Embracing Humility: Worship Through Our Lives
Summary
In our new series, "Songs of the Saved," we are preparing our hearts for Easter by focusing on the posture of worship that Christ's sacrifice calls us to embody—not just through song, but through the entirety of our lives. As we approach this sacred season, we delve into the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 21:1-10, where we witness Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, an event that fulfills ancient prophecy and reveals the profound nature of our Savior.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a pivotal moment that fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. He arrives not on a warhorse, but humbly on a donkey, signifying His kingship and His role as the bearer of our burdens. The crowds respond with adoration, laying down their cloaks and branches, shouting "Hosanna," which means "one who saves." This spontaneous act of worship reflects their recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the one who brings victory and salvation.
This passage challenges us to consider who Jesus is to us. Just as Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" we too must answer this question. Our response shapes our worship, our reading of Scripture, our relationships, and our entire lives. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the living Christ, the Son of God, who calls us to a life of worship that extends beyond our words and into our actions.
As we recount the story of Jesus' final days, we are reminded that our understanding of Him should spur us into a renewed spirit of worship. We are called to follow our King, to embrace humility as He did, and to bear one another's burdens. Our lives should sing a song of who Jesus is for us, reflecting our worship not just in our words but in our deeds.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as opposed to a majestic horse, teaches us about the nature of His kingship. It is a kingship marked by humility and service, not by domination and power. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this humility in our own lives, serving others and putting their needs before our own. [01:16:16]
- The crowds' response to Jesus—laying down cloaks and branches and shouting "Hosanna"—is the first worship service recorded in the New Testament. This act of worship was a recognition of Jesus' messianic identity and a plea for salvation. Our worship today should also be a recognition of who Jesus is and a response to the salvation He offers. [01:24:33]
- Worship is more than singing songs on Sunday; it is a posture of life. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, which is our spiritual act of worship. The way we live our lives—our attitudes, actions, and responses—should reflect the humility and servanthood of Jesus. [01:30:22]
- What we praise reveals what we worship. If we praise material possessions, career success, or even our children above all else, we are essentially worshiping these things. True worship is reserved for God alone, and our praise should be directed toward Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace in our lives. [03:12:52]
- The question Jesus posed to His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" is a question that each of us must answer personally. Our answer to this question will dictate the direction of our lives and the authenticity of our worship. We must recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and live in a way that honors Him. [03:16:47]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 21:1-10
- Zechariah 9:9
- Romans 12:1
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific prophecy does Jesus fulfill by entering Jerusalem on a donkey, and where is this prophecy found in the Old Testament? ([01:09:38])
2. How did the crowds respond to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and what did they shout? ([01:10:06])
3. What question did Jesus ask His disciples in Matthew 16, and who responded? ([01:05:06])
4. According to Romans 12:1, what is our spiritual act of worship?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' choice of a donkey significant in the context of His kingship and the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9? ([01:16:16])
2. What does the crowd's shout of "Hosanna" reveal about their understanding of Jesus' identity and mission? ([01:24:08])
3. How does Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" challenge us in our personal faith and understanding of Him? ([01:06:15])
4. In what ways does Romans 12:1 expand our understanding of worship beyond singing songs on Sunday?
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey, symbolizing humility and service. How can you emulate this humility in your daily life? ([01:16:16])
2. The crowds laid down their cloaks and branches as an act of worship. What are some practical ways you can show your worship to Jesus in your everyday actions? ([01:22:23])
3. Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" How would you personally answer this question, and how does your answer shape your daily life and decisions? ([01:06:15])
4. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. What specific steps can you take this week to live out this call to worship through your actions and attitudes?
5. The sermon mentioned that what we praise reveals what we worship. Reflect on your life and identify something you might be praising more than God. How can you redirect your praise towards God? ([01:28:05])
6. The concept of bearing one another's burdens was highlighted. Is there someone in your life who needs help carrying their burdens? What can you do this week to support them? ([01:18:50])
7. Worship is described as a posture of life. What changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure that your life reflects a posture of worship? ([01:27:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humble Kingship
In the Gospel of Matthew, we see a profound moment where Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, a stark contrast to the grandeur expected of a king. This humble arrival is a powerful lesson in the nature of true leadership and the heart of God's kingdom. It teaches us that true greatness is found in humility and service to others. As followers of Christ, we are called to adopt this same posture in our lives, seeking to serve rather than be served, and to lift others up rather than seeking power for ourselves. This act of humility is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of character and the depth of love that Jesus embodies. [07:40]
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." - Philippians 2:5-7 ESV
Reflection: How can you demonstrate Christ-like humility in your interactions today, and in what ways can you serve others as an act of worship?
Day 2: Worship as Recognition and Response
The first worship service in the New Testament is marked by a spontaneous outpouring of adoration for Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. The people lay down their cloaks and branches, shouting "Hosanna," recognizing Him as the Messiah and responding to the hope He represents. This teaches us that worship is not just about the songs we sing but about recognizing who Jesus is and responding to Him with our whole hearts. Our worship should be a reflection of our understanding of Jesus' identity as the Savior and our gratitude for the salvation He offers. It is a call to live in a way that honors Him and acknowledges His rightful place in our lives. [01:24:33]
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name." - Philippians 2:8-9 ESV
Reflection: What are practical ways you can lay down your 'cloaks and branches' in everyday life to honor Jesus as your King?
Day 3: Living Sacrifices of Worship
Worship extends far beyond our voices; it encompasses our entire being. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true spiritual worship. This means that every aspect of our lives—our actions, thoughts, and attitudes—should be an offering to God. The way we treat others, the way we handle adversity, and the way we live out our faith are all part of our worship. By living lives that reflect Jesus' humility and servanthood, we worship God not just with our lips but with our lives. [01:30:22]
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." - Romans 12:1 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your life that you can offer more fully to God as a living sacrifice of worship?
Day 4: The Object of Our Praise
What we praise is a clear indicator of what we value and, ultimately, what we worship. If our highest praise is reserved for temporal things like wealth, success, or even relationships, we are misplacing our worship. True worship is directed toward God alone, acknowledging His sovereignty, grace, and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our praise should reflect our understanding of God's nature and His work in our lives, and it should lead us to a deeper reverence and love for Him. [03:12:52]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21 ESV
Reflection: What occupies the majority of your praise, and how can you shift your focus to give God the glory He deserves in your daily life?
Day 5: Personal Encounter with the Living Christ
The question Jesus posed to His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" is a personal invitation for each of us to encounter Him and acknowledge His true identity. Our answer to this question shapes our entire life, including our worship, our values, and our actions. Recognizing Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, requires a personal commitment to follow Him and to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. This recognition is the foundation of our faith and the catalyst for transformation in our lives. [03:16:47]
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." - Matthew 16:15-16 ESV
Reflection: How does your life reflect your personal answer to Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" and what steps can you take to align your life more closely with this confession?
Quotes
"Who do we say Jesus is? What do we say with our words? What do you say in your thoughts? By the merit of your actions. What do you say about Jesus? Who do you say that he is?" [01:06:15] ()
"Jesus is on the road. He's making his way into Jerusalem. He's trampling cloaks and palm branches and people are shouting, Hosanna, the one who we adore, the one who is going to give us the victory, he's going to save us." [01:33:00] ()
"That this should be a part of my worship, that in my spiritual act, this discipline of worship, that I would too hold this posture of humility as I worship him. He is born a great burden for us, that my Hosanna, that my Hosanna would be to adore and revere above all else in my life, Jesus." [01:33:00] ()
"Lord, thank you for this moment. As we sing this song, would we recount and remember that you are the Christ, you are the Son of the Living God, you have given us a great gift, you have offered us a great example, and may our life be a worship." [01:33:00] ()
"Jesus loved him. Matthew is a book that's interesting. It's different than the other gospels and that the gospel of Matthew being the first one in the New Testament. It is specifically written to the unbelieving Jews." [01:13:00] ()
"Jesus makes his disciples do some weird stuff sometimes. Some things that would be a little uncomfortable, that they would maybe be confused on why he's asking to do this. Okay, so Jesus, you want me to go that guy's house." [01:16:16] ()
"They would bear a burden, just as Jesus, in acceptance of what God humbly called him to do, his father, would leave his kingly throne, it would come to earth, to bear our burdens." [01:20:46] ()
"Praise is celebration, it's an acknowledgement of something that is worthy or has value for celebration. It's the acknowledgement of it, right? The Hosanna, it's the one who is adored, it's the one who is revered, it's the one who brings the victory, that is singing celebrations, that is praise." [01:26:59] ()
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