Courageous Love: Embracing Christ's Humble Kingship
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound courage it takes to express the truth of one's heart, paralleling our own hesitations with the bold declaration of love that God has made to humanity since the beginning. I encouraged the congregation to join the parade of conviction, to speak with courage, and to respond to God's enduring proclamation of love.
We delved into the scripture from John 12, recounting the events of Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem. The crowd, waving palm branches, shouted "Hosanna," a plea for salvation, reflecting their desire for a political savior to liberate them from Roman occupation. However, Jesus' entry on a donkey, as opposed to a warhorse, symbolized peace rather than political upheaval.
Throughout Lent, we've journeyed with the disciple Peter, reflecting on his human experiences of both triumph and failure. This journey has been underscored by the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," which echoes Peter's—and our own—fluctuating faithfulness and God's steadfast love.
We also considered the historical context of Jesus' time, the political expectations of the Messiah, and the stark contrast between Jesus' humble arrival and the might of the Roman Empire. The disciples' initial misunderstanding of these events, only to comprehend them post-resurrection, was highlighted as a testament to the unfolding revelation of God's plan.
In our prayers, we lifted up the needs of our congregation and the world, seeking healing, guidance, and provision. We prayed for those facing medical challenges, for our church members in Cuba, and for all on a pilgrimage of faith.
The sermon concluded with a reflection on the significance of Jesus' peaceful entry into Jerusalem, a prelude to the events of Holy Week, and an invitation for us to embrace the paradox of Christ's kingship—a reign marked not by power and domination, but by humility and peace.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of declaring love requires bravery, mirroring the vulnerability God shows in continuously declaring love for us. This divine example calls us to overcome our fears and speak truthfully about our faith and convictions. [24:08]
- Palm Sunday is not just a historical event; it's a reminder of the contrast between worldly expectations of power and the subversive nature of God's kingdom. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey challenges us to reconsider our own perceptions of strength and leadership. [24:55]
- The journey with Peter during Lent serves as a mirror to our own spiritual walk. His story is a testament to the grace that covers our failings and the love that calls us back when we stray. It's a journey of constant learning and humility. [26:33]
- The political undertones of Palm Sunday reveal the people's longing for liberation, which is still relevant today. As followers of Christ, we are called to seek a kingdom not of domination but of peace, justice, and reconciliation. [34:14]
- Understanding the context of Jesus' time enriches our faith and informs our discipleship. It's crucial to recognize the radical nature of Jesus' ministry and the expectations he defied, which ultimately led to his crucifixion and the transformation of his followers. [37:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 12:12-16 (NIV)
> "The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the king of Israel!' Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.' 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."
2. Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
> "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."
3. Psalm 118:25-26 (NIV)
> "Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the people shouting as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and what did they signify? (John 12:13)
2. How did Jesus' mode of entry into Jerusalem contrast with the people's expectations of a political savior? (John 12:14-15)
3. What was the disciples' initial reaction to the events of Palm Sunday, and when did they understand its significance? (John 12:16)
4. What historical and political context did the sermon provide about the use of palm branches? [32:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' entry on a donkey, as opposed to a warhorse, redefine the concept of kingship and leadership? (John 12:14-15)
2. In what ways does Peter's journey during Lent reflect our own spiritual walk, according to the sermon? [26:33]
3. How does understanding the political undertones of Palm Sunday help us grasp the broader message of Jesus' ministry? [34:14]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's kingdom compared to worldly expectations of power and domination? [24:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you hesitated to speak the truth of your heart. How can the example of God's bold declaration of love encourage you to be more courageous? [24:08]
2. How can you actively participate in the "parade of conviction" in your daily life, speaking with courage about your faith and convictions? [24:08]
3. In what ways can you challenge your own perceptions of strength and leadership to align more closely with the humility and peace exemplified by Jesus? [24:55]
4. How does Peter's story of fluctuating faithfulness resonate with your own spiritual journey? What steps can you take to embrace God's steadfast love more fully? [26:33]
5. Considering the political expectations of Jesus' time, how can you seek a kingdom of peace, justice, and reconciliation in your community today? [34:14]
6. How can understanding the historical context of Jesus' ministry enrich your faith and inform your discipleship? [37:52]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to respond to God's enduring proclamation of love, especially in the face of personal or communal challenges? [24:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Courage in Declaring Love
The act of declaring love is an act of bravery, especially when it comes to the matters of the heart and faith. This courage is not born in a vacuum but is inspired by the divine example set forth by God, who has unceasingly declared His love for humanity. To speak truthfully about one's faith and convictions is to follow in the footsteps of this divine vulnerability. It is a call to step out of the shadows of fear and into the light of truth, to join the parade of conviction that marches through the ages. This is not merely about speaking up but about living out the truth of the Gospel in every aspect of life. It is about making the love that has been so freely given a visible and tangible reality in the world. [24:08]
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6
Reflection: How can you embody the courage to declare your love for God and others in a tangible way this week?
Day 2: Reconsidering Power and Leadership
Palm Sunday serves as a stark reminder of the contrast between human expectations of power and the nature of God's kingdom. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, challenges preconceived notions of strength and leadership. This event calls for a reevaluation of what true leadership looks like, urging believers to embrace a model that is characterized by peace and service rather than force and dominance. It is a call to align one's life with the subversive nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the meek shall inherit the earth. This reimagining of power dynamics is not just a historical reflection but a present-day imperative that has the potential to transform how one lives and interacts with the world. [24:55]
"But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." - Philippians 2:7
Reflection: In what ways can you practice servant leadership in your community, reflecting Jesus' approach to power and authority?
Day 3: Grace Amidst Our Failings
The journey with Peter during Lent is a poignant reflection of the human condition, marked by moments of both triumph and failure. His story is a powerful testament to the grace that covers our shortcomings and the relentless love that beckons us back when we stray from the path. This journey is not one of perfection but of constant learning, humility, and growth. It is a reminder that faith is a dynamic process, filled with ups and downs, yet undergirded by the steadfast love of God that never wavers. As believers walk this path, they are invited to recognize their own need for grace and to extend that same grace to others. [26:33]
"And he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflection: Can you identify a recent failure and consider how God's grace is sufficient to transform that moment into an opportunity for growth?
Day 4: Longing for True Liberation
The political undertones of Palm Sunday highlight a deep-seated longing for liberation, a theme that resonates throughout history and into the present day. The people's cry for salvation, "Hosanna," reflects a desire for deliverance that transcends political structures. As followers of Christ, there is a call to seek a kingdom that is founded on peace, justice, and reconciliation, rather than domination. This pursuit is not passive but requires active engagement in the work of building communities that reflect the values of God's kingdom. It is a call to be agents of change, working towards the liberation of all people from the various forms of bondage that plague society. [34:14]
"For he has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." - Colossians 1:13-14
Reflection: What is one action you can take this week to contribute to the liberation and well-being of those in your community?
Day 5: The Radical Nature of Jesus' Ministry
Understanding the historical context of Jesus' time is crucial for deepening one's faith and informing discipleship. Recognizing the radical nature of Jesus' ministry and the expectations he defied is essential to comprehending the full impact of his life and teachings. Jesus' humble arrival in Jerusalem was a deliberate counter-narrative to the prevailing notions of messianic deliverance. His actions and words challenged the status quo and invited his followers into a new way of understanding power, authority, and salvation. This understanding is not just academic but has practical implications for how believers live out their faith in the world, striving to emulate the transformative example set by Jesus. [37:52]
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8
Reflection: How can you incorporate the radical aspects of Jesus' ministry into your daily life, challenging societal norms and expectations?
Quotes
"To speak the truth of your heart does take courage, it always has. But please, summon your courage, join the parade and speak with conviction, for God has been saying to the world since day one, 'I love you.'" [24:08]
"Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, daughter Zion; look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.' His disciples did not understand these things at first... they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him." [24:55]
"Peter was one of Jesus's earliest disciples... we hear about the moments when he really gets it right and we also hear about the moments when he really gets it wrong. He's very human, and so are we." [26:33]
"The people, they're waving these palm branches which they do because they have palm trees around them, and it has this other layer of political meaning... they shout 'Hosanna,' which means 'save us, please save us.'" [34:14]
"Jesus came into Jerusalem on this little colt... He didn't come with weapons, he didn't come on a chariot, he didn't have any soldiers with him... a leader who comes into a city on a donkey or a donkey's colt is one who comes in peace." [37:52]
"It's such a human thing that we get good, we're in a good place with God, everything's great, and then something happens and right back... I continue to learn every single day how often I forget." [27:54]
"The Roman Empire... they're coming in one gate with this great show of force... and in another one, you've got this poor man who has no money to his name, he comes riding in on a donkey... it's a very marked difference." [39:17]
"His disciples didn't understand these things at first... there's a lot of times when the disciples don't understand what Jesus is saying or doing... it's not that surprising that they don't understand what's going on." [40:02]
"Passover... celebrates The Exodus from Egypt... Shavuot... offering the first fruits of the crop... Sukkot is the Festival of the booths... the population of Jerusalem would have swelled dramatically every time that there was a pilgrimage." [30:43]
"The people in Jerusalem are oppressed by the Roman Empire at this time... they want their freedom again and so they keep hoping that someone is going to rise up and be the political leader... they were going to be able to have their freedom and be people of their own self-determination." [34:14]
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