Embracing Humility: Our Call to Serve Christ
Summary
In my sermon today, I focused on the profound lessons we can learn from the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, as recounted in Luke 19:28-43. This narrative is not just a historical account; it is a call to action for each of us, challenging us to consider what we are doing with the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us.
I began by drawing parallels between the parable of the nobleman who entrusts his servants with his property and our own lives. Just as the nobleman expected his servants to use what they were given for his kingdom, God expects us to use our talents and resources for His purposes. Whether we have been given much, some, or just enough, the question remains: What are we doing with it?
As we enter Holy Week, it's a time to reflect on our own spiritual journey and how we are contributing to the advancement of God's kingdom. I shared insights from my devotions in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the responsibility we have to live out our faith authentically, not just in worship but in our daily lives.
The sermon then delved into the four key words: presentation, prediction, participation, and proclamation. We looked at how we present ourselves before God, the prophecy of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, our participation in God's work, and our proclamation of who Jesus is.
I highlighted the significance of Jesus choosing a donkey for His entry into Jerusalem. This was not a random choice but a fulfillment of prophecy, symbolizing humility and peace, in contrast to a conquering king on a horse. The donkey's owner immediately responded to the disciples' request, teaching us the importance of being ready to offer what we have for the Lord's work.
The donkey itself, never ridden before, obeyed and submitted to Jesus without resistance. This act of submission is a powerful example for us. Jesus doesn't want to break us; He wants us to willingly obey, serve, and submit, just like the donkey did.
As we approach Easter, I urged the congregation to obey, serve, and submit to the King in our hearts and attitudes. I encouraged everyone to participate in the traditional celebrations of Good Friday and to find a place to worship God, remembering what He suffered for us.
Finally, I called on the congregation to let their lives be a proclamation of God's glory, ensuring that it is not the stones that cry out in praise, but us, God's people.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey teaches us about the humility required in service to God. Just as the donkey carried Jesus without seeking glory for itself, we are called to carry out God's work humbly, allowing Christ to receive the glory. Our lives should be a reflection of Christ's humility and purpose, not our own desire for recognition. [20:25]
- Immediate obedience to God's call is exemplified by the donkey's owner in the Gospel of Luke. When God asks for something we possess, our response should be as prompt and generous as the owner's was. This challenges us to consider what we are holding onto too tightly and to be willing to let go for the sake of God's kingdom. [11:10]
- The donkey's submission to Jesus, despite never having been ridden, is a powerful image of trust and recognition of authority. In our own lives, we are called to submit to Christ's authority with the same trust, knowing that He is our creator and master. This submission is not out of fear but out of recognition of Jesus' loving lordship over our lives. [17:04]
- Holy Week is a time for us to be particularly attentive to God's work in our lives and to be prepared for His use. We should be ready to share the gospel, pray with others, and serve as the Lord leads us. This week, let us be especially open to the opportunities God places in our path to demonstrate His love and truth. [31:11]
- The proclamation of Jesus as King during His entry into Jerusalem is a reminder of our call to proclaim Him in our lives. The praise given to Jesus on that day should echo in our daily worship and declaration of His lordship. Let us be people who consistently praise and celebrate Jesus, allowing the gospel to transform us and to be the message we share with the world. [29:03]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 19:28-43 - The story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
2. Zechariah 9:9 - The prophecy of the King coming humbly on a donkey.
3. Ezekiel 33:30-32 - A call to live out faith authentically, not just in worship but in daily life.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the donkey in Luke 19:28-43? How did the owner of the donkey respond? ([00:40])
2. According to the sermon, what are the four key words that were discussed, and what do they signify? ([07:23])
3. How did the crowd react to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and what did they shout? ([27:47])
4. What is the significance of Jesus choosing a donkey for His entry into Jerusalem, as mentioned in the sermon? ([21:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the immediate obedience of the donkey's owner significant in the context of our own lives and resources? ([11:10])
2. How does the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 enhance our understanding of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? What does it reveal about His character and mission? ([21:42])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that we should reflect on our spiritual journey during Holy Week? How can this reflection lead to authentic living? ([07:23])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of submission through the example of the donkey? What does this teach us about our relationship with Jesus? ([17:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the gifts and resources God has entrusted to you. How can you use them more effectively for His kingdom this week? ([06:45])
2. The owner of the donkey responded immediately to the disciples' request. Is there something you are holding onto too tightly that God might be asking you to release for His purposes? ([11:10])
3. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizes humility. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions and service to others? ([21:04])
4. Holy Week is a time to be particularly attentive to God's work in our lives. What specific actions can you take this week to be more open to the opportunities God places in your path? ([31:11])
5. The sermon calls us to let our lives be a proclamation of God's glory. What are some practical ways you can proclaim Jesus in your daily life, ensuring that it is not the stones that cry out in praise, but you? ([33:55])
6. Reflect on the concept of submission as illustrated by the donkey. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to Jesus' authority? How can you work on trusting and submitting to Him more fully? ([17:04])
7. As we approach Easter, how can you participate in the traditional celebrations of Good Friday and find a place to worship God, remembering what He suffered for us? ([33:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility in Divine Service
Humility is a cornerstone of Christian service, as exemplified by Jesus' choice of a donkey for His entry into Jerusalem. This act was a deliberate fulfillment of prophecy, but it also served as a symbol of the humility required of those who follow Christ. Believers are called to carry out God's work with a humble spirit, allowing Christ to be glorified through their actions. The donkey, an animal of burden, carried Jesus without seeking its own glory, teaching us to focus on the purpose and glory of Christ rather than our own desire for recognition. In doing so, we become vessels for His work, embodying the humility that Jesus Himself displayed.
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4)
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your service to others this week, and in what ways might you need to step back to let Christ's glory shine through?
Day 2: Generosity in God's Calling
The immediate response of the donkey's owner when asked to give up his animal for the Lord's work is a powerful example of generosity and obedience. This act of giving without hesitation challenges believers to examine their own hearts and consider what they might be holding onto too tightly. The call to be generous is not just about material possessions but also about being willing to offer time, talents, and resources for the advancement of God's kingdom. It is a reminder that everything believers have is entrusted to them by God and should be readily offered back to Him when called upon.
"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you." (1 Chronicles 29:14)
Reflection: What is one thing you feel God is asking you to offer for His purposes, and how can you take a step today to release it with a generous heart? [11:10]
Day 3: Trust in Christ's Authority
The donkey's submission to Jesus, despite never having been ridden, is a profound image of trust and recognition of authority. This mirrors the trust that believers are called to place in Jesus, acknowledging His authority and lordship over their lives. Submission to Christ is not about fear or loss of freedom; it is about recognizing the loving care of the Creator and Master. Trusting in Jesus' authority means letting go of the need to control and instead, allowing Him to lead, guide, and use one's life for His purposes.
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust Jesus' authority, and what practical steps can you take to submit to His lordship today? [17:04]
Day 4: Attentiveness to God's Work
Holy Week serves as a poignant reminder for believers to be attentive to God's work in their lives. It is a time to be especially open to the Holy Spirit's prompting, whether that means sharing the gospel, praying with someone, or serving in a new capacity. This attentiveness requires a readiness to act and a willingness to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit. It is about being present in the moment and looking for the divine appointments that God has set before each person.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Reflection: What opportunity has God placed in your path this week to demonstrate His love and truth, and how can you prepare your heart to respond? [31:11]
Day 5: Proclaiming Jesus as King
The proclamation of Jesus as King during His entry into Jerusalem is a call for believers to also proclaim Him in their lives. The praise given to Jesus on that day should be reflected in the daily worship and declaration of His lordship by His followers. This proclamation is not just with words but through a transformed life that consistently celebrates and praises Jesus. It is about letting the gospel change us and become the message we share with the world, ensuring that it is not the stones that cry out, but God's people.
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15)
Reflection: How can you actively proclaim Jesus as King in your daily interactions, and what specific action can you take today to celebrate His lordship in your life? [29:03]
Quotes
1) "Jesus doesn't want to break you. When you come to Jesus, when you bow your knee in front of Jesus, it is not like he wants to make you into his puppet. He wants you to obey, he wants you to serve, and he wants you to submit like the donkey and like the wave. What a beautiful picture, what a great picture. And when the gospel comes into your life, it doesn't break you, it gives you purpose." [19:05]
2) "The donkey is simply a humble service animal carrying Jesus, not looking for any glory. They're not throwing clothes on it because of the donkey; they're throwing clothes on the street because of the person on top of the donkey. What a great picture that the gospel transforms you to a noble purpose of serving the master. You go from being a humble donkey to being a humble donkey that lets Jesus get the glory." [20:25]
3) "The Lord needs it, and so they brought the donkey to Jesus. Obey the king this week in your heart, in your attitudes. Serve the king this week. However, God is going to use you. Submit to the king, don't rebel. Submit and then worship the king. Take on Friday the traditional celebrations of Good Friday and find a place to worship God, remembering what He suffered for us." [33:13]
4) "May the stones not talk to your neighbor this week. May you do it. May the streets not shout glory to God. May you do it. May the rocks and the hills maintain their quietness because God's people are doing what God's people are supposed to do: praise Him all the time." [34:40]
5) "The Lord is in need of your service to others. The donkey served Jesus, never been ridden before. How many of you have ever tried to break a horse? How many of you have ever ridden a donkey that has never been ridden before? The Lord is in need of your submission to Him. The donkey was not stubborn and it was not rebellious. If the Lord needs it, are you stubborn, are you rebellious, are you disobedient?" [14:31]
6) "The donkey had never been ridden and Jesus didn't break it. The donkey just submitted to Jesus because it knew who its master was, it knew who its creator was. Of course, you're going to do this because it's Jesus. The donkey is part of creation. Jesus didn't break the Seas, remember when the disciples are in the boat and Jesus is sleeping in the Helm of the boat and Jesus is just relaxing while the boat's going up and down, waves are crashing around him." [17:04]
7) "The Lord needs it. What do you have that the Lord needs? Better yet, what do you have that the Lord needs that you're holding on too tightly, that you haven't let go of, that you're going, 'Well, the Lord needs it, but I need it now, I need it here.' Earlier in my practice notes, I'm going to put it back in, what about your home? Can the Lord use your home as a place for people to gather, for people to have a dinner, for people to be encouraged?" [11:52]
8) "The donkey is a great symbol of humility. It's not the noble horse, it's not the big giant white horse riding in on the town, coming in and leading the charge. It's a humble beast of burden. The donkey is a great symbol of humility but it is also a symbol of prophecy. It wasn't an accident that Jesus took that donkey. Jesus is very specific; he knows the prophetic word." [21:04]
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