Journey to the Cross: Embracing Jesus' Call
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound journey of Jesus to Jerusalem, a journey that was not just a physical path but a spiritual one leading to the cross. This journey is a reminder of the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate purpose of Jesus' mission on earth. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the importance of introspection and understanding the true meaning of this season leading up to Easter.
We explored the narrative from the book of Mark, where Jesus prepares His disciples for the events to come, emphasizing the significance of the cross before the crown. Despite the disciples' misunderstanding and the crowd's misplaced expectations, Jesus remained focused on His purpose. The crowd, shouting "Hosanna," sought deliverance from Roman oppression, yet Jesus' mission was to offer eternal salvation, a kingdom not of this world.
This journey to Jerusalem is a call for us to examine our own lives. Are we merely spectators, or are we participants in the journey with Christ? Jesus invites us to lay down not just palm leaves but our very lives, to make Him the King of our hearts, and to live with the anticipation of His return. This Palm Sunday, we are challenged to respond to His call, to turn away from distractions, and to make the cross our compass.
As we walk this road with Jesus, we are reminded that it is a road to victory, a victory over sin, fear, and condemnation. Jesus' journey was not forced; He willingly laid down His life for us. Today, we are invited to repent, to turn back to Him, and to find our way home, knowing that God has not moved. Let us lay our burdens at the cross and embrace the deliverance and freedom that Jesus offers.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Journey to Jerusalem: Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was a fulfillment of prophecy and a path to the cross, emphasizing the necessity of the cross before the crown. This journey invites us to reflect on our own spiritual paths and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. [35:29]
2. Misplaced Expectations: The crowd and disciples had expectations of earthly deliverance, yet Jesus' mission was to offer eternal salvation. This reminds us to align our desires with God's purpose and to seek His kingdom above all else. [42:16]
3. Participating in the Journey: We are called to be participants, not spectators, in Jesus' journey. This involves laying down our lives, making Him the King of our hearts, and living with the anticipation of His return. [47:36]
4. Victory Through the Cross: Jesus' journey was a road to victory over sin, fear, and condemnation. By focusing on the cross, we find deliverance and freedom, knowing that Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. [50:12]
5. Responding to the Call: This Palm Sunday, we are challenged to respond to Jesus' call, to repent, and to make the cross our compass. Let us turn away from distractions and embrace the deliverance and freedom that Jesus offers. [52:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Exalting the Lord
- [02:00] - Invitation to Worship
- [03:30] - Journey Through Lent
- [05:00] - Preparing for Jerusalem
- [07:00] - Misunderstanding the Message
- [09:00] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [11:00] - The Crowd's Expectations
- [13:00] - Jesus' Purpose and Mission
- [15:00] - Invitation to Participate
- [17:00] - Victory Through the Cross
- [19:00] - Responding to the Call
- [21:00] - Prayer and Reflection
- [23:00] - Closing and Invitation to Pray
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 10:32-34 - Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time
2. Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming of Zion’s King
3. Psalm 118:25-26 - A Call for Salvation
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 10:32-34, what specific events does Jesus predict will happen to Him in Jerusalem? How do these predictions set the stage for His journey? [35:29]
2. According to Zechariah 9:9, how is the king described, and how does this prophecy relate to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? [42:16]
3. What were the crowd's expectations as they shouted "Hosanna" during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and how did these expectations differ from Jesus' mission? [47:36]
4. How does Psalm 118:25-26 reflect the crowd's cries during Jesus' entry, and what does this reveal about their understanding of His mission? [50:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prediction of His suffering and resurrection in Mark 10:32-34 challenge the disciples' understanding of His mission? What might this suggest about their expectations? [35:29]
2. Zechariah 9:9 describes a king who is humble and brings salvation. How does this contrast with the crowd's expectations of a political savior? [42:16]
3. In what ways did the crowd's cries of "Hosanna" reflect a misunderstanding of Jesus' purpose? How does this misunderstanding highlight the difference between earthly and eternal salvation? [47:36]
4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 118:25-26) reinforce the significance of His journey to the cross? [50:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you might be misunderstanding Jesus' purpose in your life, similar to the disciples and the crowd? How can you seek clarity? [47:36]
2. Jesus invites us to lay down our lives and make Him the King of our hearts. What specific steps can you take this week to make Jesus the center of your life? [52:26]
3. The sermon challenges us to turn away from distractions and make the cross our compass. Identify one distraction in your life that you can minimize this week to focus more on Jesus. [52:26]
4. How can you actively participate in Jesus' journey rather than being a spectator? What practical actions can you take to live with the anticipation of His return? [47:36]
5. Jesus' journey was a road to victory over sin, fear, and condemnation. What burdens are you carrying that you need to lay at the cross? How can you embrace the freedom Jesus offers? [50:12]
6. Reflect on the idea of repentance as turning back to God. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and realign with God's purpose? What steps will you take to do this? [52:26]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to Jesus' call. How will you respond to His invitation this Palm Sunday and beyond? What changes will you make in your daily life to reflect this response? [52:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Path to the Cross
Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was a profound fulfillment of prophecy, marking the path to the cross. This journey was not merely a physical one but a spiritual pilgrimage that underscored the necessity of the cross before the crown. As Jesus prepared His disciples for the events to come, He emphasized the significance of His mission, which was to offer eternal salvation rather than earthly deliverance. This journey invites us to reflect on our own spiritual paths and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. Are we willing to walk the path of sacrifice and introspection, understanding the true meaning of this season leading up to Easter? [35:29]
"And he said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'" (Luke 24:46-47, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your life with the path of sacrifice and introspection that Jesus modeled on His journey to the cross?
Day 2: Aligning Expectations with God's Purpose
The crowd and disciples had expectations of earthly deliverance, yet Jesus' mission was to offer eternal salvation. This reminds us to align our desires with God's purpose and to seek His kingdom above all else. The crowd shouted "Hosanna," hoping for deliverance from Roman oppression, but Jesus' kingdom was not of this world. We are called to examine our own expectations and desires, ensuring they align with God's greater plan for our lives. Are we seeking temporary relief or eternal salvation? [42:16]
"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." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find your expectations misaligned with God's purpose? How can you begin to seek His kingdom above all else today?
Day 3: Becoming Participants in Christ's Journey
We are called to be participants, not spectators, in Jesus' journey. This involves laying down our lives, making Him the King of our hearts, and living with the anticipation of His return. Jesus invites us to lay down not just palm leaves but our very lives, to make Him the King of our hearts. Are we willing to actively participate in His journey, living with the anticipation of His return and making the cross our compass? [47:36]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'" (Luke 9:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully participating in Christ's journey? What steps can you take today to actively engage in His mission?
Day 4: Embracing Victory Through the Cross
Jesus' journey was a road to victory over sin, fear, and condemnation. By focusing on the cross, we find deliverance and freedom, knowing that Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. This victory is not just a historical event but a present reality that we are invited to embrace. Are we willing to lay our burdens at the cross and embrace the deliverance and freedom that Jesus offers? [50:12]
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, ESV)
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay at the cross? How can you embrace the victory and freedom that Jesus offers in your daily life?
Day 5: Responding to Jesus' Call
This Palm Sunday, we are challenged to respond to Jesus' call, to repent, and to make the cross our compass. Let us turn away from distractions and embrace the deliverance and freedom that Jesus offers. Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is a call for us to examine our own lives and respond to His invitation. Are we willing to turn away from distractions and make the cross our compass, living with the anticipation of His return? [52:26]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from fully responding to Jesus' call? How can you make the cross your compass and live with the anticipation of His return today?
Quotes
If you've never repented of your sins and repentance is going this way and saying, God, you know what I know, this is not for me. This is not what you've called me to or made me to be. Repentance is turning around and start following him. We're not here to ask him to give us any place at his right or left. Following him is not him following us. Today's your day. There's no better day than today to make that choice. If you have made that choice, but you've been distracted, you've been pulled to the left or the right away from true purpose. Let me invite you to turn that around again. [01:03:02] (66 seconds)
You see, Jesus on this road was determined not to be distracted. There was so much going on around him. James and John wanted status. The disciples were upset. The crowd wanted to be rescued. Lazarus was famous, but his eyes were fixed on his purpose. And his purpose was to get to the cross. Because how many of us know that without that cross, there's no salvation? Amen? Without that cross, there's no redemption. He knew riding on that little donkey that the faith of the world rests on his shoulders. [00:51:27] (54 seconds)
You see, being in a crowd doesn't mean that you have supporters. Amen? When you're walking a purpose-filled journey, it can be a lonely one even if you're in a crowd. One day, the same crowd that was shouting, save us was the same crowd a few days later that said, crucify him when they didn't get him to do what they wanted. You see, in that crowd, Judas was among them. He hadn't yet betrayed Jesus. And so we see here that validation doesn't always come from a large crowd, doesn't come from noise. [00:53:15] (58 seconds)
He wanted us to remember that there is more to life than what we see here. Amen? And even after death, he's still God that rules after death. He conquers, the scripture said, the grave. He wanted to give eternal life. Not just 90 years and 70 years and 50 years. You see, Jesus on this road was determined not to be distracted. There was so much going on around him. James and John wanted status. The disciples were upset. The crowd wanted to be rescued. Lazarus was famous, but his eyes were fixed on his purpose. [00:50:54] (61 seconds)
And as I close, he was not forced to walk this journey. His life wasn't taken from him and that's why we can rejoice because he gladly and freely laid it down, amen, for you and for me. Though it wasn't a journey and a ride that was free from pain and agony, but there is great and eternal victory at the end of this ride. And so today I say, if you're here and you've never given your heart to the Lord, what does that look like? [01:02:19] (56 seconds)
The scripture said he wept, not because he was sad for what was going to happen to him, but he realized that the people were putting all their hope and trust. They wanted to protect, assist him, the temple. And he said, if only you knew what was coming, that in not too far from now, this same temple is going to be completely destroyed and not one stone will be left standing. He wanted them to know that there's coming a time when the temple is going to be this. Amen? Our bodies. [00:55:24] (50 seconds)
You see, they were asking to be at exalted place in the kingdom kingdom. But Jesus had already taught this, that says the kingdom is for all who would respond. Amen? John 14, 2 to 3. He said, in my father's house, this is King James, are many mansions. And the newer one says, there's a lot of rooms. I'm going to prepare a place for you so that where I am, there shall you be also. And he says, if it wasn't so. And he says, if it wasn't so, I wouldn't say it. Right? I'm not here telling lies. [00:45:28] (42 seconds)
You see, the crowd, along with James and John and the other disciples who by now were angry at these two for asking Jesus for a seat at his left and right. They were upset, the scripture said, because how dare you go behind our backs and try to get the best position. They were asking for glory. They were asking for glory and missed the gravity of the words that were spoken. They missed to understand that the crown comes after the cross. Amen? The crown doesn't come before the cross. [00:44:40] (48 seconds)
You see, he didn't want to use his power to deliver them from Rome and Caesar. Because there will always be more systems and more governments. Amen? He was riding on a road that would lead to eternal freedom. Luke 19 .10 says, for the son of man came to seek and save the lost. Isaiah 9 .6, for a child is born to us and a son is given. Here is prophecy again. The government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. [00:48:40] (55 seconds)
And as we journey to Jerusalem in this time of leading into Easter it's a season that is worth celebrating it's a season that is worth pausing and reflection should happen introspection should happen as we think about what this season means to us and what we're called to do I'll be walking us through the chapter that pastor Michael read for us today but I want to just remind us of how we got to chapter 11 where Jesus was now in the crowd you see in chapter 10 of mark Jesus had just healed those who were around him sick and so his disciples had approached him as he was reminding them how impossible it is for those who trust in riches to make it into heaven [00:38:03] (80 seconds)
I'll tell you that we are invited to participate instead of being a spectator amen he's inviting us to participate you see when we walk this road with him I'm glad it wasn't a private walk it was open for everyone and on this road is where he's teaching us what it means to say not my will but your will be done amen on this road as he rides this donkey and we walk along with him as we participate he's teaching us that we shouldn't just lay down palm leaves we should also lay down our lives to him and nothing is wrong with palm leaves read it in Revelation John said before the throne of God he saw a multitude that he couldn't number of every color of every nation of every tongue of every language and they were worshiping he who sat on the throne and in their hands they had palm leaves waving we're only practicing down here what's gonna happen up there amen not just palm leaves lay our lives down he's inviting us and teaching us that we shouldn't just call him king with our lips but we should make him the king that sits on the throne of our heart not just say yes I know he died for me but live like you know it to be so we have to respond when we say I believe he's coming back again [00:59:48] (127 seconds)
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