True Holiness and the Significance of Palm Sunday
Summary
In my sermon today, I focused on the essence of true holiness and the significance of Holy Week, particularly Palm Sunday, as we remember the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I emphasized that holiness is not about external appearances but about ensuring that our insides match our outsides. It's about living a life that is consistent with the Word of God and having a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is alive and walks with us every day.
I recounted the story of Palm Sunday from Matthew 21, where Jesus made His humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. This event was not just a historical moment but a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Zechariah 9:9, which spoke of the coming King who would bring salvation and peace. Jesus' choice to ride a donkey, instead of a horse, symbolized His peaceful intentions and the salvation He was bringing to His people.
I also touched on the importance of God's presence in our lives and in our church. I shared a conversation with another pastor who realized the necessity of God's presence in church services. Like Moses, we should desire God's presence in all that we do, acknowledging that without Him, we cannot accomplish anything of eternal value.
Furthermore, I delved into the prophetic nature of Jesus' actions and how they aligned with the glory of the Lord returning to the temple, as seen in Ezekiel. Jesus, coming from the east, was a precursor to the glory of the Lord filling the temple once again. As the glory of the Lord, Jesus was the only one who perfectly fulfilled the law, and through His righteousness, we are covered and seen as righteous before God.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people laid palm branches and their cloaks on the road, shouting "Hosanna," which means "save us." This was a cry for salvation, recognizing Jesus as the one who comes in the name of the Lord to deliver and save His people.
Key Takeaways:
- True holiness is about the congruence of our inner and outer lives. It's not about adhering to a set of external rules but about living a life that reflects the character of Christ every day. When we lay our heads down at night, we should find peace in knowing that our actions have been consistent with our faith. [01:02:18]
- The events of Holy Week, especially Palm Sunday, are not just historical remembrances but are deeply tied to the fulfillment of prophecy. They remind us that God's plan for salvation was intricately woven through history and that Jesus' life and actions were a deliberate fulfillment of these prophecies. [01:05:18]
- The presence of God in our lives and our worship is essential. We must be like Moses, who refused to go anywhere without the assurance of God's presence. Our daily lives and our church services should be marked by a deep dependence on God, recognizing that without Him, we can do nothing of lasting value. [01:13:06]
- Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a powerful act of prophecy and peace. By choosing a donkey over a horse, Jesus signified His peaceful mission and the salvation He was bringing. This act was a declaration of His kingship and His intent to establish peace, not through warfare but through sacrifice. [01:20:38]
- The shouts of "Hosanna" by the people of Jerusalem were more than just praise; they were cries for salvation. When we sing "Hosanna" today, we join in the same recognition of Jesus as our Savior and the one who delivers us from sin. This acknowledgment is central to our faith and our understanding of who Jesus is. [01:24:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
2. Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the Coming King
3. Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Return of the Glory of the Lord
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Jesus instruct His disciples to take in Matthew 21:1-3? How did these actions fulfill Old Testament prophecy? ([01:05:18])
2. According to Zechariah 9:9, what characteristics are attributed to the coming King? How do these characteristics manifest in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? ([01:16:44])
3. In Ezekiel 43:1-5, from which direction does the glory of the Lord return to the temple? How does this relate to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? ([01:14:27])
4. What was the significance of the people shouting "Hosanna" and laying palm branches and cloaks on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem? ([01:24:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of true holiness, as described in the sermon, differ from merely following external religious practices? ([01:01:33])
2. Why is the presence of God essential in our daily lives and church services, according to the sermon? How does this compare to the experience of Moses in the Old Testament? ([01:13:06])
3. What is the significance of Jesus choosing to ride a donkey instead of a horse into Jerusalem? How does this choice reflect His mission and kingship? ([01:18:25])
4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' actions during Holy Week strengthen our understanding of God's plan for salvation? ([01:17:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where your inner life does not match your outer actions? How can you work towards true holiness, ensuring that your insides match your outsides? ([01:02:18])
2. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life and in your church community? What practical steps can you take to invite and acknowledge His presence more consistently? ([01:13:06])
3. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was marked by humility and peace. How can you embody these qualities in your interactions with others, especially in situations of conflict or tension? ([01:18:25])
4. The people of Jerusalem cried out "Hosanna," recognizing their need for salvation. In what areas of your life do you need to cry out to Jesus for deliverance and help? How can you make this a regular part of your prayer life? ([01:24:06])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of living a life consistent with the Word of God. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that your daily life reflects the teachings of Jesus? ([01:01:33])
6. How can you ensure that your church services are not just routine but are marked by a genuine encounter with God's presence? What role can you play in fostering this environment? ([01:12:24])
7. Reflect on the prophetic nature of Jesus' actions during Holy Week. How does understanding the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life impact your faith and trust in God's plan for your own life? ([01:17:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Inner and Outer Life Congruence
True holiness is found in the harmony between our inner faith and outward actions. It is a daily commitment to align one's heart and behavior with the teachings of Christ, ensuring that the love, grace, and truth that fill one's thoughts are the same qualities that guide one's deeds. This congruence is not about perfection but about authenticity and the ongoing process of transformation that occurs when one surrenders to the work of the Holy Spirit.
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." - 1 John 2:6
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect the character of Christ, and where do you see a need for greater alignment between your beliefs and actions? [01:02:18]
Day 2: Prophecy Fulfilled in Holy Week
The events of Holy Week, culminating in Palm Sunday, are a testament to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and God's masterful orchestration of history. Each step Jesus took towards the cross was a deliberate act, revealing the divine narrative that had been woven through the ages. Understanding this helps deepen one's faith in the sovereignty of God and the trustworthiness of Scripture, as it demonstrates that God's promises are always fulfilled, even if the waiting seems long.
"Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" - Matthew 21:5
Reflection: In what ways does recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness in your own life? [01:05:18]
Day 3: The Essential Presence of God
The presence of God is the cornerstone of a believer's life and worship. Like Moses, who understood that it was God's presence that set the Israelites apart, Christians today must seek and cherish God's presence in every aspect of their lives. Acknowledging that without God, nothing of eternal significance can be achieved, one should cultivate a heart that yearns for and relies on God's guidance and companionship.
"And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'" - Exodus 33:15
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily activities and decisions? [01:13:06]
Day 4: Jesus' Entry as a Prophetic Act of Peace
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a profound declaration of His mission of peace and salvation. This humble yet powerful choice highlighted His role as the Prince of Peace and the fulfillment of prophecy. It invites believers to reflect on the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world, and to embrace His peace that surpasses understanding, even in the midst of turmoil.
"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
Reflection: How does Jesus' example of humility and peace challenge the way you approach conflicts and difficulties in your life? [01:20:38]
Day 5: "Hosanna" - A Cry for Salvation
The cries of "Hosanna" that greeted Jesus as He entered Jerusalem were more than praise; they were an acknowledgment of Him as the long-awaited Savior. Today, this cry remains a central aspect of Christian worship, expressing both adoration and a deep-seated need for the salvation that only Jesus can provide. It is a reminder that at the heart of the Christian faith is the recognition of Jesus as Lord and the one who delivers from sin.
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord." - Psalm 118:26
Reflection: What does the cry "Hosanna" mean to you personally, and how does it shape your understanding of Jesus as your Savior? [01:24:06]
Quotes
"That's real Holiness, that's true Holiness that Holy Week everybody say holy week it's it's kind of a big deal in a lot of people's minds but it's when we recall the events that were leading up to the crucifixion and according to um our faith of course the resurrection and the resurrection is more important than the crucifixion but without the crucifixion there could have been no Resurrection so it's important that we understand and acknowledge both of them but the reality is what we hang everything we believe on is the resurrection of Jesus Christ amen." [01:02:18]
"I want to be able to go home at night and put my head on the pillow know that I didn't lie to somebody no I didn't cheat anybody no I didn't steal from somebody no I didn't hate somebody without just cause no I didn't commit adultery somewhere come on y'all talk to me that's what I want to be able to do is go home and put my head on the pillow at night and know that my insides match my outsides amen." [01:02:18]
"I talked to a pastor not too long ago that told me he said it never dawned on me that I was supposed to be at church church and God was supposed to be there too until you started talking to me about that and I said what do you do at church he said we have church I said how do you have church without the presence of God I don't know about y'all but I want to be like Moses God if you're going to send us don't send us unless you're going don't take me there unless you're going to be there because I can't do this without you I need you and I need you every day I don't just need you on Holy Week I need you every day." [01:13:06]
"Jesus is the glory of the Lord and as the glory of the Lord he was the only one who kept the law the whole law and didn't break any law so we have all fallen short come on y'all of the glory of the Lord look at your neighbor and say I'm Not Jesus I'm trying every day to be more like him but I do know this I'm not him yeah I'm not I'm not him I'm not him but I'm trying I'm trying to be more like him every day I want to be like him and I would like to be able to say that I did everything just like Jesus but the holy re reality is and the truth is I need him every day because not as good as him but when I believe him then his righteousness settles down on me and he gives me a covering of righteousness from his own right doing so that now when the enemy sees me the enemy thinks he's looking at Jesus because I'm covered in his righteousness not mine." [01:19:52]
"The Bible says that they were shouting the crowds were going ahead of him and those who followed were shouting hosana to the son of David blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord hosana in the highest and he had when he entered Jerusalem all the city somebody say all the city all the city everybody everybody in the city was stirred everything was messed up the whole thing was turned upside down all of the people came out of offices people came out of homes people came out of places of shopping out of the marketplace everything they're looking who is this who is this coming into the city and they said the crowds were saying this is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." [01:23:25]
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