Sermon Big Idea:

Every king that has ascended to rule leaves us longing, but the King of Kings descended to rule through serving.

Sermon Overview:

This message explores the significance of Palm Sunday, framing it as the doorway to the most crucial week in Jesus' life. It draws a historical parallel between the crowds acclaiming Jesus as king and the ancient Israelites' demand for a human king in 1 Samuel, highlighting their rejection of God as their true king. Have you ever noticed how each of the gospels emphasize a disproportionate amount of text devoted to Jesus' final week? This suggests that the gospel writers want to communicate the profound importance for understanding Jesus' identity--it is found in his last week on earth. The sermon contrasts the earthly kings of the Old Testament, who often failed and left their people longing, with Jesus, the King of Kings, who descended to serve rather than ascend to rule.

With the Old Testament background of failed kings in mind, the sermon shifts to John 12, recounting Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem during Passover. Pastor Jason explains the symbolism of the crowds waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna," connecting it to Jewish nationalistic hopes and the anticipation of a liberator. However, Jesus' choice to ride a donkey, rather than a warhorse, subverts these expectations, aligning with Zechariah's prophecy of a humble and peaceful king.

The sermon underscores that Jesus' actions were not a deviation from his divine plan but a deliberate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The disciples, initially confused, only grasped the full meaning of these events after the resurrection and ascension. Yet the irony that is to come, as John highlights the crowds' praise to Jesus, their allegiance will soon be shifting, from praising Jesus to demanding his crucifixion.

The message concludes with a call to reflect on Palm Sunday as the beginning of Holy Week, urging listeners to understand Jesus' descent through incarnation, service, and ultimately, the cross. The challenge for us: where can we examine our own expectations of Jesus? Where have we been guilty of fashioning Jesus into our own liking? To be the Jesus that fits and meets our own agendas, plans, needs, and preferences?