Journey to the Cross: Love, Humility, and Sacrifice
Summary
On this Palm Sunday, we gather to reflect on the journey of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, a journey that ultimately led to the cross. This day is a reminder of the praise and adoration Jesus received as He was welcomed as a king, only to be rejected days later. The road to the cross was not one of political triumph but of spiritual victory, marked by love, humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Jesus came not to overthrow earthly powers but to establish an eternal kingdom. His path was paved with love, as He demonstrated through His life and ministry, reaching out to the lost and the broken. His humility was evident from His birth in a manger to His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, and His ultimate act of servanthood in washing His disciples' feet.
The road to the cross was also a road of sacrifice. Jesus lived a life of self-denial, culminating in His death on the cross, a sacrifice made for our salvation. His obedience to the Father's will was unwavering, even in the face of suffering and death. This obedience is a model for us, calling us to trust in God's plan even when it is difficult to understand.
As we reflect on Jesus' journey, we are reminded that the road to the cross is also a personal journey for each of us. It begins with accepting the gift of salvation, a gift that requires us to surrender our lives to Jesus and live in obedience to His will. It is a journey of sharing our stories, of testifying to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. We are called to be witnesses, to share the hope and love of Christ with those around us.
This Holy Week, let us not only remember the events of the past but also live out the message of the cross in our daily lives. Let us be bold in sharing our faith, inviting others to experience the love and salvation that Jesus offers. As we walk this road, may we be filled with the joy and peace that comes from knowing that Jesus has already walked the hardest road for us, and He walks with us still.
Key Takeaways:
- The Road of Love: Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by profound love, a love that is not just an action but the very essence of who God is. This love is extravagant and unconditional, reaching us in every phase of life. We are called to abide in this love and extend it to others, even our enemies, as a reflection of Christ's love for us. [01:10:28]
- The Path of Humility: Jesus exemplified humility throughout His life, choosing a path of lowliness and servanthood. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and His act of washing His disciples' feet are powerful demonstrations of His humble heart. True humility involves thinking of ourselves less and serving others, following Jesus' example of selflessness. [01:21:50]
- The Way of Sacrifice: Jesus' life was characterized by sacrifice, not just in His death but in His daily actions. He gave up comfort and convenience for the sake of others, teaching us that true life is found in living for something greater than ourselves. We are called to embrace this sacrificial love, serving others and glorifying God through our actions. [01:30:34]
- The Call to Obedience: Jesus' obedience to the Father's will was unwavering, even in the face of suffering. This obedience is rooted in trust and relationship with God, and it calls us to follow His example, even when the path is difficult. Obedience leads us to resurrection life, as we trust in God's perfect plan. [01:21:50]
- The Invitation to Share: The road to the cross invites us to share our stories of transformation and hope. Our testimonies are powerful tools for pointing others to Jesus, reflecting the power of the gospel in everyday life. We are called to be witnesses, sharing the love and salvation of Christ with those around us, fulfilling the Great Commission. [01:38:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:02:30] - Introduction to Palm Sunday
- [00:05:00] - The Significance of Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
- [00:10:00] - The Road to the Cross: Love
- [00:15:00] - The Road to the Cross: Humility
- [00:20:00] - The Road to the Cross: Sacrifice
- [00:25:00] - The Road to the Cross: Obedience
- [00:30:00] - Personal Journey: Salvation
- [00:35:00] - Personal Journey: Surrender
- [00:40:00] - Personal Journey: Sharing Our Stories
- [00:45:00] - The Call to Evangelism
- [00:50:00] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [00:55:00] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
- [01:00:00] - Announcements and Fellowship Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Road to the Cross
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 21:1-11
- Hebrews 12:2
- John 3:16
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 21:1-11, how did the people of Jerusalem initially respond to Jesus' entry into the city, and what actions did they take to honor Him? [00:05:00]
2. According to Hebrews 12:2, what was the motivation for Jesus to endure the cross, and how does this reflect His love for humanity? [01:10:28]
3. How does John 3:16 encapsulate the purpose of Jesus' journey to the cross, and what does it reveal about God's love for the world? [01:10:28]
4. What examples of humility did Jesus demonstrate during His life, as mentioned in the sermon, and how do these examples challenge our understanding of greatness? [01:21:50]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the crowd's shift from shouting "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him" in just a few days illustrate the nature of human expectations versus God's plan? [00:05:00]
2. In what ways does Jesus' obedience to the Father's will, even unto death, serve as a model for believers facing difficult decisions or trials? [01:21:50]
3. How does the concept of sacrificial love, as demonstrated by Jesus, challenge the cultural norms of convenience and self-interest? [01:30:34]
4. What does it mean to "abide in love" as described in 1 John 4:16, and how can this abiding transform our relationships with others, including our enemies? [01:10:28]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had expectations that were not met. How did you respond, and how might Jesus' example of humility and obedience guide you in similar situations? [00:05:00]
2. Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by love, humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Which of these attributes do you find most challenging to embody, and why? [01:10:28]
3. Consider the people in your life who may be difficult to love. What practical steps can you take this week to extend Christ-like love to them, even if it requires sacrifice? [01:10:28]
4. Jesus' obedience was rooted in trust in the Father's plan. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God's plan. What steps can you take to grow in trust and obedience? [01:21:50]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing our stories of transformation. Who in your life needs to hear your story, and how can you create an opportunity to share it with them this week? [01:38:16]
6. Reflect on the concept of surrender as described in Luke 9:23. What is one area of your life where you need to let go of control and allow Jesus to lead? [01:30:34]
7. How can you incorporate the message of the cross into your daily interactions, whether at work, home, or in your community, to reflect the hope and love of Christ? [01:38:16]
Devotional
Day 1: The Extravagance of Divine Love
Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by a profound love that transcends human understanding. This love is not merely an action but the very essence of who God is. It is extravagant and unconditional, reaching us in every phase of life. Jesus demonstrated this love through His life and ministry, reaching out to the lost and the broken. As followers of Christ, we are called to abide in this love and extend it to others, even our enemies, as a reflection of Christ's love for us. This love is a powerful force that can transform lives and bring healing to the brokenhearted. [01:10:28]
1 John 4:9-11 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Reflection: Who in your life is difficult to love, and how can you intentionally show them Christ's love today?
Day 2: Humility in Action
Jesus exemplified humility throughout His life, choosing a path of lowliness and servanthood. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and His act of washing His disciples' feet are powerful demonstrations of His humble heart. True humility involves thinking of ourselves less and serving others, following Jesus' example of selflessness. This humility is not about diminishing our worth but about recognizing the value of others and putting their needs above our own. It is a call to live a life of service, where we seek to uplift and support those around us. [01:21:50]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week, reflecting the humility of Christ?
Day 3: Embracing Sacrificial Living
Jesus' life was characterized by sacrifice, not just in His death but in His daily actions. He gave up comfort and convenience for the sake of others, teaching us that true life is found in living for something greater than ourselves. This sacrificial love calls us to embrace a life of service, where we prioritize the needs of others and glorify God through our actions. It is a reminder that our lives are not our own, and we are called to live in a way that reflects the sacrificial love of Christ. [01:30:34]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one comfort or convenience you can give up this week to serve someone else, and how can this act of sacrifice draw you closer to God?
Day 4: The Power of Obedience
Jesus' obedience to the Father's will was unwavering, even in the face of suffering. This obedience is rooted in trust and relationship with God, and it calls us to follow His example, even when the path is difficult. Obedience leads us to resurrection life, as we trust in God's perfect plan. It is a call to surrender our will to God and to trust that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the full picture. [01:21:50]
Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV): "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan, and how can you take a step of obedience in that area today?
Day 5: Sharing the Story of Transformation
The road to the cross invites us to share our stories of transformation and hope. Our testimonies are powerful tools for pointing others to Jesus, reflecting the power of the gospel in everyday life. We are called to be witnesses, sharing the love and salvation of Christ with those around us, fulfilling the Great Commission. This is not just about words but about living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. [01:38:16]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your testimony with this week, and how can you prepare to share the hope of Christ with them?
Quotes
What a great way to celebrate Palm Sunday during our Easter at Shiloh series. And that was truly a moment where I can say, and you can say, the children led us in praise. Just like the first Palm Sunday, on that day the religious leaders questioned the praise of the children and Jesus responded to them in Matthew 21, 16, from the lips of children and infants, you have called forth praise. Even then, Jesus made it clear that pure and genuine praise froze from the heart of the young and also the young at heart. And this is a day of praise. [01:00:13] (40 seconds)
Here the people were worshiping him at this point, but only four days later, they were mocking him. They were jeering him. And instead of saying, Hosanna, they were shouting, crucify him, crucify him. This is because Jesus is on the road to the cross. In fact, that's the title of my message today. And as we get ready to celebrate Jesus's resurrection next Sunday, today we're focusing on the road to the cross. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, at first they were excited because he came as a king, but their excitement quickly turned to anger when they realized he wasn't the kind of king that they wanted. [01:03:34] (44 seconds)
So later, as I thought about it, I realized the road to the cross was far more painful than any road we've traveled. It wasn't in line with beauty or comfort. It was marked by betrayal. It was marked by suffering, isolation, and pain. But Jesus knew exactly what awaited him, which was the cross. Yet he didn't turn back. He didn't take the easier road. He stayed the course, even when it got treacherous. And he kept going, and the reason he kept going is clear in Hebrews 12, 2, for the joy set before him, he endured the cross. That joy was us. [01:08:00] (40 seconds)
One of the most defining attributes of God is love. It's not just something he does. It's literally who he is. 1 John 4, 16 says, And we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love. Let's say that together. God is love. And he who bides in love in God and God in him. And we can choose to abide in that kind of love. God's love is extravagant. It's amazing. It's never -ending. So much so that in Ephesians 3, Paul prays that we might grasp how wide, how long, how deep, and how high his love truly is. [01:09:41] (48 seconds)
God's love was fully revealed when he gave his son, Jesus, for us. He came to the earth to be our savior. And all through his ministry, we see his heart. He was moved with compassion. He loved the lost and the hurting. And let's read from Matthew 9, verse 35 through 36. Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion. [01:10:26] (37 seconds)
From the very beginning of his life, Jesus chose the low and unassuming path. Though he was the son of God, he wasn't born in a palace fit for a king, but in a lowly, simple manger, which was used to feed cattle. And as he grew up, he worked with his hands as a carpenter. And on the road to the cross, the king of kings maintained this posture. While sinless, Jesus identified with sinners when he was baptized by John the Baptist. Throughout his life, Jesus was drawn to the broken, the forgotten, the outcasts, the marginalized, the leper, and the poor. [01:13:28] (40 seconds)
From the start of his ministry, Jesus lived a life marked by continual sacrifice. He denied himself daily, not just in his death, but in every step he took while walking on earth. In Matthew 4, we see that he was fasting 40 days in the wilderness, resisting the enemy's temptation, not for his own benefit, but to show us how to stand against every attack of the enemy. It's with the word, right? He gave up sleep to rise early and spend time with the Father. And even when he was physically exhausted, he cared for the crowds and poured out himself for them. [01:17:30] (42 seconds)
Throughout his ministry, Jesus always did what pleased his father. Obedience was a consistent part of his life. He grew in wisdom, he grew in stature, and he grew in favor with God and man. And his obedience wasn't shaken by resistance, by rejection, or the spiritual blindness of those he encountered. It was rooted in unchanging trust in the father's plan, no matter how difficult, no matter how painful it became. And as the cross, road to the cross grew darker, Jesus' obedience never wavered. In the garden of Gethsemane, under intense agony, he prayed, not my will, but yours be done. [01:22:04] (43 seconds)
The road to the cross reveals both the depth of our need for a Savior and the greatness of God's love. Romans 6 .23 says, the wages of sin is death, meaning that because of our sin, we're separated from a holy God. We deserve eternal death. Sin isn't just a bad habit. It's a spiritual debt we can never repay on our own. But Jesus didn't leave us stuck in that hopeless condition. [01:25:52] (26 seconds)
Sin created that divide, but in Genesis 3 .15, even before, right in the beginning of generous, we see his plan. God revealed his redemptive plan that Jesus, the promised seed, would crush the head of the enemy in our place. And as we read throughout the Old Testament, we see the sacrificial system pointed ahead to the perfect sacrifice, Jesus, who would come in the fullness of time. Through his sacrifice, the gap between us and the Father is closed, and we have a picture of that today. Jesus is the bridge between sinful humanity and a holy God. [01:30:05] (38 seconds)
Jesus surrendered everything for us, and now we get to surrender everything back to him. The road to the cross doesn't only lead us to salvation and surrender, but lastly, it leads us to sharing our stories. When we understand the depth of what Jesus has done for us, we can no longer keep it to ourselves. And this reminds me of a song we used to sing. When I think about the Lord and what he's done for me, it makes me want to shout, it makes me want to jump, it makes me want to sing, it makes me want to dance. [01:30:44] (34 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 13, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?