
Jesus did not come to “impress” society, or even primarily to transform society. Jesus came riding into Jerusalem as a Common King, whose throne would be a cross. The donkey reminds us of Christ’s “humility,” not so much His eternal nobility.
We would be well served as His followers to see ourselves riding a donkey rather than a white stallion whose mane blows in the wind as we enter the presence of others. Jesus is a COMMON King.
2. Second, Jesus Christ is a COMPASSIONATE King (19:41a).
41 As He approached and saw the city,
He wept over it, 42 saying,
“If you knew this day what would bring
peace—but now it is hidden from your
eyes.
The Bible defines sin as “breaking
God’s Law.” That is true. One word used to describe rebellious man is
as a “lawbreaker” (1Jn. 3:4).
An even more important aspect of
sin in the Bible is not that it breaks God’s Law, so much as it “breaks God’s
heart.” Many people focus on the rules
and requirements of religion—and God does have rules and requirements. Yet, the rules and requirements of God are
not arbitrary. God’s Law is good, and
designed to provide unholy man an opportunity to have a relationship with a
holy God. Grace empowers man to fulfill
that Law and to enjoy that relationship.
Romans 8:3-4:
3 What the law could not do since it
was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by
sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law’s
requirement would be accomplished in us
who do not walk according to the flesh
but according to the Spirit.
When we sin we break God’s Law, but more importantly we break God’s heart. God did not provide grace so that we could do as we please, He provides grace so that we can do what pleases Him. When we continue to break the Law—against God’s offer of grace—it breaks God’s heart because it destroys our lives.
When we sin we break God’s Law, but more importantly we break God’s heart. God did not provide grace so that we could do as we please, He provides grace so that we can do what pleases Him. When we continue to break the Law—against God’s offer of grace—it breaks God’s heart because it destroys our lives.
On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank
in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
It’s still sits in the chilly depths at 12000 feet. On that night the unsinkable ship sank,
lifeboats were launched, but not enough and most of the ones that were
launched, remained half-filled. The
half-filled lifeboats rowed into the darkness AWAY from those drowning in the
icy deep. They feared being swamped by
too many survivors trying to get into the boat.
One boat, according to an eyewitness by the name of Eva Hart, did row
back to try to pick up survivors. It was
Lifeboat No. 14. No other boats joined
them. Ms. Hart gives an account of
hearing the screams in the darkness of freezing, drowning people. Other lifeboats rowed away aimlessly in the
dark, ignoring the horrible cries of sinking humans.
Jesus wept because He hears the cries of humanity as we sink beneath the waves of sin and rebellion. It breaks His heart. It also breaks God’s heart to see churches rowing aimlessly in the darkness of their own self-centeredness, oblivious to the cries for help all around us.
Jesus is a COMPASSIONATE King.
3. Jesus Christ is a CONFUSING King (19:42)
Jesus wept because He hears the cries of humanity as we sink beneath the waves of sin and rebellion. It breaks His heart. It also breaks God’s heart to see churches rowing aimlessly in the darkness of their own self-centeredness, oblivious to the cries for help all around us.
Jesus is a COMPASSIONATE King.
3. Jesus Christ is a CONFUSING King (19:42)
“If
you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Many, many times over the years
I’ve had people say to me, “I just don’t understand the Bible.” Many, many times when people find out that I
am a preacher, they will ask me about some verse in the Bible that does not
make sense to them.
In almost every case, these questions come from someone who is not a believer, or a believer that is not walking with the Lord. This is not to say that believers do not have questions when we read the Bible, but what I am speaking of here are questions from “non-followers.”
In almost every case, these questions come from someone who is not a believer, or a believer that is not walking with the Lord. This is not to say that believers do not have questions when we read the Bible, but what I am speaking of here are questions from “non-followers.”
People try to “figure it all out”
without accepting what God says about life.
You can’t figure out God—and you can’t figure out life without God. Without God, even God is confusing.
Why would Jesus be brokenhearted simply because someone did not understand a passage in the Bible? That would be easy enough to remedy—just give the explanation. That is not why Jesus is weeping—that is, because they “could” not understand Who He was. Jesus is weeping because people “would” not understand.
People are not lost because they do not understand the Bible’s message. No, people (save those that have not yet heard) are lost because they DO UNDESTAND the Bible’s message and call to holiness, and they refuse to repent.
4. Jesus Christ is a CLEANSING King (19:45ff)
Why would Jesus be brokenhearted simply because someone did not understand a passage in the Bible? That would be easy enough to remedy—just give the explanation. That is not why Jesus is weeping—that is, because they “could” not understand Who He was. Jesus is weeping because people “would” not understand.
People are not lost because they do not understand the Bible’s message. No, people (save those that have not yet heard) are lost because they DO UNDESTAND the Bible’s message and call to holiness, and they refuse to repent.
4. Jesus Christ is a CLEANSING King (19:45ff)
45 He
went into the temple complex and began to throw out those who were
selling, 46 and He said,
“It is written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!
I could spend an hour on this text
alone. Basically, this verse speaks of
the “holiness” of God, and the wrath upon sin that God’s holiness demands. People want to make Jesus into some kind of
milk toast, lily soft, political protester “raging against the machine.” Jesus is God.
Jesus is holy. Holiness demands
God bring the whip of just down upon the back of sin. His righteousness is a “cleansing fire.”
John adds the detail that Jesus “made a whip” (2:15). Mark and Matthew both add that Jesus, “overthrew the tables of the money changers.” People want to “use God” for their own purposes. People want the “favor of God’s mercy,” but don’t want to “follow the example of God’s holiness.” Make no mistake about this King coming gentle and mild on a donkey, He is a CLEANSING King, and all unholiness will feel the bite of His justice!
John adds the detail that Jesus “made a whip” (2:15). Mark and Matthew both add that Jesus, “overthrew the tables of the money changers.” People want to “use God” for their own purposes. People want the “favor of God’s mercy,” but don’t want to “follow the example of God’s holiness.” Make no mistake about this King coming gentle and mild on a donkey, He is a CLEANSING King, and all unholiness will feel the bite of His justice!
Closely related to that aspect of
His Kingship, Jesus Christ is
5. a CONTROVERSIAL King (21:6)
5 As some were talking about the
temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to
God, He said, 6 “These
things that you see—the days will come
when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown
down!”
By far the most significant
landmark in Jerusalem was the Temple Complex.
This is referred to as the Second Temple, or the Temple of Zerubbabel
that was rebuilt after being destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.
It was a massive, impressive building complex built out of stone.
Jesus said, it will all soon crumble. This was a controversial statement for many reasons, not least of which is they had no way to fathom how it would be possible for such a structure to be reduced to rubble. But, beyond the obvious controversy over the physical building, was the religious controversy when Jesus declared the utter collapse of the central element of Jewish life.
This is the reason Jewish leaders rose up so fiercely in opposition to Jesus. Jesus declared a complete collapse of the very system which sustained the lifestyle of the Jewish elite.
Jesus is a CONTROVERSIAL king. Jesus swam against the tide of human opinion, and still swims against it today. Unfortunately, most of Christ’s followers swim “with the current of public opinion,” not against it. Here, let me note that the only salmon that swim, “with the current” are DEAD salmon!
It was a massive, impressive building complex built out of stone.
Jesus said, it will all soon crumble. This was a controversial statement for many reasons, not least of which is they had no way to fathom how it would be possible for such a structure to be reduced to rubble. But, beyond the obvious controversy over the physical building, was the religious controversy when Jesus declared the utter collapse of the central element of Jewish life.
This is the reason Jewish leaders rose up so fiercely in opposition to Jesus. Jesus declared a complete collapse of the very system which sustained the lifestyle of the Jewish elite.
Jesus is a CONTROVERSIAL king. Jesus swam against the tide of human opinion, and still swims against it today. Unfortunately, most of Christ’s followers swim “with the current of public opinion,” not against it. Here, let me note that the only salmon that swim, “with the current” are DEAD salmon!
We are in a season in America where
a church that has a good reputation with society, probably is not in good
standing with God. It is increasingly
less popular to be an outspoken follower of Jesus Christ.
By the way, “don’t hear what I am not saying.” I am not saying that being “obnoxious” is a Christian virtue!
I am simply saying that Jesus was, is, and always will be a CONROVERSIAL king, Whose rule will be resisted by those that want to rule themselves.
By the way, “don’t hear what I am not saying.” I am not saying that being “obnoxious” is a Christian virtue!
I am simply saying that Jesus was, is, and always will be a CONROVERSIAL king, Whose rule will be resisted by those that want to rule themselves.
Jesus is a King—not doubt about
that. Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the
King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is a
COMMON King. He is a COMPASSIONATE
King. He can be a CONFUSING King. He is a CLEANSING King. He is a CONTROVERSIAL King.
Now that we have sketched a
portrait of exactly Who Jesus is when we declare Him to be the “Triumphant
King,” I hope you can better appreciate “what” He did on the cross for you, and
what He wants to do for you daily as you walk hand in hand with Him.
Jesus is a King—not doubt about that. Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is a COMMON King. He is a COMPASSIONATE King. He can be a CONFUSING King. He is a CLEANSING King. He is a CONTROVERSIAL King. Now, let us jump forward about 2000 plus years and add this to His portrait:
6. Jesus Christ is the COMING King! (Rev. 19:11-16)
Remember that donkey reminding us that Jesus is humble, gentle and a COMMON King. Well, that was then. This is now.
Jesus is a King—not doubt about that. Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is a COMMON King. He is a COMPASSIONATE King. He can be a CONFUSING King. He is a CLEANSING King. He is a CONTROVERSIAL King. Now, let us jump forward about 2000 plus years and add this to His portrait:
6. Jesus Christ is the COMING King! (Rev. 19:11-16)
Remember that donkey reminding us that Jesus is humble, gentle and a COMMON King. Well, that was then. This is now.
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and there
was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and
makes war in righteousness. 12 His
eyes were like a fiery flame, lkand many crowns
were on His head. He had a name
written that no one knows except Himself.
13 He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is
the Word of God. 14 The
armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses, wearing pure white
linen. 15 A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might
strike the nations with it. He will
shepherd them with an iron scepter. He
will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. 16 And
He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh:
KING
OF KINGSAND LORD OF LORDS.
As we have seen throughout the Biblical narrative,
everything of importance comes down to the identity of Jesus Christ. Here, Jesus is identified as “King” with a
robe that has a banner (literally, “at
His thigh) with his name near his thigh where His sword would rest. It will be a fearful thing to face the wrath
of this King on a White Horse. It is
imperative, you respond now to this King on a donkey.
The question that now remains, is this: “Is Jesus Christ YOUR King.” Have you willingly repented of your sins and have you willingly and passionately placed yourself in the service of the Triumphant King?
Jesus is still the Triumphant King,
whether people give Him a parade and praise Him, or if they persecute His
people and despise Him. Jesus is the
Triumphant King because that is His identity.
The Civil War ended December 6, 1865. Just a short time later, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery was ratified by the States and became the law of the land. Except in Mississippi. Mississippi would not officially ratify the 13th Amendment for another 130 years. They refused to recognize officially the authority of the law of the land until Thursday, February 16, 1995! As you know from your history, Mississippi continued to be a racist, violent, backward state in regard to basic human rights. Mississippi continued to be an ugly place for another 130 years, and some would argue is still shackled by the chains of racial unrest even today.
Just because Mississippi did not recognize the law of the land, they were still bound by its dictates. Most people in the world today do not recognize the Jesus as the Triumphant King of Kings, but that doesn’t change His identity nor lessen His authority. Everyone is under the authority of Jesus the King, even if they don’t recognize it. The Word of God tells us (Phil. 2:8-10):
The Civil War ended December 6, 1865. Just a short time later, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery was ratified by the States and became the law of the land. Except in Mississippi. Mississippi would not officially ratify the 13th Amendment for another 130 years. They refused to recognize officially the authority of the law of the land until Thursday, February 16, 1995! As you know from your history, Mississippi continued to be a racist, violent, backward state in regard to basic human rights. Mississippi continued to be an ugly place for another 130 years, and some would argue is still shackled by the chains of racial unrest even today.
Just because Mississippi did not recognize the law of the land, they were still bound by its dictates. Most people in the world today do not recognize the Jesus as the Triumphant King of Kings, but that doesn’t change His identity nor lessen His authority. Everyone is under the authority of Jesus the King, even if they don’t recognize it. The Word of God tells us (Phil. 2:8-10):
8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even
to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted Him
and
gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the
name of Jesus every knee will bow — of those who are in heaven and on earth and
under the earth — 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus
is a king like no other and both demands and deserves our full devotion. We
can give it to Him now, willingly, and have eternal life; or, we can delay His
ratification, and receiver eternal punishment.
Now, is the time to accept Jesus as the King of King and Lord of Lords.
Now, is the time to accept Jesus as the King of King and Lord of Lords.
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