WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:19.420 Turn with me to Luke 19, where we're going to read this morning about the first Palm 00:00:19.420 --> 00:00:25.839 Sunday, the cries of Hosanna, save us, that met Jesus. 00:00:25.839 --> 00:00:34.719 We're getting so close to Jerusalem now, and that last week before the cross, and Luke 00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:40.780 begins at this part of his gospel to slow way down. 00:00:42.320 --> 00:00:49.980 He's going to take us, in a way, step by step, it seems, following with Jesus, getting a close 00:00:49.980 --> 00:00:54.359 up look at who he really is, especially in this last week. 00:00:54.359 --> 00:00:57.619 It's what the whole book has been about, right? 00:00:57.740 --> 00:01:03.659 Seeing Jesus clearly and who he is, but it's especially clear here that that's what Luke 00:01:03.659 --> 00:01:05.239 wants for us. 00:01:05.920 --> 00:01:14.640 I want us to get there for a close up view of Jesus, and some of us see and learn differently 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:15.939 from others. 00:01:15.939 --> 00:01:23.560 So, after I read the passage and pray, this will be a bit of a different sermon from what 00:01:23.560 --> 00:01:26.620 I'm used to, from what you're used to. 00:01:27.959 --> 00:01:33.359 I'm really grateful for those who understand and tell stories better than I do. 00:01:33.459 --> 00:01:40.420 I'm particularly indebted this week to Christine Betts, our Assistant Director of Youth and Families, 00:01:40.420 --> 00:01:45.780 who has been so helpful to me, sharing her gifts for this with me. 00:01:46.740 --> 00:01:51.340 But after we read this text, what I'm going to do is introduce you to a fictional character 00:01:51.340 --> 00:01:53.579 and story that I made up. 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:59.900 But many of the historical and geographical details in this story are true. 00:02:00.180 --> 00:02:02.680 I've tried to be very careful with that. 00:02:03.320 --> 00:02:06.500 So first, let's read God's Word together. 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:09.819 Luke 19 at verse 28. 00:02:10.120 --> 00:02:12.080 This is God's Holy Word. 00:02:13.319 --> 00:02:17.460 When Jesus had said these things, he went on ahead going up to Jerusalem. 00:02:18.539 --> 00:02:23.180 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent to 00:02:23.180 --> 00:02:28.120 the disciples saying, go into the village in front of you where on entering you will find 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:31.120 a colt tied on which no one has ever yet sat. 00:02:31.699 --> 00:02:32.879 Untie it and bring it here. 00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:36.240 If anyone asks you, why are you untying it? 00:02:36.299 --> 00:02:39.199 You shall say this, the Lord has need of it. 00:02:39.979 --> 00:02:43.939 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 00:02:44.299 --> 00:02:48.620 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, why are you untying the colt? 00:02:49.199 --> 00:02:51.639 And they said, the Lord has need of it. 00:02:52.659 --> 00:02:56.960 They brought it to Jesus and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 00:02:57.539 --> 00:03:00.240 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:05.719 As he was drawing near, already on the way down the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude 00:03:05.719 --> 00:03:11.400 of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works 00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:15.980 that they had seen, saying, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:19.040 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:25.280 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, teacher, rebuke your disciples. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:33.159 He answered, I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. 00:03:34.479 --> 00:03:41.740 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, would that you, even 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:45.259 you had known on this day the things that make for peace. 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:48.319 But now they are hidden from your eyes. 00:03:49.679 --> 00:03:54.419 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround 00:03:54.419 --> 00:03:59.639 you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children 00:03:59.639 --> 00:04:00.379 within you. 00:04:01.399 --> 00:04:07.639 They will not leave one stone upon another in you because you did not know the time of 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:08.500 your visitation. 00:04:09.899 --> 00:04:12.560 Thus far, God's holy word, let's pray together. 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:19.500 Father, we would see Jesus. 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:23.819 We need that. 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:24.840 We long for that. 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:28.920 Our own hearts can be a hindrance to that and a distraction. 00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:31.879 Don't let that be the case, Father. 00:04:32.639 --> 00:04:35.779 I can be a hindrance to that. 00:04:36.579 --> 00:04:38.300 Father, don't let that be the case. 00:04:38.300 --> 00:04:47.199 Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts in and through your word, in spite of the one who speaks. 00:04:47.620 --> 00:04:53.080 Would you speak clearly that we might know and see Jesus? 00:04:53.920 --> 00:04:55.259 We ask in his name. 00:04:56.180 --> 00:04:56.460 Amen. 00:04:56.459 --> 00:04:56.599 Amen. 00:05:01.599 --> 00:05:05.639 You could taste the dust in the early afternoon heat. 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:12.599 Fourteen-year-old Samuel tried to lick his parched lips as he wandered across his small 00:05:12.599 --> 00:05:14.899 village to meet up with some of the other boys. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:21.279 It seemed it was always hot and dry here in Bethphage, just a mile or so from Jerusalem. 00:05:21.279 --> 00:05:26.459 But every year about this time, the dust got even more stirred up by all the travelers 00:05:26.459 --> 00:05:28.439 headed to Jerusalem for the Passover. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:30.919 Life got really busy. 00:05:31.419 --> 00:05:33.159 People were always stopping through. 00:05:33.539 --> 00:05:37.019 Lines of travelers needed water from his family's well. 00:05:38.039 --> 00:05:43.039 The best way Samuel could describe it was like being a gas station attendant outside New 00:05:43.039 --> 00:05:44.579 Orleans the week of Mardi Gras. 00:05:46.379 --> 00:05:47.699 I added that part. 00:05:47.699 --> 00:05:51.920 It was a busy mess. 00:05:53.519 --> 00:05:57.199 Samuel saw two men hurrying by and stopping at his friend's house. 00:05:57.560 --> 00:06:01.779 They started untying the colt kept around the side of the house, so Samuel ran over to 00:06:01.779 --> 00:06:02.339 stop them. 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:07.360 Just as he ran up, his friend's father came out to confront the men. 00:06:07.919 --> 00:06:08.699 What are you doing? 00:06:09.599 --> 00:06:11.019 Why are you untying the colt? 00:06:12.539 --> 00:06:15.819 The Lord has need of it, they replied. 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:17.680 I said, I'm sorry. 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:23.519 The man seemed pleased, almost excited by that answer, but Samuel didn't understand. 00:06:24.079 --> 00:06:24.599 The Lord? 00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:26.879 What was going on here? 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:32.360 Who could be so important that anyone and anything was at his service? 00:06:32.779 --> 00:06:36.139 And why, if he was so important, would he need to borrow a colt? 00:06:37.019 --> 00:06:38.139 Wouldn't he have his own horse? 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:44.719 Grabbing his buddy from his studying, they took off behind the men leading the colt back 00:06:44.719 --> 00:06:45.459 out of town. 00:06:46.779 --> 00:06:51.439 As they approached the dusty road outside the village, it was easy to tell there was an unusually 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:54.019 large crowd, even for this time of year. 00:06:54.959 --> 00:06:56.360 But none of them looked very special. 00:06:56.360 --> 00:07:01.000 In fact, Samuel thought most of them looked pretty poor, to be quite honest. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:02.480 Where was the leader? 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:09.259 Then he saw them lift an unassuming man onto the back of the colt and continue down the 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:09.600 road. 00:07:10.960 --> 00:07:15.540 Except now one person after another started throwing their cloaks on the ground in front 00:07:15.540 --> 00:07:16.680 of the man on the colt. 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:21.360 Samuel had only seen this once before, but he remembered that day well. 00:07:21.699 --> 00:07:27.819 That day several years ago, when the Roman king rode proudly into town on his white horse. 00:07:28.100 --> 00:07:30.660 This was an act of honor the king had demanded. 00:07:31.900 --> 00:07:36.439 But Samuel's parents said, we should do it only for a king in David's line. 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:39.000 Samuel hadn't seen it since. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:44.860 And for this poor-looking man, who was he? 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:49.500 Jesus, the man next to him said. 00:07:49.639 --> 00:07:51.100 Samuel knew that name. 00:07:51.400 --> 00:07:54.920 His parents had met him last year and talked about him all the time. 00:07:55.199 --> 00:08:00.660 How kind, how powerful, yet how gentle he was. 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:06.620 Samuel had even heard rumors some thought this Jesus was the Messiah, the hope to rescue his 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:07.079 people. 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:09.939 They followed the crowd eagerly. 00:08:10.240 --> 00:08:13.500 And all of a sudden, cries of praise broke out among the crowd. 00:08:13.500 --> 00:08:18.839 As they made way for Jesus, they waved palm branches and cried out, blessed is the king 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:20.660 who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:08:21.160 --> 00:08:23.519 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. 00:08:25.480 --> 00:08:28.040 Psalm 118, Samuel thought. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:35.240 We sing that all the time on the way to Passover, but now they're saying the king is here? 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:38.120 The one we've waited for so long? 00:08:38.340 --> 00:08:40.279 The one I've heard about since I was born? 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:42.299 This would change everything. 00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:45.159 His mind was racing. 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:46.799 Back to school last week. 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:48.500 Which prophet was it? 00:08:48.839 --> 00:08:50.259 It started with a Z. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:53.720 Samuel wasn't at the top of his class. 00:08:55.839 --> 00:08:57.740 But he remembered the promise, at least. 00:08:57.939 --> 00:09:01.419 The promise of a king on a colt. 00:09:02.240 --> 00:09:07.459 The king bringing salvation and yet humble unlike any other. 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:15.220 Kingly power and righteous authority combined with gentleness and grace. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:20.060 He'd heard his teacher describe it, but it hadn't made any sense to Samuel at the time. 00:09:20.900 --> 00:09:22.840 He'd never seen anything like that. 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:27.360 But now, could this be it? 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:30.940 He could see it in this man on the colt. 00:09:30.940 --> 00:09:36.820 This Jesus was not like any king or official Samuel had ever seen, that's for sure. 00:09:37.980 --> 00:09:43.200 Everyone else seemed focused on him, but he seemed genuinely focused on everyone else. 00:09:44.200 --> 00:09:49.160 Even the poor beggar kids outside the village, waving their palm branches with the crowd. 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:52.740 He leaned over to touch and whisper to them. 00:09:53.540 --> 00:09:54.960 He seemed in no rush. 00:09:54.960 --> 00:10:02.259 In fact, it was as the colt had stopped and Jesus was speaking to some children and their mothers, 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:06.220 that Samuel noticed a couple of his teachers from Jerusalem. 00:10:06.920 --> 00:10:13.540 Not wanting to talk to them, he hid behind a man in the cheering crowd as his teachers approached Jesus. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:18.060 Everyone else was excited, but his teachers didn't look happy. 00:10:18.059 --> 00:10:24.819 Samuel was close enough to overhear them speak in low tones to Jesus. 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:27.839 Teacher, rebuke your disciples. 00:10:29.359 --> 00:10:31.519 This enthusiasm is over the top. 00:10:32.419 --> 00:10:34.179 Some might even call it blasphemous. 00:10:35.579 --> 00:10:37.459 Redirect them like a good rabbi. 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:41.000 Praise like this is only for God. 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:45.659 Jesus' response was much louder. 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:48.419 Kind, but very clear. 00:10:48.960 --> 00:10:53.759 I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:57.080 Cheers went up from the crowd again. 00:10:57.320 --> 00:10:57.840 Hosanna! 00:10:58.500 --> 00:10:59.399 Save us! 00:11:00.159 --> 00:11:01.340 Blessed is the king! 00:11:01.500 --> 00:11:02.039 Peace! 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:02.820 Glory! 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:05.919 Samuel found himself cheering along. 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:09.679 Carefully, as he watched his teachers slink away. 00:11:09.679 --> 00:11:12.959 What a unique king, he thought. 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:18.539 The king of the Jews needing to borrow a colt? 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:22.659 He didn't seem to revel in the praises of the people, 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:26.539 but he clearly didn't redirect them either. 00:11:27.979 --> 00:11:29.379 Rocks crying out? 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:30.679 That would be cool! 00:11:32.579 --> 00:11:37.919 Maybe this Jesus really had done some of the amazing things Samuel heard others tell about. 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:43.799 Some people around here think all the excitement is too much, 00:11:43.859 --> 00:11:45.019 but I've got to see more. 00:11:48.099 --> 00:11:54.459 Kids, many of you have held palm branches and stood in here in this room 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:57.359 and acted out that first Palm Sunday, haven't you? 00:11:57.819 --> 00:12:01.679 When Jesus coming near to Jerusalem is cheered 00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:09.039 and people are praising him as the king sent from God to rescue them. 00:12:10.079 --> 00:12:14.059 It's a day that really did happen a couple thousand years ago. 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:15.599 That really happened. 00:12:15.699 --> 00:12:19.419 People really were crying out to him and worshiping him. 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:21.419 And just like we read, 00:12:22.120 --> 00:12:27.079 no doubt many in Bethphage and the surrounding villages could confirm the details. 00:12:27.199 --> 00:12:27.819 They were there. 00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:33.780 And it's important for us to grasp not only the history of that day, 00:12:33.860 --> 00:12:37.960 but also the royal imagery everywhere. 00:12:39.100 --> 00:12:41.160 The cloaks on the ground. 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:43.960 The Old Testament prophecies. 00:12:44.560 --> 00:12:45.540 The palm branches. 00:12:45.840 --> 00:12:49.060 The shouts to a king come from God. 00:12:49.059 --> 00:12:53.419 All signs point to the Messiah king. 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:59.739 But there are still those who won't have it. 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:02.799 Who won't join in praising him. 00:13:02.919 --> 00:13:04.659 It's all a bit too much. 00:13:07.339 --> 00:13:08.199 I asked you this morning, 00:13:08.319 --> 00:13:11.919 do you rejoice in Jesus as king? 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:15.379 Or is it all a bit too much, really? 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:22.259 Does having a king unsettle your personal control or comfort? 00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:26.299 Kings have a tendency to do that. 00:13:28.139 --> 00:13:32.799 Last week, Jesus talked about our giving everything for his kingdom. 00:13:33.080 --> 00:13:34.379 That's what being king means. 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:36.480 That he owns it all. 00:13:36.720 --> 00:13:37.840 We owe it all to him. 00:13:37.939 --> 00:13:39.559 We said giving all for Jesus. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.580 Is that exaggerated? 00:13:41.580 --> 00:13:49.460 Is throwing your cloak on the ground as an indication that all you are and have, 00:13:49.800 --> 00:13:54.420 the very shirt off your back is at the disposal of the king? 00:13:54.680 --> 00:13:57.080 Is that a bit extreme, honestly? 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.740 Let's be honest. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:04.700 The king described in this passage is no minor ruler. 00:14:06.140 --> 00:14:08.700 No passing nice guy. 00:14:08.700 --> 00:14:15.120 The king described here is Jesus the king who owns it all. 00:14:15.540 --> 00:14:19.300 Who we owe everything to. 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:22.020 Who rules all creation. 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:26.379 Who is our only hope for salvation and peace. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:29.580 Who has been promised to come for centuries. 00:14:30.020 --> 00:14:31.980 Whose kingdom will never end. 00:14:32.220 --> 00:14:33.580 The father will see to it. 00:14:33.860 --> 00:14:36.500 Who is worthy of divine praise. 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:40.340 And who himself receives such praise. 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:43.679 As extraordinarily humble as he is. 00:14:44.039 --> 00:14:49.100 He's clearly not going to redirect people from worshipping him. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:52.960 Contrary to your college religion class. 00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:59.600 It wasn't his followers who made up this idea of him as divine king. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:02.100 He knows it. 00:15:02.779 --> 00:15:03.860 He receives it. 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:07.980 To say all this is true is going too far. 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:12.240 It's too much for many religious types. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:17.560 The children and many outsiders are worshipping him. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:20.899 But others stop short. 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:27.600 Often others who sit in places like this on days like today. 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:29.960 So how about you? 00:15:30.519 --> 00:15:33.940 Do you really rejoice in his rule? 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:37.120 Do you truly trust his protection? 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:41.700 Do you passionately give your life to his honor? 00:15:41.700 --> 00:15:41.900 Do you fear? 00:15:48.800 --> 00:15:49.280 Do you fear? 00:15:49.280 --> 00:15:49.700 Do you fear? 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:52.420 Almost forgetting his cracked lips. 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:55.640 And completely forgetting his responsibilities at home. 00:15:56.340 --> 00:16:00.660 Samuel began to run with his friend behind the crowds following Jesus in the cult. 00:16:01.460 --> 00:16:03.140 They were getting close to Jerusalem now. 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:05.100 They came up a hill around a bend. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:06.259 And there it was. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:07.560 God's city. 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:09.780 The temple now visible. 00:16:09.960 --> 00:16:11.200 Bustling with people. 00:16:11.200 --> 00:16:17.280 and all of a sudden Samuel noticed everyone had stopped. 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:21.480 Actually, the first thing he noticed was that everything had gotten quiet 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:24.020 and he could hear someone crying. 00:16:25.140 --> 00:16:25.900 Was it a child? 00:16:27.280 --> 00:16:29.220 No, it didn't sound like that. 00:16:30.420 --> 00:16:33.480 Then Samuel saw from behind someone's shoulders shaking. 00:16:35.280 --> 00:16:38.660 It was Jesus sobbing loudly. 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:44.399 Everyone else was awkwardly silent, unsure what to say. 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:49.379 And then Jesus spoke through his tears. 00:16:50.839 --> 00:16:52.799 To no one in particular it seemed, 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:59.480 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, would that you, even you, 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:03.399 had known on this day the things that make for peace. 00:17:04.579 --> 00:17:06.619 But now they're hidden from your eyes. 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:11.219 Once Samuel's excitement began to fade. 00:17:12.659 --> 00:17:17.459 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up a barricade around you, 00:17:18.379 --> 00:17:21.379 surround you, and hem you in on every side, 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.739 and tear you down to the ground, 00:17:24.399 --> 00:17:26.039 you and your children within you, 00:17:26.199 --> 00:17:29.299 and they will not leave one stone upon another in you, 00:17:29.299 --> 00:17:33.839 because you did not know the time of your visitation. 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:41.059 Suddenly Samuel realized tears were welling up in his eyes too. 00:17:42.220 --> 00:17:44.139 Not so much because of the words he heard, 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:49.019 but because of the deep emotion he felt from Jesus. 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:52.400 Samuel often felt sad like this, 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:54.119 but he always kept it hidden. 00:17:55.259 --> 00:17:57.539 He'd felt it when his parents were angry with him. 00:17:58.359 --> 00:18:00.639 He'd felt it when he was left out at school. 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:05.200 He'd felt it that time his uncle and grandfather both died. 00:18:05.839 --> 00:18:07.639 But he'd never expressed it. 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:16.800 In fact, he'd never experienced anyone expressing anything as heartfelt as these words seemed. 00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:21.140 Then in the silence hanging over the crowd, 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.640 he considered the words. 00:18:23.380 --> 00:18:26.220 Jesus was crying over Jerusalem, 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:31.660 over God's people there who would not receive him as king, 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:35.280 over destruction coming to them. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:40.319 And Samuel had no categories for this kind of king. 00:18:40.819 --> 00:18:43.839 No king he knew or even read of in stories 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:47.240 had anything like a tender heart towards his enemies, 00:18:48.200 --> 00:18:50.099 toward those opposing his reign. 00:18:50.399 --> 00:18:51.639 They suffered all right, 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:54.839 but the king was always glad they got what they deserved. 00:18:55.339 --> 00:18:57.139 That's how the story always went. 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:00.519 Not this Jesus. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:05.960 He even pronounced judgment through tears. 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:11.319 A sobbing Savior, thought Samuel. 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:14.740 I'll never forget these tears. 00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:23.420 I love that Luke tells us of Jesus' tears here. 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:27.500 That he weeps over Jerusalem. 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:31.279 After all, Isaiah tells us that about the Messiah, doesn't he? 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:33.519 That he's going to be a man of sorrows 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:36.480 and acquainted with grief. 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:41.220 It's a different picture from what I thought growing up. 00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:44.059 I thought good Christians were always happy, 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:46.059 or at least pretended to be. 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:49.640 Smiling was the most important part, I thought. 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:50.240 No. 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:56.020 What we see in Jesus is that true Christianity, 00:19:56.540 --> 00:19:58.460 true humanity, in fact, 00:19:58.520 --> 00:20:00.960 is not avoiding tears, 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:04.759 but shedding tears for the right reasons. 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:08.360 Jesus experiences and expresses 00:20:08.360 --> 00:20:12.740 the fullest and most appropriate emotions. 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:18.080 Jesus weeps at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:21.259 He cries in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:24.279 in the face of separation from his Father. 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:29.220 And he cries here on a hill overlooking Jerusalem 00:20:29.220 --> 00:20:31.359 at the thought of judgment 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:34.799 and suffering for people who reject him. 00:20:36.699 --> 00:20:40.339 And that's certainly a tragedy worth weeping over, isn't it? 00:20:40.339 --> 00:20:44.339 The Savior of the world is right there. 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:49.419 The one who is good news of great joy for all people. 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:51.599 The one who would bring peace on earth. 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:54.379 The one who himself would be their peace. 00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:57.480 And they won't have him. 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:03.540 Instead, Jesus speaks through his tears 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:07.740 of the awful destruction that comes in about 70 years 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:10.660 when Rome demolishes the temple 00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:12.400 and the city of Jerusalem 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:15.020 in horrific fashion. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:19.580 A violent but small glimpse 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:21.379 of the eternal destruction 00:21:21.379 --> 00:21:24.500 of those rejecting King Jesus. 00:21:26.639 --> 00:21:29.000 Certainly, the sobbing Savior 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:31.480 weeps appropriately here, doesn't he? 00:21:33.379 --> 00:21:34.720 What do you weep over? 00:21:36.399 --> 00:21:38.319 What breaks your heart? 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:42.399 Are your tears primarily for yourself? 00:21:43.659 --> 00:21:45.399 For your own suffering? 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:48.140 A lot of times, ours are. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:50.880 And that's not necessarily inappropriate. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:53.240 Those tears may be appropriate also. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:57.440 But do you ever cry for someone else? 00:21:57.860 --> 00:22:00.780 Do you weep for others as Jesus did? 00:22:02.380 --> 00:22:04.860 Maybe some of you have wept over your children. 00:22:06.640 --> 00:22:08.500 The hurt they experience. 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:10.580 The decisions they make. 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:13.560 And the suffering you see coming for them 00:22:13.559 --> 00:22:15.419 because of some of those decisions. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:20.159 When was the last time you cried 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:22.059 over a lost loved one? 00:22:22.919 --> 00:22:25.859 Someone who doesn't trust Jesus. 00:22:26.919 --> 00:22:29.139 Someone for whom you care deeply. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:35.319 Sadly, Christians aren't known in the world 00:22:35.319 --> 00:22:37.819 for their tears, are they? 00:22:37.819 --> 00:22:41.240 I think one reason is we often avoid 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:43.660 the suffering and brokenness 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:45.099 in the world around us. 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:46.599 It makes us uncomfortable 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:49.680 rather than letting it appropriately 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:51.140 break our hearts. 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:56.319 We're also pretty good at being judgmental 00:22:56.319 --> 00:23:00.960 and condemning to those who disagree with us. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:03.880 Perhaps your unbelieving friends 00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:06.099 and family members have heard your concern 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:08.359 for their beliefs and their behavior. 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:13.459 Have they ever heard your heart for them? 00:23:13.699 --> 00:23:15.539 Your concern for them? 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.619 Through tears? 00:23:21.199 --> 00:23:24.319 Let the tears of Jesus soak into your heart 00:23:24.319 --> 00:23:25.159 this morning 00:23:25.159 --> 00:23:28.079 and overwhelm it with His love. 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:30.720 and break it over those 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:33.919 who don't know the Prince of Peace 00:23:33.919 --> 00:23:37.500 and give you tears for them. 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:43.019 Samuel knew one thing for sure. 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:44.919 He was headed to Jerusalem. 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:48.019 He'd never missed a day at the well in his life 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:50.220 especially during Passover season 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:52.859 but there was no time to tell his parents 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:53.619 where he was headed. 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:56.039 Nothing was going to keep him from Jesus. 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:58.159 For the first time in his life 00:23:58.159 --> 00:23:59.920 Samuel felt he'd found someone 00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:00.960 who would listen to him 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:04.359 and understand the deep pain in his own heart. 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:07.980 The grief he'd harbored for years. 00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:12.159 The uncertainty he felt about his own future. 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:15.899 The loneliness he had wept over 00:24:15.899 --> 00:24:18.000 when he knew no one would notice. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:22.539 He could tell Jesus understood. 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:25.759 If he could only get just a few minutes with Jesus 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:27.160 he'd give anything. 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:29.839 But right now all he could do 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:31.160 was throw his cloak 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:33.440 before the humble king on the colt 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:35.900 as he sprinted ahead into Jerusalem 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:37.720 to find his friends. 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:40.200 Many of his classmates lived in the city 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:42.059 and they must meet Jesus. 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:44.700 Apparently something awful was coming 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:46.160 for those in Jerusalem. 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:48.259 Samuel didn't know exactly when 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:50.680 but he felt sure there was still hope. 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:53.379 If anyone would have mercy on his friends 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:55.420 he was sure it was this Jesus. 00:24:56.360 --> 00:24:57.960 They just needed to trust him. 00:24:59.380 --> 00:25:01.200 Samuel had seen it in his tears. 00:25:02.340 --> 00:25:03.480 He had to warn them. 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:06.320 They had to meet this unique king too. 00:25:07.360 --> 00:25:09.140 If they could only see his eyes. 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.760 Hear his words. 00:25:12.760 --> 00:25:13.680 Watch his tears. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:16.240 They would know he's the one 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.420 they've been waiting for. 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:19.980 The one who could hold all the tears 00:25:19.980 --> 00:25:22.120 cried in Jerusalem for generations. 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:24.860 The one who could give them hope again 00:25:24.860 --> 00:25:27.440 of another Passover deliverance. 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:30.480 Maybe on such a special week like this 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:34.039 Yahweh held out hope again. 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:37.360 If only Samuel could get them 00:25:37.360 --> 00:25:39.519 to see Jesus. 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:44.420 Do you see your king 00:25:44.420 --> 00:25:46.220 this morning? 00:25:46.859 --> 00:25:49.539 He's such a glorious king. 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.900 He owns it all. 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:55.000 And how he loves you 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:58.279 so much more than you imagine. 00:25:59.619 --> 00:26:00.740 Will you bring your heart 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:02.920 maybe breaking 00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:05.139 worshiping 00:26:05.139 --> 00:26:06.119 trusting 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:07.660 to him? 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:09.660 Will you take 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:10.460 his heart 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:12.240 listening 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:14.340 loving 00:26:14.340 --> 00:26:16.340 weeping 00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:18.360 to others? 00:26:19.820 --> 00:26:20.779 Let's pray. 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:28.140 Jesus we 00:26:28.140 --> 00:26:31.180 love you. 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.940 We worship 00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:34.960 you. 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:37.220 we give you 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:38.360 all praise 00:26:38.360 --> 00:26:39.640 as our 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:40.600 king. 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:42.279 The 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.640 only one 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.660 who rules 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.799 over it all. 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:46.900 The only one 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.340 worthy 00:26:47.340 --> 00:26:48.920 of our praise 00:26:48.920 --> 00:26:50.039 and of everything 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:51.960 we could bring to him. 00:26:52.120 --> 00:26:52.860 The one who 00:26:52.860 --> 00:26:53.860 deservedly 00:26:53.860 --> 00:26:54.420 would stand 00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:55.960 far away from us 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.160 and have nothing 00:26:57.160 --> 00:26:58.319 to do with us. 00:26:58.920 --> 00:26:59.240 And yet 00:26:59.240 --> 00:26:59.840 the one 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:00.200 who 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:02.259 cries 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:03.100 over 00:27:03.099 --> 00:27:04.240 people 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.839 like us. 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.959 The one 00:27:07.959 --> 00:27:08.399 who even 00:27:08.399 --> 00:27:09.159 comes and 00:27:09.159 --> 00:27:09.859 gives his 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:10.500 life 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:12.459 that we 00:27:12.459 --> 00:27:13.119 might know 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:13.459 him. 00:27:16.459 --> 00:27:17.099 Jesus 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:17.819 give us 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:18.679 your heart. 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:19.779 Our hearts 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:20.579 don't break 00:27:20.579 --> 00:27:21.839 over the things 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.539 that yours 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.679 breaks over. 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:26.959 By your spirit 00:27:26.959 --> 00:27:28.480 change our hearts. 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:31.400 give us 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:31.980 your love. 00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:32.680 Give us 00:27:32.680 --> 00:27:33.420 your compassion. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.360 Give us 00:27:34.360 --> 00:27:35.460 your tears 00:27:35.460 --> 00:27:38.920 that others 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:39.759 might see 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:40.400 you 00:27:40.400 --> 00:27:42.240 even 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.819 through 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:44.660 such weak 00:27:44.660 --> 00:27:45.480 representations 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:46.620 as we are. 00:27:46.860 --> 00:27:47.720 You're powerful 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.240 enough 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:49.620 to do that work. 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:50.720 And so we 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.360 ask you would. 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:53.279 In Jesus name. 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:53.940 Amen. 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:57.279 For more 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:57.799 information 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.580 visit us 00:27:58.580 --> 00:27:59.080 online 00:27:59.080 --> 00:27:59.480 at 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.380 southwood.org