WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:22.000 A few years ago I was showing a friend around London and we were walking down by Green Park and then across the front of Buckingham Palace and just to the side of the railings, the gates opened and a car drove out with the Queen sitting in the back seat on her own. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:42.000 And there was a sense in which it was just a very ordinary thing. It was as if her driver was just taking her down to the shop to get some milk. There weren't any outriders or anything else. There was one motorcycle that had sort of gone to clear a bit in front of her but it seemed very ordinary just popping out. 00:00:42.000 --> 00:01:05.980 But of course there was also something extraordinary about it because as the car emerged and as people realized who was actually sitting in the back, there was a huge fuss. People grabbing their phones wanting to get a photograph and people sort of standing up straight in the presence of Majesty. I think I even waved. I didn't know what to do. 00:01:05.980 --> 00:01:19.060 I've just seen the Queen. She was, I don't know, literally 10 feet away. The car was just so close and people had this, there was something about the grandeur of royalty that drew out this response. 00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:30.040 Nobody had told anybody how to react. Nobody had said you stand up straight, you acknowledge her presence as she comes past, you celebrate, you do whatever it is. 00:01:30.040 --> 00:01:38.260 Nobody had said you stand up straight, you do whatever it is. Nobody had said that there was just something within all of us. There was probably over 50 people gathered there who reacted instinctively. 00:01:38.880 --> 00:01:44.420 There was something of the grandeur of who was there that drew this response. 00:01:46.020 --> 00:01:56.100 That's what we see on this first Palm Sunday. In Luke's account, in Luke chapter 19, which is a more mere account than the other Gospels, we see this. 00:01:56.099 --> 00:02:00.659 Jesus is declared to be God's King. Look at verse 38. 00:02:01.719 --> 00:02:06.659 As he comes down the hill, instinctively people cry out and cheer. 00:02:07.339 --> 00:02:11.259 Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:02:12.219 --> 00:02:17.180 The presence of this one in their midst draws this response from them. 00:02:18.459 --> 00:02:23.579 The triumphal entry is something that the church marks on Palm Sunday, so we're going to do that this morning. 00:02:23.580 --> 00:02:26.080 I want us to walk through Luke's account here. 00:02:26.140 --> 00:02:36.480 As I say, it's a bit briefer than perhaps Matthew's account, but it is telling us about the King, about God's King who has come. 00:02:36.900 --> 00:02:43.200 It is drawing out, particularly I want us to see three elements of this story. 00:02:43.700 --> 00:02:45.800 The first is his control. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:51.240 The first thing we see about God's King in this account is his control. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:52.520 Verse 29. 00:02:52.520 --> 00:02:59.920 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:06.320 Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. 00:03:06.820 --> 00:03:08.020 Untie it and bring it here. 00:03:08.620 --> 00:03:10.660 If anyone asks you, why are you untying it? 00:03:10.700 --> 00:03:13.140 You shall say this, the Lord has need of it. 00:03:13.139 --> 00:03:20.099 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 00:03:20.799 --> 00:03:24.639 And as they were untying the colt, its owner said to them, why are you untying the colt? 00:03:24.659 --> 00:03:26.219 And they said, the Lord has need of it. 00:03:26.559 --> 00:03:28.419 And they brought it to Jesus. 00:03:28.419 --> 00:03:37.879 If you think about Jesus' posture in the Gospels, it's actually quite unusual for him to express a need in this way. 00:03:38.500 --> 00:03:41.979 I can't think of another time that he says, go and get that because I need it. 00:03:42.899 --> 00:03:46.639 But he does it here because he is orchestrating these events. 00:03:46.759 --> 00:03:49.079 And in order to do that, he needs the colt. 00:03:49.799 --> 00:03:53.099 The colt that Matthew tells us is the foal of a donkey. 00:03:53.099 --> 00:04:00.439 Now to start with, as we go through here, we see Jesus' control in the unfolding of the details of the day. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:01.099 You see that. 00:04:01.219 --> 00:04:03.379 He says, go into the village. 00:04:04.019 --> 00:04:05.299 That village in front of you. 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:11.780 Just pass the welcome to Bethphage sign, you'll find a colt tied there to a railing. 00:04:11.859 --> 00:04:12.759 It's a young colt. 00:04:12.919 --> 00:04:14.319 Untie it and bring it to me. 00:04:14.959 --> 00:04:18.500 Oh, and if anyone asks you what they're doing, just tell them the Lord has need of it. 00:04:20.420 --> 00:04:21.680 Off the disciples go. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:25.400 And everything that he said will happen, happens. 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:26.980 The colt was there. 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:28.079 The people asked the question. 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:30.660 The disciples had been told that they would. 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:31.920 They answer it as they should. 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:33.819 And the colt is now standing beside Jesus. 00:04:36.180 --> 00:04:41.280 Now the colt belongs to Jesus by virtue of the fact that he created it. 00:04:42.460 --> 00:04:46.879 Colossians 1 tells us, by him all things were created in heaven and on earth. 00:04:47.780 --> 00:04:48.939 That's true of the colt. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:50.319 It's also true of the disciples. 00:04:50.319 --> 00:04:53.439 And it's true of the owners of the colt as well. 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:57.519 So there's a sense in which there's nothing untoward about any of this. 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:59.079 Everything is as it should be. 00:04:59.899 --> 00:05:09.819 The Lord of heaven and earth, who owns it all by the fact that he created it, demands that his property comes to him. 00:05:09.920 --> 00:05:10.879 And so it does. 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:18.379 But Luke is giving us these details to show us that all that is happening is under the hand of the king of kings. 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:27.319 And therefore all that will unfold in the coming days is also under the control of that same king. 00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:29.319 No surprises. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:29.379 No surprises. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:31.199 No mistakes. 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:32.980 No accidents. 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:33.060 No accidents. 00:05:36.259 --> 00:05:43.220 How much does Jesus' control of everything factor in your life? 00:05:43.220 --> 00:05:57.300 Whether it is the colt tied up in Bethphage or the traffic on your route to wherever you're wanting to go in a hurry or the unexpected diagnosis. 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:01.920 Do you see that Jesus is in complete control? 00:06:01.920 --> 00:06:09.379 The Lord of glory ordains every detail of the unfolding of your life. 00:06:09.699 --> 00:06:14.280 The good, the bad, and even also the ugly. 00:06:15.100 --> 00:06:16.199 He orders your steps. 00:06:16.920 --> 00:06:18.500 He provides what you have. 00:06:18.500 --> 00:06:21.980 He allows your bad decisions to play out. 00:06:22.980 --> 00:06:28.360 You are where you are in life because Jesus is in control. 00:06:30.379 --> 00:06:31.860 Do you acknowledge this? 00:06:33.259 --> 00:06:40.040 Do you acknowledge that your life is not just some unfolding story that has no real direction? 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:45.920 Or that in some way you are in control in the details of everything? 00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:52.060 The Lord Jesus is in control of it all. 00:06:53.839 --> 00:06:57.360 Now acknowledging that means that we will thank Him for the blessings. 00:06:58.480 --> 00:07:00.500 Because they're not ultimately our doing. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:04.459 It will mean you will trust Him for your struggles. 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:09.519 Because they are serving a purpose that you can't yet see. 00:07:09.519 --> 00:07:22.099 And it will mean allowing His Word as your authority to shape your goals and your vision for life. 00:07:22.859 --> 00:07:27.639 If Jesus is in control of everything, as He makes clear here, 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:31.939 you should submit your life to serve His glory, not your glory. 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:36.680 And we should repent of the desire to do otherwise. 00:07:39.279 --> 00:07:43.399 Now one way this is seen is how we think about what we have. 00:07:45.920 --> 00:07:47.579 The things that we possess. 00:07:48.860 --> 00:07:51.860 When Jesus asks for something from you, 00:07:51.860 --> 00:07:55.620 whether that is your time, 00:07:56.199 --> 00:07:58.300 or your money, 00:07:59.400 --> 00:08:01.740 or your children, 00:08:02.259 --> 00:08:05.040 or even your worship. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:07.699 As He demands that we gather 00:08:07.699 --> 00:08:09.800 Lord's Day by Lord's Day to worship Him, 00:08:09.860 --> 00:08:11.199 He makes that call on us. 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:12.160 As He does that, 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:15.080 do you respond like the owners of this cult? 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:17.899 The Lord has need of it. 00:08:18.680 --> 00:08:20.039 The Lord requires it. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:21.819 The Lord has asked for it. 00:08:21.839 --> 00:08:22.879 He demands it of you. 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:25.399 However you hear those words here. 00:08:26.399 --> 00:08:28.360 Do you see that the owners give up their cult? 00:08:28.439 --> 00:08:30.399 There's no record of them saying, 00:08:30.599 --> 00:08:31.199 hang on a second. 00:08:33.199 --> 00:08:34.740 They gave up their cult immediately. 00:08:35.220 --> 00:08:35.860 They didn't grumble. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:37.360 They didn't say, 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:39.319 but this cult is my favorite one. 00:08:40.879 --> 00:08:42.100 This cult is mine. 00:08:43.220 --> 00:08:44.079 This cult is... 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:47.360 I've got a special bond with it. 00:08:48.800 --> 00:08:51.259 No, they gave it up to their Lord and King. 00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:52.980 They lived with open hands. 00:08:56.560 --> 00:08:58.660 Everything that you possess, 00:08:59.060 --> 00:09:00.120 your time, your money, 00:09:00.320 --> 00:09:00.800 your children, 00:09:01.759 --> 00:09:02.700 your stuff, whatever, 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:04.560 whatever you would fit into that, 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:06.580 your dot, dot, dot, 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:07.240 whatever it is, 00:09:07.300 --> 00:09:08.160 He owns it anyway. 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:13.800 Those things are all just on loan to you from Him, 00:09:13.799 --> 00:09:15.219 so hold them loosely. 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:18.579 Well, to start with, 00:09:18.639 --> 00:09:20.859 Jesus controls the events of the day, 00:09:20.959 --> 00:09:22.419 but the control reaches further, 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:23.879 and it reaches higher. 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:26.079 The very reason that He chooses this cult 00:09:26.079 --> 00:09:28.299 as His transport into Jerusalem 00:09:28.299 --> 00:09:29.879 is because in doing so, 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:31.799 He is bringing to fulfillment 00:09:31.799 --> 00:09:33.159 an Old Testament prophecy. 00:09:33.159 --> 00:09:34.839 Back in Zechariah chapter 9, 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:35.740 it says this, 00:09:35.740 --> 00:09:36.500 Rejoice greatly, 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:37.419 O daughter of Zion. 00:09:37.579 --> 00:09:38.159 Shout aloud, 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:39.219 O daughter of Jerusalem. 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:40.000 Behold, 00:09:40.059 --> 00:09:41.360 your King is coming to you, 00:09:41.480 --> 00:09:41.819 righteous, 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:43.860 and having salvation is He, 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:44.620 humble, 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:46.439 and mounted on a donkey. 00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:47.860 A cult, 00:09:48.079 --> 00:09:48.860 the foal of a donkey. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:50.399 The cult 00:09:50.399 --> 00:09:52.839 is His chosen means of transport 00:09:52.839 --> 00:09:54.299 because it is the sign 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:54.919 that He is 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:56.600 this Messiah King. 00:09:57.839 --> 00:09:59.159 That was what the Old Testament 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:00.019 said to look for. 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:02.639 Look for one who comes on a cult. 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:04.500 And what that tells us 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:05.419 is that the unfolding, 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:06.500 it's not just the unfolding 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:07.840 of the events of that day, 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:09.740 it is the unfolding of history, 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:12.220 and particularly salvation history, 00:10:12.419 --> 00:10:15.259 that are also in the hands of Jesus. 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:18.039 The one on the cult 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:18.879 is the Lord of all. 00:10:19.699 --> 00:10:20.539 The Lord of all. 00:10:23.259 --> 00:10:27.199 He is the Lord of the very highest. 00:10:27.299 --> 00:10:28.399 He is the Lord of the Queen 00:10:28.399 --> 00:10:30.399 who drove out in the car that day. 00:10:30.459 --> 00:10:31.439 He is the Lord of the King 00:10:31.439 --> 00:10:32.959 who sits on our throne today. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:34.639 He is the Lord of our government. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:39.139 He is the Lord of every one of us 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:41.759 and every possible echelon 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:42.899 that there is in society. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:44.860 Every politician. 00:10:45.439 --> 00:10:46.699 Every sportsman. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:48.899 What have we got today? 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:50.039 The masters. 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:53.039 We've got every golfer at the masters 00:10:53.039 --> 00:10:54.759 and every one of his caddies. 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:57.839 We've got the boat race. 00:10:57.959 --> 00:10:59.120 We've got every Cambridge 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:00.860 and every Oxford Blue 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:03.459 all under the control 00:11:03.459 --> 00:11:06.079 and authority of this King. 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:09.339 He is the Lord of all. 00:11:11.839 --> 00:11:13.699 There is great reassurance in that. 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.339 When we hear of authority like that, 00:11:16.379 --> 00:11:17.539 it can make us fearful, 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:19.039 but there is great reassurance 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:20.620 for us in this. 00:11:20.620 --> 00:11:22.740 When you trust yourself to this man, 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:24.560 you are in the hands of the one 00:11:24.560 --> 00:11:26.000 who runs the universe 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.759 and who is on your side. 00:11:30.240 --> 00:11:31.899 But there's also something important 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:33.759 about his using a colt 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:35.159 and that's our second point here 00:11:35.159 --> 00:11:36.039 as Luke shows us. 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:37.139 First of all, 00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:38.259 he shows us his control. 00:11:38.419 --> 00:11:38.700 Secondly, 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:40.440 he shows us his humility. 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:42.720 His humility. 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:43.840 Verse 33, 00:11:44.460 --> 00:11:46.240 And as they were untying the colt, 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:47.399 its owner said to them, 00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:48.840 Why are you untying the colt? 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:50.240 And they said, 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:51.199 The Lord has need of it. 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:53.000 And they brought it to Jesus 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:55.039 and throwing their cloaks on the colt, 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:56.159 they set Jesus on it 00:11:56.159 --> 00:11:57.299 and as he rode along, 00:11:57.720 --> 00:11:59.779 they spread their cloaks on the road. 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:03.039 By choosing to ride into Jerusalem 00:12:03.039 --> 00:12:03.679 on a colt, 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:04.860 Jesus isn't just fulfilling 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:06.699 the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9, 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.860 but he's making a statement 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.340 about the nature of the kingship 00:12:10.340 --> 00:12:12.080 of the one who is the king 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:12.960 of Zechariah 9. 00:12:15.320 --> 00:12:15.960 Now ordinarily, 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:17.060 a king would come, 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:17.500 we know, 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:18.720 with pomp and grandeur 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.800 and all of the pageantry 00:12:19.800 --> 00:12:20.379 that we saw 00:12:20.379 --> 00:12:22.300 at the coronation of King Charles. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:23.840 Roads are closed, 00:12:24.180 --> 00:12:25.200 horses and carriages 00:12:25.200 --> 00:12:25.820 are prepared 00:12:25.820 --> 00:12:27.639 with trained professionals in charge. 00:12:27.940 --> 00:12:28.780 There are robes 00:12:28.780 --> 00:12:29.680 and crowns 00:12:29.680 --> 00:12:30.399 and scepters 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:31.700 and dozens of people 00:12:31.700 --> 00:12:32.860 playing their part 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:34.500 in a huge spectacle. 00:12:34.820 --> 00:12:35.639 There's none of that 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:36.500 with King Jesus. 00:12:37.960 --> 00:12:39.379 The colt was the sign, 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:40.559 the prop, 00:12:40.700 --> 00:12:41.179 if you like, 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:42.439 of the humble character 00:12:42.439 --> 00:12:44.320 of the rule of God's Messiah. 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:47.059 And he rides in, 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:49.259 seated not on a royal saddle, 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:51.399 but on the coats 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:52.939 of some of his friends. 00:12:55.580 --> 00:12:56.720 When you come to Jesus, 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:57.539 this is the character 00:12:57.539 --> 00:12:58.580 of the king that you worship. 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:01.000 The Lord of glory, 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:02.460 the one who is in control of all, 00:13:02.539 --> 00:13:03.340 the Son of God 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:04.320 from all eternity, 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:05.980 who entered this world 00:13:05.980 --> 00:13:07.340 through the womb of a virgin, 00:13:08.080 --> 00:13:09.340 enters the royal city 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:10.420 seated on the coats 00:13:10.420 --> 00:13:11.399 of his friends 00:13:11.399 --> 00:13:12.759 on the back of a donkey. 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:17.600 Jesus is a different kind 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:18.519 of king. 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:20.540 And so, 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:21.660 his rule 00:13:21.660 --> 00:13:23.000 is a different kind 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:24.000 of kingship. 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:25.220 One that is marked 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:25.940 by meekness 00:13:25.940 --> 00:13:26.800 and humility 00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:28.399 rather than military might. 00:13:28.780 --> 00:13:29.500 One where, 00:13:29.780 --> 00:13:30.720 when he is opposed, 00:13:30.879 --> 00:13:31.620 he responds 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.519 by doing what? 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:33.920 By laying down 00:13:33.920 --> 00:13:35.040 his life. 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:38.620 And Jesus comes 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:40.319 to each of us 00:13:40.319 --> 00:13:42.199 with that same humility. 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.439 He doesn't bulldoze 00:13:44.439 --> 00:13:45.779 his way into our lives. 00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:48.399 But he gives us 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:49.000 an invitation. 00:13:49.179 --> 00:13:50.059 Matthew chapter 11, 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:50.819 verse 28. 00:13:51.179 --> 00:13:51.779 Come to me, 00:13:52.579 --> 00:13:53.659 all who labor 00:13:53.659 --> 00:13:54.939 and are heavy laden, 00:13:54.940 --> 00:13:57.080 and I will give you rest. 00:13:58.180 --> 00:13:59.660 Take my yoke upon you 00:13:59.660 --> 00:14:00.660 and learn from me 00:14:00.660 --> 00:14:01.480 for I am gentle 00:14:01.480 --> 00:14:02.440 and lowly in heart 00:14:02.440 --> 00:14:03.640 and you will find rest 00:14:03.640 --> 00:14:04.780 for your souls. 00:14:04.880 --> 00:14:06.040 For my yoke is easy 00:14:06.040 --> 00:14:07.740 and my burden 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.840 is light. 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:11.420 Have you taken him up 00:14:11.420 --> 00:14:11.960 on that offer? 00:14:13.020 --> 00:14:14.220 Have you received 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.000 that invitation 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:16.120 for yourself? 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:16.960 In a day 00:14:16.960 --> 00:14:18.180 when people in power 00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:18.800 seem to have 00:14:18.800 --> 00:14:19.780 little regard 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:21.559 for the regular man 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:22.079 on the street. 00:14:22.179 --> 00:14:23.059 Our current government 00:14:23.059 --> 00:14:24.100 just keeps reaching 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:25.399 further and further 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:26.559 into the lives 00:14:26.559 --> 00:14:27.259 of its citizens, 00:14:27.419 --> 00:14:28.600 taking and taking 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:30.419 and taking some more, 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.539 whether it's our savings 00:14:31.539 --> 00:14:32.659 or our freedoms 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.559 or our benefits. 00:14:33.679 --> 00:14:34.299 They don't care. 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:35.959 They just want to take. 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.839 But Jesus, 00:14:39.459 --> 00:14:40.740 the one who controls 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.360 the universe, 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:42.159 comes to you 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:42.699 and he says, 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.039 I'll be gentle with you. 00:14:44.839 --> 00:14:45.720 I'll not take, 00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:46.500 but I'll give. 00:14:47.179 --> 00:14:48.019 Here's rest 00:14:48.019 --> 00:14:48.819 for your soul. 00:14:49.640 --> 00:14:50.440 Here's rest 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:51.600 for those longings 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.940 deep in your heart 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:54.500 that you can't satisfy 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.500 any other way. 00:14:55.820 --> 00:14:56.320 Here it is. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:57.400 And here's a law 00:14:57.400 --> 00:14:58.100 for life 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.520 that won't burden you 00:14:59.520 --> 00:15:00.720 but will be light 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:01.580 and freeing 00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:02.640 if you live by it. 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:05.300 Have you come 00:15:05.300 --> 00:15:06.140 to this king? 00:15:08.920 --> 00:15:09.800 You do that 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:10.379 by repenting 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:10.900 of your sin, 00:15:11.560 --> 00:15:12.260 saying sorry 00:15:12.260 --> 00:15:13.820 for living life 00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:14.720 on your terms, 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:15.880 turning your life around 00:15:15.880 --> 00:15:16.880 and giving yourself 00:15:16.880 --> 00:15:18.100 over to him 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:19.300 and in doing that 00:15:19.300 --> 00:15:20.519 you're entrusting yourself 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:21.399 to his humble, 00:15:21.779 --> 00:15:22.779 loving care. 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:25.899 Of course, 00:15:25.940 --> 00:15:26.840 we don't just take him up 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:27.379 on this offer 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:28.019 but those of us 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:28.700 who have done that, 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.259 we must also 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.460 follow his example. 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:34.200 If Jesus is the humble king 00:15:34.200 --> 00:15:34.620 that everyone 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.019 who takes his name, 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:36.740 that is everyone 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.580 who calls themselves 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.100 Christian, 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.860 well then we should serve 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.759 in the same kind 00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:41.700 of humble way. 00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:43.139 Given who he is, 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:44.100 Jesus could have ridden 00:15:44.100 --> 00:15:44.680 into the city 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:45.599 on a war horse 00:15:45.599 --> 00:15:46.679 but he chose 00:15:46.679 --> 00:15:47.219 the posture 00:15:47.219 --> 00:15:48.819 of a humble servant. 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:50.659 The question 00:15:50.659 --> 00:15:51.439 we have to ask 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.399 is in what ways 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.179 is that posture 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:54.319 visible in our lives? 00:15:54.919 --> 00:15:55.639 If you have taken 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:56.620 the name of Christ, 00:15:56.959 --> 00:15:58.120 is that humble posture 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.399 visible in the way 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:00.159 that you live? 00:16:00.299 --> 00:16:01.179 That will look different 00:16:01.179 --> 00:16:01.819 for each of us, 00:16:01.839 --> 00:16:02.579 of course it will, 00:16:02.919 --> 00:16:04.299 but let's remind ourselves 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.939 that Palm Sunday 00:16:05.939 --> 00:16:07.339 is about the humility 00:16:07.339 --> 00:16:08.120 of our king 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:10.080 and those who take 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:10.620 his name 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:12.519 must follow his lead. 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:15.759 Well we see first 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.399 his control, 00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:17.840 secondly his humility 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:19.259 and then the third detail 00:16:19.259 --> 00:16:21.000 Luke wants us to grasp. 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:22.200 Perhaps the center 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:23.159 of the story here 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:24.259 is how Jesus 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:25.399 then receives thirdly 00:16:25.399 --> 00:16:26.039 his worship, 00:16:26.820 --> 00:16:27.519 his worship, 00:16:28.060 --> 00:16:28.759 his control, 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.340 his humility 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:30.120 and then thirdly 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:30.580 his worship. 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:31.899 It starts in verse 35 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:33.279 and they brought it 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:33.899 to Jesus, 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:35.620 the colt, 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:36.919 and throwing their cloaks 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:37.719 on the colt 00:16:37.719 --> 00:16:38.879 they set Jesus on it 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.439 and as he rode along 00:16:40.439 --> 00:16:41.539 they spread their cloaks 00:16:41.539 --> 00:16:42.599 on the road. 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:43.860 This is the first 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.879 open acknowledgement 00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:45.500 that Jesus 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:47.379 is their king 00:16:47.379 --> 00:16:49.099 and the worship 00:16:49.099 --> 00:16:49.899 actually starts 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:50.579 as the disciples 00:16:50.579 --> 00:16:51.759 put their cloaks 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.740 on the colt 00:16:52.740 --> 00:16:54.019 and then lift Jesus 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:54.879 onto it. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:57.500 It's like when a sports team 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.379 lifts their coach 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.240 or their star player 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:00.159 onto their shoulders 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:01.219 when they win 00:17:01.219 --> 00:17:01.939 the championship. 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:03.679 It's a statement 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:04.139 of honor 00:17:04.139 --> 00:17:05.559 and of glory 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.759 and in fact 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:07.539 it's a little glimpse 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.700 of Jesus' exaltation. 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:09.980 They are lifting him up 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:13.279 and then they lay 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:13.759 their cloaks 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.379 on the ground. 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.119 The other gospels 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:15.879 of course include 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:17.259 the palm branches 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:18.599 which was an ancient 00:17:18.599 --> 00:17:19.680 way to welcome a king. 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.519 This is a symbolic 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:21.279 red carpet 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:22.480 that is being rolled out 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:23.440 in front of him. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.480 It's a way of saying 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.680 if your colt 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.940 walks on my clothes 00:17:26.940 --> 00:17:28.240 it's not an insult 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:28.640 to me 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:29.420 it's an honor. 00:17:29.900 --> 00:17:30.759 It's a privilege. 00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:34.480 And then as he heads 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.799 heads down 00:17:35.799 --> 00:17:36.480 it starts there 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.460 with him being lifted up 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:38.140 but then he heads 00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:39.059 down the Mount of Olives 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:40.339 then the vocal praise 00:17:40.339 --> 00:17:41.440 starts up. 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:42.200 Verse 37 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:43.279 as he was drawing near 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:44.019 already on the way 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:45.039 down the Mount of Olives 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:46.319 the whole multitude 00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:47.160 of his disciples 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:48.120 began to rejoice 00:17:48.120 --> 00:17:49.400 and praise God 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:50.460 with a loud voice 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.900 for all the mighty works 00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:52.700 that they had seen 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:53.140 saying 00:17:53.140 --> 00:17:54.240 blessed is the king 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.559 who comes in the name 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.140 of the Lord 00:17:56.140 --> 00:17:57.259 peace in heaven 00:17:57.259 --> 00:17:58.200 and glory 00:17:58.200 --> 00:17:59.440 in the highest. 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:00.759 The disciples 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.559 proclaim him 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:02.460 for who he is. 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:03.879 He's the king 00:18:03.879 --> 00:18:05.220 and their words 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:06.279 the words that they're using 00:18:06.279 --> 00:18:06.839 are an echo 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:08.059 of Psalm 118 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:09.039 verse 26 00:18:09.039 --> 00:18:10.139 blessed is he 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:10.980 who comes in the name 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:11.559 of the Lord 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:12.799 we bless you 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.500 from the house 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.339 of the Lord. 00:18:14.399 --> 00:18:15.399 It was one of the Psalms 00:18:15.399 --> 00:18:16.480 that the pilgrims sang 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.179 as they went up 00:18:17.179 --> 00:18:17.740 to Jerusalem 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.599 for the feast. 00:18:19.859 --> 00:18:20.579 They knew 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.980 that that Psalm 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:22.619 was the promise 00:18:22.619 --> 00:18:23.480 of the royal king 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.179 and so here 00:18:24.179 --> 00:18:25.240 they see Jesus 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:25.980 on the colt 00:18:25.980 --> 00:18:26.879 and they say 00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:28.019 there he is 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:29.000 and they change 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:30.220 blessed is he 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:32.240 to blessed is the king. 00:18:33.160 --> 00:18:34.220 Here he is. 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:35.720 Here is our king. 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:37.279 The king that we have 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:38.579 waited centuries for 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:40.120 he's in our midst. 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:46.799 Jesus is God's king. 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:49.559 The one who is in control 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:50.380 the one who comes 00:18:50.380 --> 00:18:51.299 in great humility 00:18:51.299 --> 00:18:52.680 is God's king 00:18:52.680 --> 00:18:53.720 and so it is fitting 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:54.839 that his people 00:18:54.839 --> 00:18:56.039 would worship him. 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.240 He has brought 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.559 God's kingdom purposes 00:18:58.559 --> 00:18:59.779 to pass. 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:01.819 He has brought 00:19:01.819 --> 00:19:03.039 peace in heaven 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:03.940 between God 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:04.960 and man. 00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:06.299 He's going to the cross 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:07.500 in order to accomplish that 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.620 and so the disciples 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:09.120 see him 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:09.759 and they can't 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:10.700 but worship him. 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:12.360 It is the only 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:13.319 fitting response 00:19:13.319 --> 00:19:13.980 that their hearts 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:14.660 would be lifted 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:15.559 and that they would 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.460 celebrate the one 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.500 we've been waiting for. 00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:18.819 The king of the world 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.339 is here. 00:19:22.600 --> 00:19:23.339 Now of course 00:19:23.339 --> 00:19:23.960 that's not true 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:24.500 for everyone 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.120 that was gathered 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:26.079 at the parade that day. 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.059 Look at verse 39. 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:28.639 There they are 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:31.740 hanging around 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:32.720 like a bad smell 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:33.639 as they always do. 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.559 The Pharisees 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:36.039 they're having none of it. 00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:37.259 All of this celebration 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:38.379 and they're pulling 00:19:38.379 --> 00:19:39.359 their faces down 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:41.519 in the worst possible look 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.159 they can get. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.379 Tell the disciples 00:19:44.379 --> 00:19:44.960 to shut up. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.419 Teacher 00:19:45.419 --> 00:19:46.839 rebuke your disciples 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:48.139 for all this celebration. 00:19:48.140 --> 00:19:51.440 Of course 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.640 Jesus can't do that 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:53.040 can he? 00:19:53.540 --> 00:19:54.500 He can't do it 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.240 because that option 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:56.300 isn't open to him 00:19:56.300 --> 00:19:58.000 because to do that 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.860 would be actually 00:19:58.860 --> 00:19:59.640 to engage 00:19:59.640 --> 00:20:00.860 in a cosmic lie. 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:02.480 It would be 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.759 to tell an untruth 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:04.940 about reality. 00:20:05.100 --> 00:20:06.120 To rebuke anyone 00:20:06.120 --> 00:20:07.420 for giving him glory 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:08.500 would be to deny 00:20:08.500 --> 00:20:09.480 his true identity 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.540 and he can't do that. 00:20:11.360 --> 00:20:12.280 It would also be 00:20:12.280 --> 00:20:13.560 to engage in idolatry 00:20:13.560 --> 00:20:14.740 because he would be saying 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:15.620 that someone 00:20:15.620 --> 00:20:16.900 or something else 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:18.320 is worthy of worship 00:20:18.320 --> 00:20:19.920 which is also not true. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.060 He can't do that either. 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:23.800 And 00:20:23.800 --> 00:20:24.860 actually 00:20:24.860 --> 00:20:25.920 he can't do it 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.560 because it would be 00:20:26.560 --> 00:20:27.740 to deny the disciples 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.100 the greatest privilege 00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:30.360 any man 00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:31.280 any woman 00:20:31.280 --> 00:20:32.320 boy or girl 00:20:32.320 --> 00:20:33.120 can enjoy 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:34.680 and that is to give glory 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:35.580 to the one who stands 00:20:35.580 --> 00:20:36.700 at the center of reality. 00:20:36.860 --> 00:20:37.300 You know that 00:20:37.300 --> 00:20:38.780 that is our highest privilege 00:20:38.780 --> 00:20:39.700 that we get 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.480 to worship 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.500 the king of glory. 00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:44.120 That is what we were made for 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:45.759 to glorify God 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.740 and enjoy him 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.400 forever 00:20:47.400 --> 00:20:48.420 and to be denied 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:49.000 the ability 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:49.680 to do that 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.900 by the God of glory 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:52.640 would be frankly absurd. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:55.099 Which is why 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:56.380 even if the disciples 00:20:56.380 --> 00:20:57.380 didn't speak up 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.140 it wouldn't matter 00:20:58.140 --> 00:20:58.960 because 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.599 verse 40 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:00.660 the very stones 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.519 would cry out. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:03.120 Creation itself 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:04.079 would open its mouth 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:04.759 in praise 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:05.920 of the one 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:06.819 who is at the center 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:08.460 of all reality. 00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:12.019 The question for us 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.480 this morning 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:14.000 is where 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:15.359 would you be standing? 00:21:15.359 --> 00:21:17.579 if you were at the parade 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.159 that day 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:19.959 would you be worshipping 00:21:19.959 --> 00:21:22.099 or would you be whinging 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:23.639 with the Pharisees? 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:26.559 And it comes down 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.319 where you stand 00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:28.039 comes down 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.799 to what you make 00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.359 of the claim 00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.299 that Jesus 00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:31.939 is God's king. 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:35.759 C.S. Lewis famously said 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.299 that we only have 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:37.059 three choices. 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.599 Either 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:40.019 Jesus is deluded 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:40.779 about himself 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:42.240 or he is engaged 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:43.259 in a grand deceit 00:21:43.259 --> 00:21:44.220 that is 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.559 he knows 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.460 he isn't God's king 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.400 but he's playing along 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:47.879 so either 00:21:47.879 --> 00:21:48.859 he thinks he is 00:21:48.859 --> 00:21:50.400 but he's not. 00:21:50.879 --> 00:21:51.900 He knows he isn't 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:53.059 but he's playing along 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:55.000 with this great deceit. 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.859 Either he is a lunatic 00:21:56.859 --> 00:21:58.259 or a liar 00:21:58.259 --> 00:22:00.700 or actually 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.599 he is who the Bible 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:02.660 presents him to be 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:03.460 and that is Lord 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:04.400 Lord of all. 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.420 Those are the only options 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.539 open to us. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.240 Here's Lewis 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:09.059 you must make 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:09.779 your choice. 00:22:10.819 --> 00:22:11.519 Either this man 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.079 was and is 00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:12.799 the son of God 00:22:12.799 --> 00:22:14.240 or else a madman 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.180 or something worse. 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.359 You can shut him up 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:16.839 for a fool 00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:17.779 you can spit at him 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.279 and kill him 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.740 as a demon 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.799 or you can fall 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:20.299 at his feet 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:20.819 and call him 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.579 Lord and God 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:23.000 but let us not come 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.000 with any patronizing 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.859 nonsense about him 00:22:24.859 --> 00:22:26.019 being a great human teacher. 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:27.500 He's not left 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.579 that option open to us. 00:22:29.220 --> 00:22:30.200 He did not intend to. 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:34.420 So will you humble yourself 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:35.240 before this king? 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:37.620 Will you join 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:38.399 the parade of those 00:22:38.399 --> 00:22:39.159 who give him glory 00:22:39.159 --> 00:22:39.799 and praise? 00:22:39.959 --> 00:22:40.799 He doesn't need you. 00:22:41.939 --> 00:22:42.839 The whole of creation 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:44.139 even the inanimate creation 00:22:44.139 --> 00:22:44.879 will give him 00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:46.019 the glory he deserves 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:47.919 but he does invite you 00:22:47.919 --> 00:22:49.519 into this relationship 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.539 with him. 00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:53.019 Will you stand 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:53.599 at a distance 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.500 with the Pharisees 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:56.359 or will you follow him 00:22:56.359 --> 00:22:56.959 in praise 00:22:56.959 --> 00:22:58.179 with the disciples? 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:01.379 And here's the thing 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:03.160 as amazing 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:05.080 as that first 00:23:05.080 --> 00:23:06.440 Palm Sunday was 00:23:06.440 --> 00:23:08.020 Jesus has 00:23:08.020 --> 00:23:09.220 even more glory 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.600 now 00:23:09.600 --> 00:23:11.780 because this ride 00:23:11.780 --> 00:23:12.340 to Jerusalem 00:23:12.340 --> 00:23:13.580 was not to a coronation 00:23:13.580 --> 00:23:14.360 but to a cross 00:23:14.360 --> 00:23:15.600 where he was lifted up 00:23:15.600 --> 00:23:17.860 to his crucifixion 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:19.900 and that death 00:23:19.900 --> 00:23:20.900 was a further glory 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:22.060 as it purchased us 00:23:22.060 --> 00:23:23.420 from our sins. 00:23:24.600 --> 00:23:25.600 And then three days later 00:23:25.600 --> 00:23:27.260 he was further glorified 00:23:27.260 --> 00:23:28.000 as he was raised 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:28.580 from the dead 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.980 triumphing over death. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.759 Death couldn't hold him. 00:23:33.659 --> 00:23:34.339 He put death 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.000 to death. 00:23:36.839 --> 00:23:37.639 And then again 00:23:37.639 --> 00:23:39.379 after that 00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:40.059 he is exalted 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:40.720 even further 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:42.059 to his father's right hand 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:43.000 where he now sits. 00:23:43.419 --> 00:23:44.240 We're here this morning 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:45.240 he is at his father's 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:45.819 right hand 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:46.960 in glory 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.759 seated on his royal throne. 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:53.179 There was glory 00:23:53.179 --> 00:23:54.319 on that first Palm Sunday 00:23:54.319 --> 00:23:55.579 but there is even more glory 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:55.799 now. 00:23:55.799 --> 00:23:56.399 The question is 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:57.980 what will you do 00:23:57.980 --> 00:24:00.119 with this king? 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.859 And for those of us 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.680 who do follow him 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:07.819 do you see the challenge? 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:09.839 There is a very obvious 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:10.500 challenge to us 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.680 I think in the public nature 00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:13.680 of his homage here. 00:24:14.919 --> 00:24:16.259 There is no such thing 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:17.659 as private Christianity. 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.079 When you name the name 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:20.519 of Christ 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:21.240 you are submitting 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:22.159 your life to the king 00:24:22.159 --> 00:24:23.319 who has total authority 00:24:23.319 --> 00:24:24.319 as I said at the beginning. 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:25.639 He has total claim 00:24:25.639 --> 00:24:26.119 over you 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:27.639 over every mouse click 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:29.079 every phone conversation 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:30.500 every WhatsApp message 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:32.059 every Instagram post 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:32.899 every choice 00:24:32.899 --> 00:24:33.779 about a job 00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:34.980 every girlfriend 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:35.599 boyfriend 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.500 or spouse 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.720 and every decision 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.519 about how to raise 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.019 your children 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:40.159 and every other 00:24:40.159 --> 00:24:41.659 decision as well. 00:24:42.899 --> 00:24:43.679 The Christian does 00:24:43.679 --> 00:24:44.859 all of that 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:46.240 under the lordship 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.500 of King Jesus. 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:51.440 But that lordship 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.000 is also 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:53.599 radically subversive 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:54.539 because when we 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:56.220 when we claim 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:57.200 that he is our lord 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.400 no other authority 00:24:58.400 --> 00:24:59.299 than Christ 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:00.059 is ultimate. 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:01.460 No government 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:03.140 no economic forum 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:04.700 no HR department 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.799 no influencer. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:08.759 So where these voices 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:10.019 come our way 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:11.399 and insist that we 00:25:11.399 --> 00:25:12.460 deny the lordship 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:12.899 of Christ 00:25:12.899 --> 00:25:13.759 either by word 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.619 or by action 00:25:14.619 --> 00:25:15.680 we have to say no. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.659 And that's a challenge. 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:19.019 It is a challenge 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:19.579 in our day 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.339 because the pressure 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:20.899 to do this 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:21.419 is rising 00:25:21.419 --> 00:25:22.559 in all kinds 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:23.480 of ways. 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.180 In our culture 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:27.299 in our education 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:28.379 in medical ethics 00:25:28.379 --> 00:25:29.440 corporate demands 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.519 whatever it might be 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:31.500 when you name 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:32.319 the name of Christ 00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:32.859 as Lord 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:34.319 no one else 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:34.759 is Lord. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:37.660 and we must 00:25:37.660 --> 00:25:38.259 follow God 00:25:38.259 --> 00:25:39.079 rather than man. 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:42.359 But as we close 00:25:42.359 --> 00:25:43.539 this morning 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.059 in the face 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:45.140 of all of this 00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:45.640 in the face 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:46.440 of that challenge 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.519 I want us 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.400 to allow the fact 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:49.379 of Jesus kingship 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:50.680 to encourage us. 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:53.240 You see 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:53.680 when you want 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.359 to follow Christ 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:54.839 in the midst 00:25:54.839 --> 00:25:55.980 of this growing hostility 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.839 when you get 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:58.940 called in by HR 00:25:58.940 --> 00:26:00.079 because you refuse 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:00.660 to acknowledge 00:26:00.660 --> 00:26:01.440 the false gods 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.180 that they want you 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.740 to acknowledge 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:05.200 or you get 00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:05.740 passed over 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.319 for promotion 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:07.200 because you don't 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:08.079 play the games 00:26:08.079 --> 00:26:09.079 that you can't play 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:09.660 because you're 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:10.160 a Christian 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:12.680 or even just 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.079 when you try 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:13.839 to share the gospel 00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:14.680 with your friends 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.140 and neighbors 00:26:15.140 --> 00:26:15.539 and they have 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.120 no interest 00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:16.640 and you feel 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:17.160 the rejection 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:17.579 of that 00:26:17.579 --> 00:26:18.220 and you just think 00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:19.240 this gospel 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:19.880 is never going 00:26:19.880 --> 00:26:20.400 to prevail. 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:21.700 The darkness 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:22.559 is too thick. 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:23.720 The opposition 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.599 is too hard. 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:28.599 Remember that 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.439 Jesus is God's 00:26:29.439 --> 00:26:29.659 king. 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.799 He's lord of all. 00:26:33.199 --> 00:26:33.719 There is no 00:26:33.719 --> 00:26:34.559 greater authority 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:35.959 and he has come 00:26:35.959 --> 00:26:36.579 in the flesh. 00:26:37.219 --> 00:26:37.899 He has revealed 00:26:37.899 --> 00:26:38.599 his kingship 00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:39.639 here in full view 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:41.399 and he will build 00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:41.939 his church 00:26:41.939 --> 00:26:42.599 and keep 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:43.439 his promises. 00:26:44.659 --> 00:26:45.519 So take heart. 00:26:46.859 --> 00:26:47.219 Allow 00:26:47.219 --> 00:26:48.059 Palm Sunday 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:49.219 to encourage you. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.359 Be faithful. 00:26:52.359 --> 00:26:54.399 Be courageous 00:26:54.399 --> 00:26:57.059 and keep on. 00:26:58.219 --> 00:26:59.000 Let's pray together.