Embracing Jesus' Spiritual Victory This Holy Week
Summary
As we gather on this Palm Sunday, we embark on the journey of Holy Week, a sacred time that commemorates the Passion of Christ. Today, we celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed as a king, though His kingship was not immediately understood. This week, we reflect on the victory that Jesus brings, a victory not of military might but of spiritual triumph over sin and death. As we wave our palms, we remember the crowds who hailed Jesus, hoping for a military savior, yet Jesus offered a deeper, eternal victory.
Throughout Lent, we've explored the question, "What does Jesus save us from?" We've shared insights on how Jesus saves us from ourselves, hopelessness, temptation, and more. Each of us needs saving in unique ways, and Jesus meets us in those needs. We cannot save ourselves; only Jesus can. He took our place, set us free, and showed us the best way to live. Today, we focus on how Jesus gives us victory, a victory that seemed like defeat at first but was revealed in His resurrection.
As we walk through Holy Week, we relive the events of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. The story of Jesus' passion is not just a historical narrative but a spiritual experience that transforms us. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a prelude to His ultimate victory over sin and death. The crowds expected a military leader, but Jesus offered a victory of love and sacrifice. His resurrection on Easter Sunday changed everything, offering us a victory we could never achieve on our own.
In our lives, we face stones that seem immovable—challenges, addictions, grief, and more. Yet, God can move these stones, often by changing us rather than our circumstances. As we draw close to God, we find joy, love, and value, experiencing the victory Jesus gives. This week, let us walk with Jesus, embracing the victory He offers and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus' Victory is Spiritual, Not Military: The crowds in Jerusalem expected a military savior, but Jesus offered a deeper victory over sin and death. His triumph was not in conquering empires but in conquering the grave, offering us eternal life. This victory invites us to look beyond worldly expectations and embrace the spiritual freedom Jesus provides. [30:20]
2. We Cannot Save Ourselves: Human efforts fall short in overcoming sin and death. Jesus took our place, setting us free and showing us the best way to live. His sacrifice reminds us that salvation is a gift we cannot earn but can only receive through faith. [26:42]
3. God Moves the Stones in Our Lives: The obstacles we face often seem insurmountable, yet God can move them. Sometimes, the change occurs within us rather than in our circumstances. As we draw near to God, we find strength and transformation, experiencing the victory Jesus offers. [38:07]
4. The Power of God's Love: Jesus' passion is an expression of God's immense love for us. His willingness to face death and rise again demonstrates the depth of His love and the power of His victory. This love calls us to live transformed lives, rooted in the assurance of His victory. [32:50]
5. Walking Through Holy Week: As we journey through Holy Week, we relive the events of Jesus' passion, allowing them to transform us. This week is an opportunity to deepen our faith, embrace Jesus' victory, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. [46:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [18:50] - Introduction to Palm Sunday
- [26:42] - What Does Jesus Save Us From?
- [30:20] - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
- [32:50] - The True Victory of Jesus
- [38:07] - God Moves the Stones
- [46:53] - Children's Parade and Palm Waving
- [54:09] - The Passion Narrative Begins
- [56:23] - Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
- [58:28] - The Crucifixion
- [01:00:27] - Jesus' Words on the Cross
- [01:10:32] - Prayers and Confession
- [01:12:54] - Offering and Thanksgiving
- [01:16:28] - The Lord's Prayer and Sending Forth
- [01:19:03] - Announcements and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 19:28-40 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
2. Luke 22:14-23 - The Last Supper
3. Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection of Jesus
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the expectations of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and how did they express these expectations? [30:20]
2. How did Jesus' entry into Jerusalem differ from the typical expectations of a king's arrival? [30:20]
3. What were some of the things Jesus saved us from, as discussed in the sermon? [26:42]
4. How did the sermon describe the nature of the victory that Jesus achieved? [32:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think the crowds were expecting a military leader in Jesus, and how does this reflect on their understanding of salvation? [30:20]
2. How does the concept of Jesus' victory over sin and death challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to be saved? [32:50]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God moves the "stones" in our lives, and how does this relate to personal transformation? [38:07]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the power of God's love through Jesus' passion and resurrection? [32:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you expected God to act in a specific way, but He acted differently. How did that experience shape your faith? [30:20]
2. Identify a "stone" in your life that seems immovable. What steps can you take to draw closer to God and allow Him to transform you in this area? [38:07]
3. How can you embrace the spiritual victory that Jesus offers in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or temptations? [32:50]
4. Consider the ways in which you might be trying to "save yourself" in certain areas of your life. How can you rely more on Jesus' saving power? [26:42]
5. How does the story of Jesus' passion and resurrection inspire you to live a life rooted in love and sacrifice? What practical steps can you take to embody this in your community? [32:50]
6. As we journey through Holy Week, what specific practices or reflections can help you deepen your faith and prepare your heart for Easter? [46:53]
7. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with hopelessness or grief. How can you share the message of Jesus' victory and love with them this week? [38:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Spiritual Victory Over Worldly Expectations
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was marked by the crowd's expectation of a military savior, yet He offered a victory that transcended earthly power. His triumph was not in overthrowing empires but in conquering sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe. This spiritual victory invites believers to look beyond worldly expectations and embrace the freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that true victory is found not in earthly achievements but in the spiritual freedom Jesus provides. [30:20]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking worldly success or validation? How can you shift your focus to embrace the spiritual victory Jesus offers?
Day 2: The Gift of Salvation Through Faith
Human efforts are insufficient to overcome sin and death; only Jesus can save us. His sacrifice on the cross was a gift of salvation that we cannot earn but can only receive through faith. This reminds us that our attempts to save ourselves fall short, and we must rely on Jesus' grace and love. As we accept this gift, we are set free and shown the best way to live, rooted in faith and trust in Him. [26:42]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What are some ways you try to earn God's favor or salvation? How can you practice receiving His grace as a gift today?
Day 3: God Transforms Us to Overcome Obstacles
The challenges we face often seem insurmountable, yet God can move these stones in our lives. Sometimes, the change occurs within us rather than in our circumstances. As we draw near to God, we find strength and transformation, experiencing the victory Jesus offers. This transformation is a testament to God's power and love, enabling us to overcome obstacles and live in His victory. [38:07]
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
Reflection: What is one "stone" or obstacle in your life that feels immovable? How might God be inviting you to change internally to overcome it?
Day 4: The Depth of God's Love Through Jesus' Sacrifice
Jesus' passion and resurrection are profound expressions of God's immense love for humanity. His willingness to face death and rise again demonstrates the depth of His love and the power of His victory. This love calls us to live transformed lives, rooted in the assurance of His victory and the hope of eternal life. As we reflect on this, we are invited to respond to God's love by living in a way that honors His sacrifice. [32:50]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding the depth of God's love through Jesus' sacrifice change the way you live your daily life? What is one way you can respond to this love today?
Day 5: Embracing the Journey of Holy Week
Holy Week is a time to relive the events of Jesus' passion, allowing them to transform us. This journey is an opportunity to deepen our faith, embrace Jesus' victory, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. As we walk through this week, we are invited to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, allowing these events to shape our lives and faith. [46:53]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally walk through Holy Week, allowing the events of Jesus' passion to transform your heart and deepen your faith? What specific practices can you incorporate into your week to prepare for Easter?
Quotes
May we receive a blessing in the hearing of these words. May we receive a blessing in the hearing of these words. Jesus is our Savior. Who has noticed that the images we've had up there matched the banner that was up here? Anybody notice that? Pretty snazzy, huh? We have a new banner. So you have to remember about the palms on that banner. [00:21:41] (29 seconds)
As we've been walking through Lent, these days of fasting and prayer and almsgiving, we are spiritually priming ourselves. We are getting ready for that celebration of Easter. And we've been looking at how Jesus is our Savior. And it has brought up, we started with that number one fundamental question, what does Jesus save us from? [00:22:11] (27 seconds)
And so we've been thinking about this and talking about this for weeks, and I'm going to invite you to share your thoughts with a neighbor. So turn to somebody, preferably someone you didn't walk in the door with, groups of two or three, and share your thoughts. What does Jesus save us from? We'll take like two minutes. [00:22:47] (23 seconds)
So can you share, say it out loud like we do at prayer time, what was something you said, some thoughts you had, or something that you heard? Save us from ourselves. Save us from ourselves. Isn't that the truth? What else? Mm-hmm. You know, we have a pathway instead of the, like in Monopoly, instead of the go to jail, we have a pathway around, yeah. [00:25:14] (55 seconds)
Jesus saves us from hopelessness. What was this one? Saves us from temptation. Selfishness. Grief over our sins. Jesus saves us in so many ways. And always the way each one of us needs most. And each one of us needs saved differently. One of the persistent realities of being a human being is that we cannot solve everything. We can't save ourselves. [00:26:17] (42 seconds)
We looked at how Jesus took our place. That we human beings broke the covenant. We needed to pay the covenant price. But God stepped in and took our place. We looked at how Jesus sets us free. That we are slaves to sin and death. We need saved from ourselves. And that Jesus sets us free. Jesus showed us by moral example what that life looks like. [00:27:24] (25 seconds)
Today is Palm Sunday the beginning of Holy Week. And we start today and then we walk those events in real time. Jesus entered Jerusalem and we kind of do a living a living story of the passion. The passion is that that that period of Jesus arrest and crucifixion and death. We call it passion that it is a time of great feeling. It is this enormous expression of love. God's love for us. [00:27:53] (41 seconds)
And so today Jesus enters Jerusalem. He'd been preaching and healing and teaching all over the countryside and today he arrives at Jerusalem the capital the big city. Crowds had been following him everywhere. They figured he was the Messiah the new king who would give them victory. Now I have never lived under a king so I kind of have to use my imagination and I tend to think of kings as like presidents as ones who govern and run the country. [00:28:54] (39 seconds)
I forget that for those folks kings would have primarily been thought of as military leaders like a general except that these military leaders were the ones that led the troops into battle. They weren't managing from behind the lines. They led the troops into battle and so they were looking for this military ruler this military leader who would give them victory. That's what they were hoping for. [00:29:33] (30 seconds)
On Easter Sunday, when we realized that Jesus rose from the dead, it changed everything. It took a while for those first disciples to make sense of it all. It was later, decades later, that the Gospels were written. 40, 50, 60 years later, those Gospels were written by churches like us, where some of us had seen what happened. Some of us had heard it. We'd been telling the stories and it was time to get it written down. [00:31:59] (37 seconds)
what are the huge massive stones in your life that you just can't move but that god can move what are the stones that block your pathway to a free and full life stones that you just can't move stones that you just can't move but god can move what causes you to feel defeated perhaps it's your health or the health of someone you love perhaps it's addiction to alcohol or drugs or food or doom scrolling or video games perhaps it's sadness or hopelessness that you want relationships you don't have perhaps it's grief perhaps it's anxiety god can move those stones in fact god already has like the women who went to the tomb and the stone had already it's anxiety Thank you. [00:38:07] (75 seconds)
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