Welcoming the Humble King: Embracing God's Nearness
Summary
On this beautiful Palm Sunday, we gather to celebrate the beginning of Holy Week, a time that marks the nearness of God to us through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the events of Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the profound truth that God came close to us in the person of Jesus. This is not just a historical event but a living reality that invites us to open our hearts to His presence today. Jesus entered Jerusalem not as a distant deity but as a humble King, riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating His willingness to meet us in our humanity.
The story of Palm Sunday is a powerful reminder that God is not far off. He is personal and present, stepping into our lives and our messes. Just as Father Damien lived among the lepers, becoming one with them, Jesus came to dwell among us, sharing in our struggles and offering us hope and healing. This nearness of God is not just for others; it is for each of us personally. We are invited to move beyond merely waving Jesus on as a distant figure and instead welcome Him into the depths of our lives, allowing His transformative power to work within us.
As we journey through Holy Week, let us reflect on whether we are truly welcoming Jesus into our lives or merely acknowledging Him from a distance. Are we like the crowd, caught up in the moment but not truly transformed? Or are we like Mary, who anointed Jesus with her best, fully committed and open to His presence? This week, let us lay down our pride, our plans, and our comforts, making room for Jesus to enter fully into our hearts and lives.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Nearness in Christ: Palm Sunday reminds us that God came close to us in Jesus Christ. He is not a distant deity but a personal Savior who steps into our lives and our messes, offering hope and healing. This nearness is a profound truth that invites us to open our hearts to His presence today. [38:50]
- Welcoming Jesus Fully: We have the choice to either wave Jesus on as a distant figure or welcome Him fully into our lives. Like Mary, who anointed Jesus with her best, we are called to open our hearts and lives to His transformative power, allowing Him to work within us. [49:31]
- The Invitation of Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday is an invitation to reflect on our relationship with Jesus. Are we merely acknowledging Him from a distance, or are we truly welcoming Him into the depths of our lives? This week, let us lay down our pride, plans, and comforts to make room for Him. [53:04]
- God's Love for Each of Us: God's love is personal and for each of us individually. Despite our past mistakes and messes, He has chosen to show up for us, offering redemption and healing. This Palm Sunday, let us be reminded that God has come close to us personally. [44:34]
- Living in the Presence of God: As we journey through Holy Week, let us strive to live in the presence of God, welcoming Him into every aspect of our lives. May we not be like the crowd that waved Jesus on but instead be transformed by His love and grace. [57:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:27] - Opening Worship and Prayer
- [24:43] - Introduction to Palm Sunday
- [28:04] - Reading from John Chapter 12
- [31:01] - The Nearness of God in Christ
- [34:06] - Personal Story of God's Nearness
- [38:50] - God Came Close to Us
- [41:24] - The Story of Father Damien
- [44:34] - God's Love for Each of Us
- [46:56] - The Invitation of Palm Sunday
- [49:31] - Welcoming Jesus Fully
- [53:04] - The Choice to Welcome or Wave On
- [55:42] - Reflection Questions
- [57:54] - Living in the Presence of God
- [01:03:23] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday
Bible Reading:
- John 12:12-21
- Philippians 2:5-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did the crowd take when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and what did they shout? How does this reflect their understanding of who Jesus was? [28:04]
2. How did Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfill Old Testament prophecy, and what was the significance of Him riding on a donkey? [28:04]
3. What was the reaction of the religious leaders to the crowd's response to Jesus, and what does this reveal about their perspective? [46:56]
4. How did Mary demonstrate her devotion to Jesus, and what does this act symbolize in the context of the sermon? [49:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God comes close to us through Jesus, and how is this different from other religious beliefs? [38:50]
2. How does the story of Father Damien, as mentioned in the sermon, illustrate the concept of God stepping into our mess and becoming one with us? [41:24]
3. What does the sermon imply about the difference between acknowledging Jesus from a distance and welcoming Him fully into our lives? [53:04]
4. How does the sermon use the example of the Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus to illustrate the idea of seeking a personal relationship with Him? [49:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are keeping Jesus at a distance? What steps can you take to welcome Him more fully into those areas? [55:42]
2. The sermon challenges us to lay down our pride, plans, and comforts to make room for Jesus. What specific pride or comfort might you need to lay down this week to allow Jesus to work in your life? [53:04]
3. Consider the story of Father Damien. How can you emulate his example of getting close to those in need in your community, and what practical steps can you take to do so? [41:24]
4. The sermon mentions the crowd's reaction to Jesus. Are there ways in which you find yourself caught up in the moment of worship without true transformation? How can you move towards a more genuine relationship with Jesus? [49:31]
5. Reflect on the idea of God coming close to you personally. How does this truth impact your view of your own worth and God's love for you? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily? [44:34]
6. The sermon speaks about living in the presence of God. What daily practices can you incorporate to ensure you are living in His presence and not just acknowledging Him from afar? [57:54]
7. How can you, like Mary, offer your best to Jesus this week? Identify one specific way you can show your devotion and love for Him in your daily life. [49:31]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Nearness in Christ
God's nearness is a profound truth that transforms our understanding of His presence in our lives. On Palm Sunday, we are reminded that God came close to us in Jesus Christ, not as a distant deity but as a personal Savior who steps into our lives and our messes, offering hope and healing. This nearness is not just a historical event but a living reality that invites us to open our hearts to His presence today. Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly, riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His willingness to meet us in our humanity. This act of humility and closeness is a powerful reminder that God is not far off but is personal and present, stepping into our lives and offering us redemption. [38:50]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to invite Jesus to step into your mess and offer His hope and healing today?
Day 2: Welcoming Jesus Fully
We have the choice to either wave Jesus on as a distant figure or welcome Him fully into our lives. Like Mary, who anointed Jesus with her best, we are called to open our hearts and lives to His transformative power, allowing Him to work within us. This requires a commitment to lay down our pride, plans, and comforts, making room for Jesus to enter fully into our hearts and lives. The story of Palm Sunday challenges us to move beyond mere acknowledgment of Jesus and instead embrace a deep, personal relationship with Him. [49:31]
"And he said to them all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully welcoming Jesus? What steps can you take today to open that area to His transformative power?
Day 3: The Invitation of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is an invitation to reflect on our relationship with Jesus. Are we merely acknowledging Him from a distance, or are we truly welcoming Him into the depths of our lives? This week, let us lay down our pride, plans, and comforts to make room for Him. The crowd on Palm Sunday was caught up in the moment but not truly transformed. We are invited to be like Mary, who anointed Jesus with her best, fully committed and open to His presence. This invitation calls us to examine our hearts and make a conscious decision to welcome Jesus into every aspect of our lives. [53:04]
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally make room for Jesus in your daily routine this week, ensuring that you are not just acknowledging Him from a distance but truly welcoming Him into your life?
Day 4: God's Love for Each of Us
God's love is personal and for each of us individually. Despite our past mistakes and messes, He has chosen to show up for us, offering redemption and healing. This Palm Sunday, let us be reminded that God has come close to us personally. The story of Father Damien, who lived among the lepers, becoming one with them, is a powerful illustration of how Jesus came to dwell among us, sharing in our struggles and offering us hope and healing. This nearness of God is not just for others; it is for each of us personally. [44:34]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can you remind yourself today of His personal love and presence in your life, despite your past mistakes?
Day 5: Living in the Presence of God
As we journey through Holy Week, let us strive to live in the presence of God, welcoming Him into every aspect of our lives. May we not be like the crowd that waved Jesus on but instead be transformed by His love and grace. Living in the presence of God means allowing His transformative power to work within us, changing us from the inside out. This requires a daily commitment to seek His presence, listen to His voice, and follow His leading in our lives. [57:54]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to draw nearer to God and live more fully in His presence throughout this Holy Week?
Quotes
Father, this morning we cry Hosanna Just like that first poem Sunday We confess that you are our savior That you are our redeemer That you are the one who forgives our sin That you are the one who has come to rescue us To bring us into right relationship with you Father, we thank you for that We pray God that this morning your Holy Spirit would speak to each of our hearts That you would meet us where we are And that Lord you would remind us that you have found us That you have saved us And that you are working in each of our lives Father, help us to trust you And to cling to you, Lord, above all else We worship you today in spirit and in truth And may you, Jesus, have the first seat in our lives and in our heart In Jesus' powerful saving name we pray Amen Amen [00:18:11] (70 seconds)
John 3, verse 17 continues on. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. Thanks be to God. It's good news that God has shown up. He has shown us his love. And he invites us into everlasting life. You see, Jesus didn't show up just as a good moral teacher. Jesus didn't show up just to make you a better neighbor to the people around you. Jesus didn't just show up so you will have some table manners. So you'll be a good person. Listen, Jesus showed up not to make bad people good, but Jesus showed up to make dead people alive. [00:26:05] (59 seconds)
The Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 2, he writes about Jesus as that though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges and he took on the humble position of a slave and he was born as a human being. No other religion tells you that God descends the heights of heaven to dwell with his people. God comes close. God is personal. [00:38:02] (42 seconds)
Father Damien was a priest who became famous for his willingness to serve lepers on a Hawaiian island that had been quarantined and sectioned off to serve as a leper colony. For 16 years, he lived there in their midst. Father Damien learned their language. He bandaged their wounds. He embraced their bodies that no one else would touch or come near or even consider doing. He preached to hearts that would otherwise have been left all alone in isolation. He organized schools and bands and choirs for these folks. He built homes so that lepers could have adequate shelter and a place to live. He built over 2,000 coffins by hands so that when they died, they would be buried with dignity. [00:39:26] (61 seconds)
Slowly, it was said that Father Damien created a place where people could go to live instead of going to just die. For he offered hope and he offered presence. And Father Damien, it was said, was not careful about keeping his distance. He did nothing to separate himself from his people. He dipped his fingers in the same bowls along with his patients. He shared his pipe. He didn't always wash his hands after bandaging open sores and wombs. He got close for the people loved him. It is said that one day towards the end of his tenure there that he stood up and he opened his sermon with two words, we lepers. [00:40:11] (50 seconds)
And the beautiful truth of the gospel message of the Easter story is that God became flesh. He became one of us. He took on human form, and he then defeated death and the grave and brokenness. That God, who was the creator of all of this that we see and know, that he became like us. He came to us. No rope from heaven was thrown down. No rescue raft was inflated. No floating device or rescue ring was tossed from a safe distance. Rather, God loved us so much, and he desired us to be reconciled to himself, that he gave himself, and he pulled up the bootstraps himself, and he stepped into the muck and into the mire. He dwelt among us. [00:41:58] (64 seconds)
Palm Sunday reminds us, teaches us, and displays again and again, year after year to us, that God has come close. What may have appeared as a random day that these people started waving palm branches for this Nazarene man who was coming into the holy city. It began what we call the holy week. That Palm Sunday went down into world history books as another reminder of the nearness and of the presence of the Savior of the world. Palm Sunday reminds us that God has come close, and as Eugene Peterson says, moved into the neighborhood. So let me ask, do you believe that God has come close to you? [00:42:55] (61 seconds)
Mary, in this dining room setting, sharing a meal with Jesus, is so moved by the Spirit of God, is so moved by the presence of God, is so moved by emotion, moved for love of Jesus, moved with this deep gratitude and worship and admiration, that Mary goes and she gets an expensive bottle of perfume and she breaks it and she pours it on Jesus' feet and she begins to wash Jesus' feet with her hair. It's an odd image for us these days. But it was this high honor and admiration and respect and this sign of humility and worship to Jesus because what Martha had done is Martha had opened her heart to this Jesus, opened her heart and this welcome to Him, moved by His presence and by His power. [00:49:31] (63 seconds)
The first Palm Sunday celebration is sandwiched between those who welcomed Jesus, those who were soul-curious and soul-searching for the Messiah, and those who waved him through with concealed and closed-off hearts. We too can wave Jesus on, much like the crowd. The same crowd who in a few short days would assemble again and would act as an angry mob joining the inciting voices of the religious leaders crying out for Jesus' death. What we see throughout the Gospels is the crowd never really turns to Jesus with open hearts. It's always the moments of encounter and the moments of engagement where we see transformation happen. [00:54:58] (60 seconds)
Father, this morning I ask that you would remind us that you come close. And Lord, I confess, this is really simple truth. But how easily we forget your truth. How easily our mistakes, our actions, and our behaviors at times lead us to live in guilt and fear and shame, where we feel unworthy. When all the while you are inviting us to welcome you in, in our mess. [00:57:59] (46 seconds)
Father, I pray that you would remind us not to be a people who just wave you on and then who forget about you. But God, you would help us to welcome you fully and wholly like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Like the Greeks who came to seek you. Jesus, help us to welcome you into our lives each and every day. We love you and we worship you. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. [00:59:15] (37 seconds)
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