Embracing Jesus: Lordship, Kingdom, and True Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to gather in the house of the Lord. Today, we reflect on Mark 11, where Jesus enters Jerusalem, marking the final week of His ministry. This passage is often associated with Palm Sunday, where people laid down palm branches and cloaks, shouting "Hosanna," which means "Lord, save us." This plea for salvation is deeply significant, as it reveals our need for a Savior and challenges us to understand who Jesus truly is.
Firstly, we must embrace Jesus as our Lord. The story of Jesus asking His disciples to fetch a colt, an untrained donkey, highlights the importance of obedience, even when God's requests seem odd or uncomfortable. Just as a horse submits to its rider, we must submit to Jesus, allowing Him to lead us, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones.
Secondly, we must embrace His kingdom. Jesus riding a donkey instead of a horse symbolizes a kingdom of humility and peace, not power and political dominance. The Jews expected a political savior to free them from Roman rule, but Jesus came to establish a different kind of kingdom—one that transcends political boundaries and focuses on spiritual salvation and service.
Lastly, we must embrace true worship. The crowd's enthusiastic welcome of Jesus was filled with emotion, but many of those same people would later call for His crucifixion. This teaches us that worship is not about outward displays or rituals but about a genuine relationship with God. True worship transforms us and propels us to live out our faith daily.
In conclusion, we all need a Savior. Whether we are struggling with life's challenges or have become complacent in our faith, Jesus calls us to submit to Him, embrace His kingdom, and worship Him in spirit and truth. Let us respond to His call and allow Him to lead us into a life of true worship and service.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Jesus as Lord: True discipleship requires us to submit to Jesus' leadership, even when His commands seem strange or uncomfortable. Just as a horse submits to its rider, we must allow Jesus to guide us, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. This submission is essential for experiencing His salvation and transformation in our lives. [24:15]
2. Embrace His Kingdom: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizes a kingdom of humility and peace, not political power. We often seek a savior who aligns with our personal or political agendas, but Jesus calls us to a higher purpose—serving in His kingdom, which transcends earthly politics and focuses on spiritual renewal and service. [41:39]
3. True Worship: Worship is not about outward rituals or emotional displays but about a genuine relationship with God. The crowd that welcomed Jesus with shouts of "Hosanna" later called for His crucifixion, revealing the superficiality of their worship. True worship transforms us and propels us to live out our faith daily, beyond the confines of a church service. [49:51]
4. Faith Requires Action: Following Jesus often means stepping out of our comfort zones and doing things that don't always make sense to us. Whether it's the disciples fetching an untrained donkey or us taking bold steps of faith, obedience to God's call is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom. [30:58]
5. The Need for a Savior: Recognizing our need for a Savior is the first step toward spiritual renewal. Whether we are struggling with life's challenges or have become complacent in our faith, Jesus invites us to cry out to Him for salvation. This involves not only acknowledging our need but also submitting to His lordship and allowing Him to transform our lives. [55:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:03] - Announcements
[07:08] - Disaster Response Training
[08:04] - Corporate Prayer
[08:59] - Worship Through Song
[18:01] - Reflecting on the Cross
[19:29] - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
[21:22] - The Mood of Jesus and Disciples
[22:56] - Meaning of "Hosanna"
[24:15] - Embracing Jesus as Lord
[30:58] - Faith Requires Action
[32:30] - Obedience in Uncomfortable Situations
[36:04] - Embracing His Kingdom
[41:39] - Jesus' Humble Kingdom
[45:25] - True Worship
[49:51] - The Crowd's Response
[55:31] - The Need for a Savior
[57:37] - Responding to God's Call
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 11:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
2. Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King riding on a donkey
3. Psalm 118:25-26 - "Hosanna" and the plea for salvation
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the colt? How did the disciples respond? ([19:29])
2. What was the crowd's reaction as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and what did they shout? ([19:29])
3. How does Zechariah 9:9 describe the coming King, and how does this prophecy relate to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem?
4. What does the word "Hosanna" mean, and where in the Old Testament is it originally found? ([22:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to ride a donkey instead of a horse when entering Jerusalem? What message was He conveying about His kingdom? ([27:33])
2. How does the crowd's initial reaction of shouting "Hosanna" contrast with their later actions during Jesus' trial and crucifixion? What does this reveal about the nature of true worship? ([49:51])
3. In what ways does the story of the colt illustrate the importance of obedience to God's seemingly odd or uncomfortable requests? ([30:58])
4. How does the concept of Jesus' kingdom as one of humility and peace challenge our personal or political expectations of a savior? ([41:39])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was asking you to do something uncomfortable or odd. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more open to such requests in the future? ([30:58])
2. Jesus' kingdom is characterized by humility and peace rather than political power. How can you embody these values in your daily interactions and community involvement? ([41:39])
3. True worship goes beyond outward displays and rituals. How can you cultivate a genuine relationship with God that transforms your daily life? ([49:51])
4. The crowd's plea of "Hosanna" was a cry for salvation. In what areas of your life do you need to cry out to Jesus for salvation and transformation? ([22:56])
5. Consider the ways in which you might be more like the "stubborn donkey" rather than the obedient horse in your walk with Christ. What steps can you take to submit more fully to Jesus' leadership? ([25:49])
6. How can you ensure that your worship is not just a Sunday ritual but a daily practice that reflects a genuine relationship with God? ([51:54])
7. Identify one specific action you can take this week to step out of your comfort zone in obedience to God's call. How will you hold yourself accountable to this commitment? ([30:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Submitting to Jesus' Leadership
Description: Embracing Jesus as Lord means more than just acknowledging His divinity; it requires a deep, personal submission to His leadership in our lives. In Mark 11, Jesus instructs His disciples to fetch a colt, an untrained donkey, for His entry into Jerusalem. This task might have seemed odd or uncomfortable, yet the disciples obeyed without question. Their obedience is a powerful example of what it means to submit to Jesus, even when His commands don't make sense to us. True discipleship involves trusting that Jesus' ways are higher than ours and allowing Him to guide us, much like a horse submits to its rider. This submission is essential for experiencing His salvation and transformation in our lives. [24:15]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Embracing a Kingdom of Humility and Peace
Description: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a horse, symbolizes a kingdom characterized by humility and peace, not political power. The Jews of His time expected a political savior who would free them from Roman rule, but Jesus came to establish a different kind of kingdom—one that transcends political boundaries and focuses on spiritual renewal and service. This kingdom calls us to a higher purpose, one that often goes against our personal or political agendas. Embracing His kingdom means aligning our lives with His values of humility, peace, and service, rather than seeking power or dominance. [41:39]
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and peace in your daily interactions, especially in situations where you might be tempted to assert power or dominance?
Day 3: Genuine Worship Beyond Rituals
Description: True worship is not about outward rituals or emotional displays but about a genuine relationship with God. The crowd that welcomed Jesus with shouts of "Hosanna" later called for His crucifixion, revealing the superficiality of their worship. This teaches us that worship should transform us and propel us to live out our faith daily, beyond the confines of a church service. Genuine worship involves a heartfelt connection with God that influences our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. It is about living a life that reflects our faith and devotion to God in every aspect. [49:51]
Amos 5:23-24 (ESV): "Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your worship is genuine and not just a ritual? What steps can you take to let your worship influence your daily actions and decisions?
Day 4: Stepping Out in Faith
Description: Following Jesus often means stepping out of our comfort zones and doing things that don't always make sense to us. The disciples' task of fetching an untrained donkey is a prime example of this. Obedience to God's call, even when it seems illogical or uncomfortable, is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom. Faith requires action, and sometimes that action involves taking bold steps that challenge our understanding and comfort. By stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to experiencing God's power and presence in new and profound ways. [30:58]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one bold step of faith you feel God is calling you to take? How can you take that step this week, trusting in God's guidance and provision?
Day 5: Recognizing Our Need for a Savior
Description: Recognizing our need for a Savior is the first step toward spiritual renewal. Whether we are struggling with life's challenges or have become complacent in our faith, Jesus invites us to cry out to Him for salvation. This involves not only acknowledging our need but also submitting to His lordship and allowing Him to transform our lives. The plea of "Hosanna" from the crowd in Mark 11, meaning "Lord, save us," is a powerful reminder of our constant need for Jesus' saving grace. By turning to Him, we open ourselves to His transformative power and the renewal of our spirits. [55:31]
Psalm 40:17 (ESV): "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel a deep need for Jesus' saving grace? How can you actively seek His help and submit to His lordship in those areas today?
Quotes
1. "And that's really a time of corporate prayer. It's not just about listening to the one person who's praying, but it's about all of us coming together. In one heart, in one spirit, in one mind, and asking God's presence to be with us, for him to speak to us, to change us. And so I want to encourage you as we go to the Lord in prayer this morning to pray with me as we pray together." [08:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And God, we are here this morning to worship you because you are worthy. We're here to worship you because we love you. And Lord, we pray that the act of our worship is not just the songs that we sing, but how we live our life. And God, we pray that in this time that you would speak to us, that you would move and change us, and that you would send us out to live a life of worship to you." [08:59] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so here Jesus is coming into Jerusalem and the crowds are gathering and they're throwing their cloaks and the branches down in the street and they're literally crying out God save us Lord save us we pray and I think that this passage of scripture teaches us a lot about what that actually means because a lot of times when we cry out to God in our life when we ask him to help us when we ask him to save us well we have our own picture in our mind of what it looks like for God to save us and then the reality is is that when God shows up sometimes we find out that God has other plans in mind." [22:56] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But you know, if we're going to allow God to do his work in us, then we have to understand that if he is going to be our Savior, he must first be our Lord. That he is the one who gets to decide. That he is the one who gives us the commands. That sometimes when we are following Christ, we have to do things that we've never done. We have to follow through, and even when things aren't making complete sense to us, even when things aren't the way that we're used to doing them, we have to understand that if God is leading, that if God is moving, we have one of two choices. We can be the horse who submits to the master, or we can be the donkey that God is dragging." [32:30] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He hasn't called us to go and win the political race. He's called us to go out into the fields and reap the harvest. This morning, when we seek a savior, we have to embrace our Lord. We have to embrace his kingdom, not ours. And finally, we have to embrace true worship." [45:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And while the story of Palm Sunday is normally one that has a great bit of celebration and exhilaration, and good reason for it. I'm not saying that we shouldn't celebrate it as a church, but there's a part of it that seems a bit somber to me because of the level of fakeness and hypocrisy that's going on. And I'm because we know the end of the story." [49:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But has there ever been a time where you found yourself sitting in the pew, and it felt like maybe that you were just going through the motions? Has there ever been a time where you showed up to a worship service in a church, and it felt choreographed, almost insincere? And what I would say is, is that it's, it's not that God doesn't want us to sing, or that we shouldn't be here to give our best to the Lord in worship. But I guess what I would say is, is that if, if the primary focus of your faith experience begins and it ends in just a worship service, I think you've missed the point of your faith." [51:54] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Because it's not about a show. It's not about getting dressed up and coming in and saying the right things, and standing when we're supposed to stand, and sit when we're supposed to sit, and, and, and, you know, when we think about whether something was a good worship service, we shouldn't judge it by how well the worship team did, or how funny the pastor's sermon was. We should judge it by how much did the Holy Spirit convict our hearts, so that when we walk out the door, we're not the same person that we used to be." [51:54] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And so, what is it that we should do in response to this, message this morning? Well, I think it's pretty evident that all of us need a Savior. There are some of you, when you go and you look at your life, there are some of you who would say, you know, if I was going to be really honest, I would say I'm barely holding it together, and as a matter of fact, I'm not. My life is just a piece of brokenness that I don't know how to fix." [53:47] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There may be some of you who are here this morning, and I don't mean this to come across in an offensive way, but if you were really honest with yourself, you would say that when it comes to my faith, I've been more of a donkey than a horse. I'm not letting God lead. I'm not letting Him move me. And I realize that even though He has saved my soul, that for Him to complete His work in me and in our congregation, I have to let God lead and move me into places that aren't comfortable." [55:31] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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