April 1, 2012
Read Matthew 21:1-11
(See also Mark 11:1-1; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19)
Digging In:
As always, start with first impressions before questions:
What do we learn about Jesus?
What did he do/say that strikes you?
What is clearly being taught in this passage?
Understand the culture:
This is the beginning of the final act in the life of Christ on earth.
This is the beginning of the final act in the life of Christ on earth.
3 "storms" were blowing into Jerusalem this week:
- Roman Occupation;
- Israel's desire for a king;
- The Passover Celebration.
It was customary that a king would enter the city on a white horse after a victorious battle but during a time of peace, the king rode in on a donkey. (Judges 5:10; 1 Kings 1:33)
What message might Jesus have been trying to communicate by entering on a donkey and not on a white horse?
Observe the response of the People.
Note that the crowds that went ahead of Jesus were shouting:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
Discuss the meaning of the statements: “Hosanna” literally means “Save Now," “Son of David” was a Messianic title for Jesus
The crowds were acknowledging Jesus was who He claimed to be…for now.
Later, we read how these same crowds went from shouting ‘Hosanna’ to shouting ‘Crucify Him.’
Note that the crowds that went ahead of Jesus were shouting:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
Discuss the meaning of the statements: “Hosanna” literally means “Save Now," “Son of David” was a Messianic title for Jesus
The crowds were acknowledging Jesus was who He claimed to be…for now.
Later, we read how these same crowds went from shouting ‘Hosanna’ to shouting ‘Crucify Him.’
Why are they so quick to turn on Jesus?
Have you ever been quick to turn on Jesus?
Dig Deeper-
This Triumphant Entry of Jesus is significant for many reasons, including:
Discuss why Jesus came to die:
Dig Deeper-
This Triumphant Entry of Jesus is significant for many reasons, including:
- This was the final and official presentation of Jesus to Israel as their Messiah
- Many people recognized this as seen in their shouts of praise.
- By coming on a donkey, Jesus presented Himself as King.
- This presentation of Jesus was the exact fulfillment of prophecy; prophecy the Israelites would have been very familiar with. This should have confirmed without any doubt that Jesus was (and is) the Messiah.
What else can you think of?
- To save us from evil (Romans 3:25);
- To save us from our sins (Ephesians 1:7);
- To save us from death (John 10:17-18).
Something else to think about:
Jesus was entering the city extending grace, not to judge the city.
As we see in Revelation 19:11, the time will come (a time still future to us) when Jesus will enter the city as a victorious ruler and will judge the world.
Closing:
What is your response to Jesus? Do you believe He is your Savior?
If He is Saviour and Lord, how can you publically and verbally praise God this week?
If He is Saviour and Lord, how can you publically and verbally praise God this week?
No comments:
Post a Comment