For God So Loved …

Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

A Message by | Mick Veach | lead pastor| first aired on 04.05.20

Introduction

Read Scripture

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

“Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!”

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” —Matthew 21:1-11

1. The verse that is most well-known, is John 3:16—Why?

   a. It is a declaration that God loves us
   b. He demonstrated it by coming and dying
   c. He did not come into the world to condemn it
   d. Passion week reminds us of the full extent of God’s love for us

2. Many of us today, need to know the love of Jesus in a new and refreshing way

3. The results of experiencing the authentic love of Christ in our life brings healing from:

   a. Our Sin
   b. Suffering
   c. Difficult dilemmas
   d. Addictions
   e. Hurt and Pain
   f. The feeling of being trapped and disappointed
   g. A Hope that will move us toward him with eagerness and passion

4. John 14:6 is our foundation for Jesus
   a. He is the ONLY WAY to the Father
   b. Many will refute this claim today
   c. Many will move toward universalism
   d. Many will decide to live in ambiguity

5. Jesus opened up the door to the Father

I. Jesus Initiated a

A. This week is typically call Passion Week and today is called Palm Sunday
B. A good portion of the gospels focus on this last week
C. Conflict arose in this week

1. The Jewish People had a different concept of what the kingdom is
2. They believed the Messiah would be their new Conqueror
3. A physical kingdom that would bring back the days of King David

D. Celebrating with a declaration of “Hosanna,” which means “saves now”
E. Jesus’ Kingdom was not a physical one
F. The key issues for those who had placed their hope in Him

1. Understand His Message: deliverance, power and a future
2. Accept His Message
3. Apply His Message

G. They did not, and the same people who cried, hosanna, a week later cried, crucify Him

Key Point—A new Kingdom had been ushered in but is seen in the heart of those who say YES

II. Jesus Completed the

A. The children of Jacob are leaving Egypt as a nation and God told them before they leave that there would be one last horrible plague

1. The death of the firstborn son
2. The children of Jacob must put blood over their door posts so that when the angel of death comes they would be spared (Exodus 12)

B. As they moved out and continued forward a system was established by God via Moses to take care of their sin

1. Burnt offerings: a bull or ram or bird sacrificed for the act of worship and unintentional sin (Leviticus1:8-13)
2. Grain offerings: food offering as an act of worship for His provisions (Leviticus 2:14-23)
3. Fellowship offerings: any animal for thanksgiving and fellowship offering (Leviticus 3:11-34)
4. Sin offerings: a bull or goat and mandatory for atonement for sin (Leviticus 4:5-13)
5. Guilt offerings: ram or lamb mandatory for sin and cleansing (Leviticus 5:14;7:1-6)

C. This sacrificial system had spiritual significance

1. Sin had to be dealt with
2. Compete surrender to God’s will and purpose
3. Fellowship was established between the worshipper, the priest and God

D. Jesus communicates with His disciples that something new was coming (Luke 22:7-23)

1. I must suffer, I am going to be the offering (15)
2. My sacrifice will bring the new kingdom (16)
3. This occurred at the last supper

E. Jesus became the completion of the Passover

1. Our sins are forgiven once and for all (I John 1:9)
2. Born again, supernatural change (John 3:3)

Key Point—Jesus provided the final sacrifice and atonement for all of us

III. Jesus Gave

A. Prior to this event (His death) access to God was limited and that via a high priest—that was about to change
B. His death opened this door and everyone knew something in history was changing

1. Curtain of the temple torn (Mark 15:38)
2. Darkness over the land for three hours (Mark 15:33)
3. Earthquake so violent that rocks split (Matthew 27:51)
4. Holy People were raised back to life (Matthew 27:52)
5. Hardened men (centurions) declare that He is the Son of God (Matthew 27:54)

C. A new order has been set in place for humanity from that point forward
D. The result of having access to God directly

1. A new creation for everyone who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17)
2. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Counselor (John 16:5-16)
3. A strength to move forward with God
4. Assurance that we will not be alone

Key Point—God is accessible 24/7, use that access

E. This Passion Week Jesus is calling all of us back to what is most important

1. Understanding what He has done for us
2. Applying these amazing truths to our daily lives

Call to Action

1. Call down His healing rain in your life
2. Read Matthew 21-28 this week

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