The Humble King: A Call to Compassion and Witness
Summary
On this Palm Sunday, we reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, a moment that marks the beginning of a week that would change history. As we prepare for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, we are reminded of the fruitful opportunity this season presents to witness and share the love of Christ with others. This is a time when hearts are more open to the message of the Gospel, and we are called to make disciples and share the good news with our neighbors, coworkers, and family members.
In Luke 19, we see Jesus entering Jerusalem as a celebrated king, fulfilling the prophecies of old. He comes not as a conquering hero on a stallion, but humbly on a donkey, symbolizing a different kind of kingship—one marked by peace and humility. This entry is a fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy and a testament to Jesus' authority and mission. As the people lay down their garments and sing praises, they recognize Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Yet, Jesus is also a king who weeps over His people. He sees the impending judgment on Jerusalem and mourns their inability to recognize the time of their visitation. His tears reflect His deep compassion and the heart of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Even in the face of rejection, Jesus' love remains steadfast, offering forgiveness and grace.
As we journey from Palm Sunday to Good Friday, we witness the paradox of a celebrated king becoming a crucified king. The same crowd that hailed Him with "Hosanna" would soon cry "Crucify Him." This stark contrast highlights the depth of human misunderstanding and the profound love of God, who turns what was meant for evil into the ultimate good—our salvation. The cross, intended as a symbol of shame, becomes the means of our redemption.
In response to this incredible love, we are called to offer what we have for the Master's use and to be deeply concerned for the salvation of others. Just as Jesus used the colt for His entry, He desires to use our gifts, talents, and resources for His kingdom purposes. Let us be moved with compassion for those who do not yet know Him, praying fervently and witnessing boldly, trusting that God can turn every situation for His glory and our good.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Humble King: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey signifies a different kind of kingship—one of humility and peace, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating His authority and mission. This challenges us to embrace humility and service in our own lives. [45:24]
2. Compassionate Heart: Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, showing His deep compassion for those who fail to recognize Him. This reminds us of God's heart for the lost and calls us to share in His compassion, praying and witnessing to those around us. [58:15]
3. The Paradox of the Cross: The transition from Palm Sunday to Good Friday illustrates the paradox of a celebrated king becoming a crucified king. This highlights the depth of God's love, turning what was meant for evil into the ultimate good—our salvation. [01:10:08]
4. Offering What We Have: Just as the colt was used for Jesus' entry, we are called to offer our gifts, talents, and resources for God's purposes. Everything we have belongs to Him, and He desires to use us for His kingdom work. [01:12:48]
5. Concern for Salvation: We are encouraged to be deeply concerned for the salvation of others, allowing this concern to overcome our fears and inconveniences. When our care for others' souls outweighs our comfort, we become effective witnesses for Christ. [01:18:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [02:00] - The Significance of Palm Sunday
- [05:00] - The Fruitful Time for Witnessing
- [08:00] - Introduction to Luke 19
- [10:30] - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
- [15:00] - The Humble King
- [20:00] - Jesus' Authority and Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [25:00] - The Compassionate Heart of Jesus
- [30:00] - The Paradox of the Cross
- [35:00] - Offering What We Have for the Master's Use
- [40:00] - Concern for the Salvation of Others
- [45:00] - Closing Reflections and Applications
- [50:00] - Final Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday Reflections
Bible Reading:
- Luke 19:28-44
- Zechariah 9:9
- Psalm 118:25-26
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 19:28-44, how does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9? What specific actions or symbols are mentioned that align with this prophecy? [45:24]
2. What is the significance of the crowd's reaction to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and how does it contrast with the Pharisees' response? [47:48]
3. According to the sermon, why does Jesus weep over Jerusalem, and what does this reveal about His character? [58:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the transition from Jesus being celebrated on Palm Sunday to being crucified on Good Friday? What does this reveal about human nature and God's plan? [01:10:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus riding on a donkey instead of a stallion symbolize about His kingship, and how does this challenge our understanding of leadership and authority? [45:24]
2. How does Jesus' compassion for Jerusalem, despite their rejection, reflect God's heart for humanity? What does this teach us about God's love and patience? [58:15]
3. The sermon mentions the paradox of the cross, where what was meant for evil was turned into the ultimate good. How does this paradox challenge our understanding of suffering and redemption? [01:10:08]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that we can offer our gifts and resources for God's purposes, similar to how the colt was used for Jesus' entry? [01:12:48]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose humility over pride. How can Jesus' example of entering Jerusalem on a donkey inspire you to embrace humility in your daily life? [45:24]
2. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they did not recognize the time of their visitation. Are there areas in your life where you might be missing God's presence or guidance? How can you become more aware of His work in your life? [58:15]
3. The sermon encourages us to be deeply concerned for the salvation of others. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to share the Gospel with them? [01:18:58]
4. How can you use your unique gifts and resources for God's kingdom? Consider one talent or resource you have and brainstorm ways to dedicate it to serving others or advancing the Gospel. [01:12:48]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of witnessing boldly. What fears or obstacles do you face when sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them with God's help? [01:18:58]
6. Reflect on the paradox of the cross, where God turned what was meant for evil into good. Is there a challenging situation in your life that you need to trust God to turn for good? How can you surrender this to Him? [01:10:08]
7. Jesus' compassion led Him to weep over Jerusalem. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for those around you, especially those who are lost or hurting? What practical steps can you take to show God's love to them? [58:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Humble King
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a profound statement of His kingship, characterized by humility and peace. Unlike earthly kings who often assert their power through force and grandeur, Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies by choosing a humble animal, symbolizing a kingdom not of this world. This act challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power and leadership, inviting us to embrace humility and service in our own lives. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others and walking humbly with our God. [45:24]
"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." (Zechariah 9:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and service in your daily interactions this week, following the example of Jesus?
Day 2: Compassionate Heart
Jesus' tears over Jerusalem reveal His deep compassion for those who fail to recognize Him as their Savior. Despite knowing the rejection and suffering He would face, His heart remains full of love and longing for the people to turn to Him. This compassion is a reflection of God's desire for all to come to repentance and experience His grace. As followers of Christ, we are called to share in this compassion, praying for and witnessing to those around us who have yet to know His love. [58:15]
"And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 'Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.'" (Luke 19:41-42, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the compassion of Christ? How can you intentionally show them His love this week?
Day 3: The Paradox of the Cross
The journey from Palm Sunday to Good Friday highlights the paradox of a celebrated king becoming a crucified king. This transition underscores the depth of human misunderstanding and the profound love of God, who transforms what was meant for evil into the ultimate good—our salvation. The cross, a symbol of shame, becomes the means of redemption, demonstrating that God's ways are higher than ours. As we reflect on this paradox, we are reminded of the power of God's love to bring hope and transformation out of the darkest situations. [01:10:08]
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace the paradox of the cross in your own life, allowing God's love to transform your challenges into opportunities for growth and redemption?
Day 4: Offering What We Have
Just as the colt was used for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, we are called to offer our gifts, talents, and resources for God's purposes. Everything we have belongs to Him, and He desires to use us for His kingdom work. This requires a willingness to surrender our own plans and priorities, trusting that God can use even the smallest offering for His glory. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to consider how we can actively participate in God's mission by offering what we have for His use. [01:12:48]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific gift or resource can you offer to God this week for His kingdom work? How can you take a step to use it in service to others?
Day 5: Concern for Salvation
We are encouraged to be deeply concerned for the salvation of others, allowing this concern to overcome our fears and inconveniences. When our care for others' souls outweighs our comfort, we become effective witnesses for Christ. This involves stepping out in faith, sharing the good news, and trusting that God can work through our efforts to draw others to Himself. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the urgency of the Gospel message and our role in sharing it with those who have yet to experience the love and grace of Jesus. [01:18:58]
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can pray for and share the Gospel with this week? What steps can you take to reach out to them in love and truth?
Quotes
This is a prayer of our hearts Hopefully that's a prayer Of your heart As we were singing that It was also a prayer to God That I want to see you I want to see you In your glory In your majesty I want to see you In your awesomeness In your love In your grace I want to see you In my life See you working in me And through me I want to see you As I witness to my neighbors I want to see you In my workplace I want to see you In my family I want to see you And one day We all will see him And every knee will bow I'm trying not to preach yet And every tongue will confess That he is Lord To the glory of God Our Father That he is King of Kings Lord of Lords High and lifted up Hallelujah [00:37:56] (50 seconds)
Most people I've brought to the Lord was during this time gearing up for that week where we celebrate the resurrection and celebrate what He has done for us. So I encourage every one of us to make disciples, to witness, to go speak to that neighbor, that friend, that family member and see what the Lord will do. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, thank you, Pastor Womack, for giving me another opportunity to preach this Palm Sunday as we're gearing up for the Resurrection Sunday. And well, let's go for a second time. Let's go to the Gospel of Luke. Gospel of Luke. We're going to see Luke's version of the Palm Sunday. Luke chapter 19. [00:40:27] (38 seconds)
And as he was going, they were spreading their garments on the road. And now as soon as he was approaching near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God, rejoicing with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, saying, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace. Peace. in heaven and glory in the highest. Verse 39, and some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, teacher, rebuke your disciples. But Jesus answered and said, I tell you, if these were silent, the stones will cry out. [00:43:10] (43 seconds)
Throughout the Gospel of Luke and the other Gospels follow the same method, the same strategy. It shows how Jesus ministered throughout the towns and villages of Israel. He ministered in his hometown of Nazareth. And they literally about to throw him off the ledge. He ministered in Galilee and Capernaum and all the cities. He healed the sick. He casted out demons. He taught about the kingdom of heaven. And then in Luke, especially in this Gospel, in Luke chapter 9 verse 51, the Bible says that he puts on his game face. That he sets his face on Jerusalem. And from that point on, Jesus is headed towards this city. [00:45:28] (43 seconds)
Jesus here has his own parade. But unlike the Roman kings, unlike the Roman generals, instead of a battalion of soldiers behind them, in Jesus' parade, he has tax collectors, he has fishermen, he has women, he has the vulnerable, and he has the underpriced and the depressed. Instead of praising him for the slaughtering of their enemies, in Jesus' parade, they praise him for all the miracles that he has done among the people. Instead of a stallion that the king or the general is riding into the city on, Jesus riding on a lowly, broken -down donkey. [00:53:42] (41 seconds)
For the Bible says in Zechariah chapter 14 that when God comes back to his people, when God breaks through history and comes into the city of Jerusalem, when God returns and visits his people, Zechariah says that he will step his foot on the Mount of Olives. When we read Luke chapter 19 as the king comes into the city, it says he's approaching the city, and he comes through the Mount of Olives. This is the king that they've been waiting for. But not only does he fulfill what Zechariah says, but as you read this account later in verses 38 and 39, there's a song that's being sung from this parade, and the words of the song is coming from Psalm 118. [00:55:22] (53 seconds)
For Luke chapter 19, starting at verse 41, the Bible says that as he approached Jerusalem, he saw the city. And the Bible says he cried over the people of the city. See, my brothers and sisters, this is one out of only two times in the whole New Testament that shows Jesus in the midst of crying. See, the first one is in the Gospel of John, in John 11, when he hears of the news of his friend Lazarus suffering and experiencing death. And the Bible says, the shortest verse in the whole New Testament, Jesus repped. And then the second time we see Jesus crying. It's here when he's crying over his people. [00:58:34] (50 seconds)
God came into town, and they didn't recognize that it was him. God did miracles. Jesus did miracles in their midst, and they didn't recognize it was him. Jesus said, you know. Jesus said, you know. I am. Jesus said, you know. Jesus said, you know. You know, you know. He taught about the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus called God his own father, but they didn't recognize it was him. So God has to judge his own people. God had to give them the consequences of their own action. But even in the midst of consequences, even in the midst of punishment, even in the midst of judgment, Jesus showed compassion for his people. [01:00:28] (38 seconds)
Before God sends the punishment, God always sends a warning. In fact, God does even one better. He sends warning after warning after warning. He sends message after message. He sends warning sign after warning sign. He sends wake -up call after wake -up call. Before God sends his punishment, he always sends a warning. And because of that, God is compassionate. He sees the punishment ahead. And he says, turn, repent, God have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel says. Before God sends the punishment, out of his compassion, he always sends a wake -up call so we can avert the consequences of our actions. [01:02:48] (49 seconds)
If God didn't show compassion to those who rebelled, if God didn't show compassion to those who sinned, if God didn't show compassion to those who missed the mark, then none of us would be saved. None of us would have a relationship with him. You see, my brothers and sisters, one of the great things about God, God is proactive with his love. For the Bible says, 1 John says, we love him. Why? Because he first loved us. Hallelujah. See, my brothers and sisters, God didn't wait for you to get right. God didn't wait for you to get it all together. God didn't wait for you to become perfect. God didn't wait for you to come to church. [01:04:22] (36 seconds)
What a difference a week makes. On Sunday, he came into the city like a king. But on Friday, he hung as a criminal. On Sunday, he was celebrated by his people, but on Friday, he was humiliated before the world. On that Sunday, on Palm Sunday, they cheered for him and said, Hosanna. But on Friday, they sneered at him and told him to save yourself from off that cross. But how many of you know, my brothers and sisters, that this is the reason that the king came in to the city? You see, my brothers and sisters, what they did not know, they were participating in the paradoxes of all paradoxes. [01:09:15] (55 seconds)
He can turn it for our good. I wish I could hoop pastor. He can turn it for our good. That's why Paul can say in Romans 8 verse 28. I know, we know that all things work together for the good. Both persecution, both suffering, haters, misunderstanding, relationship friction, my finances not right. All things work together for good. To those who love God. To those who are called according to his purpose. Paul is saying, don't worry about what's happening in your life. Because God can turn it for our good. No matter what other people say about you. Because it doesn't change your identity. He can turn it for our good. [01:11:54] (48 seconds)
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