WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:04.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:07.839 equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.839 --> 00:00:10.000 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:11.720 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.800 insightful sermons from the Word of God, 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:16.760 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.760 --> 00:00:19.760 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:19.760 --> 00:00:25.320 I want to start off by wishing you a happy Palm Sunday. 00:00:25.320 --> 00:00:27.560 This is where we raise our palms and we say, 00:00:27.559 --> 00:00:30.919 Hosanna. We say that together, Hosanna. 00:00:30.919 --> 00:00:33.320 It's one more time, Hosanna. 00:00:33.320 --> 00:00:37.479 All right. It's just such a great time that we 00:00:37.479 --> 00:00:44.359 celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ on this Sunday. 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:49.739 I have to tell you that I cannot believe how fast this year is going by already, 00:00:49.739 --> 00:00:52.679 that Easter is right around the corner. 00:00:52.679 --> 00:00:54.640 Pretty soon, I mean, my gosh, 00:00:54.640 --> 00:00:57.200 it's starting to warm up, praise the Lord for that. 00:00:57.200 --> 00:00:59.760 It's just absolutely just remarkable. 00:00:59.760 --> 00:01:01.280 Time flies. There's a saying, 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:02.880 time flies when you're having fun. 00:01:02.880 --> 00:01:06.879 I hope that you guys are having fun in this year. 00:01:06.879 --> 00:01:10.799 Palm Sunday is a time where we can see a pivot. 00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:12.280 It's a shift. 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:15.320 It's a transition from the ministry and 00:01:15.320 --> 00:01:18.040 the teachings and the miracles of Christ, 00:01:18.040 --> 00:01:21.719 the lessons from Christ to the fulfillment of prophecy. 00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:24.040 One of the things we're going to go over today is 00:01:24.040 --> 00:01:28.120 the fulfillment of prophecy from Zechariah 9.9. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:32.120 We have been going over our sermon series titled, 00:01:32.120 --> 00:01:35.840 Sacred Journey from Death to Life. 00:01:35.840 --> 00:01:41.080 Today is a great Sunday as we have just been going through this sacred journey, 00:01:41.080 --> 00:01:44.440 our time, our Lenten series together. 00:01:44.440 --> 00:01:48.920 We began talking about repentance and what it means to change your mind. 00:01:48.920 --> 00:01:50.320 Remember Meta-Noyah, right? 00:01:50.320 --> 00:01:53.560 To change your mind about who Jesus Christ is. 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:57.879 In the same way that we change our mind about sin and what it means and to 00:01:57.879 --> 00:02:00.079 follow in the footsteps of Christ. 00:02:00.079 --> 00:02:03.799 We talked about temptation and that quite honestly, 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:08.000 we're going to be tempted in this life much like how Jesus was. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:12.640 We talked about what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what it means to carry 00:02:12.640 --> 00:02:17.159 our cross that we are not alone when we carry our cross. 00:02:17.159 --> 00:02:22.360 We've talked about the new covenant and the idea of redemption in Christ. 00:02:22.360 --> 00:02:24.320 This leads us to this Sunday, 00:02:24.320 --> 00:02:26.240 which is the title of this sermon. 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:28.680 I'm going to go ahead and put that on the screen here. 00:02:28.680 --> 00:02:32.280 Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry. 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:35.240 I just love the idea of Palm Sunday, 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:37.960 all these people who are gathered around. 00:02:37.960 --> 00:02:42.880 They're waving their palms and they're so excited about Jesus passing them by. 00:02:42.880 --> 00:02:49.160 It's just a wonderful part of the story of Christ. 00:02:49.160 --> 00:02:50.520 Before we go any further, 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:55.159 I would like for us to open in a word of prayer and we'll go ahead and begin on 00:02:55.159 --> 00:02:58.760 this time where we go over the triumphal entry. 00:02:58.760 --> 00:02:59.960 Will you pray with me? 00:02:59.960 --> 00:03:01.600 Let's pray together. 00:03:01.600 --> 00:03:08.640 Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing us here today on this Palm Sunday. 00:03:08.640 --> 00:03:15.439 We are gathered here today to remember and to celebrate the triumphal entry of 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:17.560 Jesus into Jerusalem. 00:03:17.560 --> 00:03:25.479 We ask that your Holy Spirit will guide us into knowing more about who you are, 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:28.599 knowing more about the truth of your word. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:31.960 We ask, Father, that you help us to understand 00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:37.560 the importance and the appreciation of this remarkable event in Scripture. 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:45.759 The triumphal entry was so important in the fulfillment of prophecy for the coming of Jesus Christ. 00:03:45.759 --> 00:03:50.120 Help us to see that fulfillment of such prophecy goes to show that God, 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:53.239 you are constant and you keep your promises. 00:03:53.239 --> 00:03:56.639 You provided a way for salvation in faith. 00:03:56.639 --> 00:04:01.799 We ask, Father, that you open our minds to the truth and our hearts to love. 00:04:01.799 --> 00:04:09.159 Let us open these doors to make way for the King of Kings into our lives. 00:04:09.159 --> 00:04:11.359 It is in the name of Jesus, 00:04:11.359 --> 00:04:15.680 the name that is above all name that we pray and we all say together, amen. 00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:20.959 At this time together, let us turn together to the Gospel of Luke where we will read this together. 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:22.480 I'm going to put that on the screen. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:26.439 It's Luke chapter 19 verses 28 through 40. 00:04:26.439 --> 00:04:30.079 It's going to be found on page 1044. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:37.519 Feel free to turn there in your ESVP Bible or a Bible of your choice, a mobile device. 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:40.079 I prefer a nice hard copy, 00:04:40.079 --> 00:04:45.839 but it's your preference on that. 00:04:52.839 --> 00:04:56.680 All right, 1,044, are we there? 00:04:56.680 --> 00:05:01.000 We're going to be reading from verse 28 through verse 40. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:02.959 Let's read it together. 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:06.039 When he had said these things, 00:05:06.039 --> 00:05:09.319 he went on ahead going up to Jerusalem. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:15.120 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany and the Mount that is called all of it, 00:05:15.120 --> 00:05:17.040 he sent how many disciples? 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:18.879 Two disciples saying, 00:05:18.879 --> 00:05:21.319 go into the village in front of you, 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:23.600 where on entering you'll find a what? 00:05:23.600 --> 00:05:28.039 A cult tide on which no one has ever yet sat. 00:05:28.039 --> 00:05:30.199 Untie it and bring it here. 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:33.399 If anyone asks you why are you untieing it, 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:37.439 you shall say this, the Lord has need of it. 00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:42.399 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:44.879 As they were untieing the cult, 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:46.800 its owner said to them, 00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:49.000 why are you untieing the cults? 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:51.240 They said, what did they say? 00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:53.199 The Lord has need of it. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:57.120 They brought it to Jesus and throwing their cloaks on the cult, 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:59.199 they set Jesus on it. 00:05:59.199 --> 00:06:00.959 As he rode along, 00:06:00.959 --> 00:06:03.159 they spread their cloaks on the road. 00:06:03.160 --> 00:06:08.680 As he was drawing near, already on the way down the Mount of Olives, 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:14.520 the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a quiet voice, 00:06:14.520 --> 00:06:18.720 a loud voice for the almighty works that they had seen saying, 00:06:18.720 --> 00:06:22.280 blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord, 00:06:22.280 --> 00:06:25.640 peace in heaven and glory in the highest. 00:06:25.640 --> 00:06:28.720 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:31.960 teacher, rebuke your disciples. 00:06:31.959 --> 00:06:34.879 He answered them, I tell you, 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:37.759 if these were silent, the what? 00:06:37.759 --> 00:06:41.079 The very stones would cry out. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:45.319 As we begin, I want to go ahead to turn to this slide. 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:46.560 It's also found in your notes, 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:48.839 which is the breakdown of the verses here. 00:06:48.839 --> 00:06:50.799 It might be a little hard to read on here. 00:06:50.799 --> 00:06:54.240 But we start off with the command and the cult, 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:57.439 which is verses 28 through 33. 00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:02.120 Then we go to the triumphal entry verses 34 through 38. 00:07:02.120 --> 00:07:05.000 Then there's the Pharisees versus the praise. 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:06.120 Let me tell you one thing, 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:10.360 you cannot stop the praise of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:13.839 Let's start off with the command and the cult. 00:07:13.839 --> 00:07:17.319 That's our next slide here. 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:19.839 Verse 28 through 33, 00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:24.959 it speaks about the command that was given by Christ to the two disciples. 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:29.639 Christ gives specific instructions to search for a cult that is tied, 00:07:29.639 --> 00:07:31.599 which no one has ever sat in. 00:07:31.599 --> 00:07:32.919 I always thought that was very interesting. 00:07:32.919 --> 00:07:34.519 Well, that's so specific. 00:07:34.519 --> 00:07:36.839 It's interesting to see that Jesus had 00:07:36.839 --> 00:07:40.279 the foreknowledge of what was going to happen. 00:07:40.279 --> 00:07:45.279 He told his disciples to do something very specific and it was done so. 00:07:45.279 --> 00:07:48.359 The disciples did what was commanded of them. 00:07:48.359 --> 00:07:50.639 The disciples were to go into town to find 00:07:50.639 --> 00:07:52.279 the cult that had never been written. 00:07:52.279 --> 00:07:55.959 If someone asks, let them know that the Lord needed it. 00:07:55.959 --> 00:07:59.439 Can you imagine if you were to think of a modern day context, 00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:01.239 if you were told, hey, 00:08:01.239 --> 00:08:03.559 you need to go and take this car. 00:08:03.559 --> 00:08:07.759 If someone asks you, hey, God needs it. 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:09.879 It sounds funny when we think about it, 00:08:09.879 --> 00:08:12.479 but when God intervenes into our life, 00:08:12.479 --> 00:08:15.679 much like how Jesus is commanding these two disciples, 00:08:15.679 --> 00:08:19.279 God must have gone to whoever was the owner of this cult. 00:08:19.279 --> 00:08:21.519 Maybe in a vision or a voice or 00:08:21.519 --> 00:08:23.719 somehow there was divine revelation saying, 00:08:23.719 --> 00:08:25.639 hey, look, God's going to need this. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:30.039 He was okay with it and I just think that's really amazing. 00:08:30.039 --> 00:08:32.360 It's not like the Wild West, 00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:34.360 it wasn't like someone was saying, 00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:36.039 hey, give me your cult, it wasn't like that. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:39.079 It was divine instruction that came from Christ. 00:08:39.079 --> 00:08:43.679 Again, whoever owned the cult was either he was chill and just go with the flow, 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:49.240 I take my cult or perhaps I tend to think it was more divine revelation saying, 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:53.680 hey, look, someone's going to come and going to ask you for your cult. 00:08:53.680 --> 00:08:58.200 Can you go along with this? Come on. 00:08:58.919 --> 00:09:02.799 You had the two men who would ask for the cult and in any case, 00:09:02.799 --> 00:09:06.680 we know that the cult was given because Jesus ends up riding on the cult. 00:09:06.680 --> 00:09:09.000 So we don't know exactly what happened with this owner, 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:11.320 but we know that eventually he did give it. 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:17.279 What's also interesting about this is the understanding that what you're reading, 00:09:17.279 --> 00:09:20.959 what you're seeing in scripture here is a fulfillment of prophecy. 00:09:20.959 --> 00:09:22.600 I want us to turn to this next slide. 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:24.439 It's going to be Zechariah. 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:28.919 Zechariah 9, Chapter 9, verse 9. 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:30.519 So let's read it. 00:09:30.519 --> 00:09:33.159 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zylon. 00:09:33.159 --> 00:09:36.319 Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem. 00:09:36.319 --> 00:09:39.319 Behold, your what? 00:09:39.319 --> 00:09:41.279 Your King is coming to you, 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:44.159 righteous and having salvation. 00:09:44.159 --> 00:09:45.879 That's pretty remarkable right there. 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:51.200 Having salvation is he humble and mounted on a donkey, 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:54.559 on a cult, the fowl of a donkey. 00:09:54.559 --> 00:09:58.720 It's remarkable right that you're finding this in the Old Testament. 00:09:58.720 --> 00:10:04.320 I don't know about you, but I find it incredibly wonderful when we see something like that in the Old Testament. 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:06.879 That is having a connection with the New Testament, 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:10.960 a prophecy if you will, that is to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:20.680 Clearly, this was a prophecy that was told and fulfilled by Jesus Christ entering into Jerusalem, amen. 00:10:20.680 --> 00:10:26.600 So finally we go into the triumphal entry, the verses 34 through 38. 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:33.720 This is where we see in the Gospel of Luke the laying of cloaks. 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:36.040 Well, what about the palm branches, right? 00:10:36.040 --> 00:10:40.320 We just read, okay, they're laying the cloaks on the colt where Jesus can ride on 00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:44.000 and they're also laying their cloaks for Jesus to make way, 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:45.480 but what about the palm branches? 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:46.640 I don't see it anywhere here. 00:10:46.640 --> 00:10:48.360 Well, not to worry too much. 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:50.720 It's found in the other Gospels. 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:55.920 It's found in Matthew and Mark mentioning the cloaks and the branches. 00:10:55.920 --> 00:11:02.000 The Gospel of Luke is the only one that's mentioning just the laying of the cloaks. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:05.800 The Gospel of John specifically mentions the palm branches. 00:11:05.800 --> 00:11:09.760 So it's talking about branches that are being held up or being laid, right? 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:11.000 Your cloaks are being laid. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:17.240 Basically what's happening here is just the celebration of Christ coming into Jerusalem. 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:22.159 And it's really wonderful to see because we can conclude from the Gospel accounts, right? 00:11:22.159 --> 00:11:24.600 There was both of these things are happening, right? 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:26.000 People laying down their cloaks. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:32.759 I tend to think of how in older movies where if it's raining and a gentleman is laying down his coat 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:36.039 for a lady to cross over a puddle, right? 00:11:36.039 --> 00:11:39.919 Very similar, but for a king instead, right? 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:44.519 Instead of laying a cloak for someone to go over a puddle. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:49.799 This is showing for imagery about recognizing that Jesus is king. 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:56.759 So again, both of these things are happening to show that the people are celebrating Jesus entering into Jerusalem 00:11:56.759 --> 00:12:00.679 and they are recognizing Jesus as king. 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:08.159 And can you imagine a crowd of people saying, Hosanna, peace in heaven, glory in the highest. 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:12.439 The crowds are just excited for Jesus riding into Jerusalem. 00:12:12.439 --> 00:12:17.319 And it's what a wonderful moment we see in Scripture. 00:12:17.319 --> 00:12:22.479 Now there's something that's very significant, even though it wasn't in our reading of the Gospel of Luke. 00:12:22.479 --> 00:12:26.839 I do want to point out that there is a significance in the palm branch. 00:12:26.839 --> 00:12:29.240 How many of you have your palm branch? 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:32.080 Why don't you hold up your palm branch real quick? 00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:34.440 You know what's really cool about the palm branch? 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:40.480 Is that it's been used in the Old Testament, in the Gospel accounts. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:43.879 And we're going to find here that it's also been used in Revelation. 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:48.240 It's symbol for celebration and for victory. 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:53.120 And that's so powerful as we're celebrating this time of the triumphal entry. 00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:55.000 But there is such significance. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:57.200 You can put your palms down. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:12:59.800 The palm branch is found throughout Scripture. 00:12:59.800 --> 00:13:03.080 It's something that was used to welcome a king. 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:06.120 It's a symbol of victory and promises from the Lord. 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:12.280 And I'd like to turn to a few verses where you'll find it's also in your notes that goes to show. 00:13:12.280 --> 00:13:14.280 Where is the palm branch in Scripture? 00:13:14.280 --> 00:13:17.120 Starting with Leviticus 2340, right? 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:18.640 Let's read it together. 00:13:18.640 --> 00:13:24.000 You shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, the what? 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:25.680 Branches of palm trees. 00:13:25.679 --> 00:13:27.919 And boughs of leafy trees. 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:29.279 And willows of the brook. 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:30.799 And you shall what? 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:33.159 Rejoice before the Lord your God. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.959 Seven days. 00:13:34.959 --> 00:13:36.719 Okay, so there it is in the Old Testament. 00:13:36.719 --> 00:13:42.719 This verse is speaking of palm leaves using during the festival of tabernacles. 00:13:42.719 --> 00:13:50.319 And I know we're not going too far into this, but this is the final feast of the seven feasts that is found in the Old Testament. 00:13:50.320 --> 00:13:58.160 It's wonderful if you look at Leviticus when you're seeing the feasts, how they align with the story of Christ. 00:13:58.160 --> 00:14:02.640 But we're not going into that today, but it's just wonderful to see that alignment here. 00:14:02.640 --> 00:14:07.200 The palm branch was used as a way to celebrate and rejoice before the Lord. 00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:11.840 It is at this time where people are laying their cloaks, they're waving their palms, right? 00:14:11.840 --> 00:14:13.879 They're even laying their palms on the ground. 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:19.560 They are believing that Christ is going to be king and that he will deliver them from the Roman Empire. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:24.919 But instead of conquering the Roman Empire, what does he do instead? 00:14:24.919 --> 00:14:33.839 He conquers death itself and he pays for our sins and he's making way to fulfill what has been foretold. 00:14:33.839 --> 00:14:39.239 Not only do we find palm branches being used during the Feast of Tabernacles in the Old Testament, 00:14:39.239 --> 00:14:47.439 but we see it here in the triumphal entry, not specifically in Luke, but also in the other Gospels. 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:52.280 Did you know that the palm branch is used in Revelation? Let's turn to that verse. 00:14:52.280 --> 00:14:56.480 It's very interesting. It's going to be from Revelation 7, 9 through 10. 00:14:56.480 --> 00:14:57.720 Let's read it together. 00:14:57.720 --> 00:15:02.680 And after this I looked and behold a great multitude that no one could number, right? 00:15:02.680 --> 00:15:05.400 It's a lot of people from every nation, right? 00:15:05.400 --> 00:15:10.800 From all the tribes and peoples and languages standing before the throne and before the what? 00:15:10.799 --> 00:15:17.879 Before the Lamb clothed in what? White robes with what? Palm branches in their hands. 00:15:17.879 --> 00:15:26.319 And crying out with a loud voice, salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:32.599 Much like is what is happening here when the people are celebrating Jesus triumphally entering into Jerusalem. 00:15:32.599 --> 00:15:37.599 We can see here in this verse a similar event is happening. 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:44.040 What is to be fulfilled? And what a wonderful yet simple plant. 00:15:44.040 --> 00:15:46.800 If you think about it and I hope the next time you look at a palm branch, 00:15:46.800 --> 00:15:52.080 you'll see that how God has used this plant as a symbol for victory, 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:56.000 part of the consistency and the promises of our Lord. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:16:03.480 The palm branch was used here today to celebrate and remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:09.800 It's wonderful when you see things that are connected in Scripture. Such significance. 00:16:09.800 --> 00:16:18.720 And this brings us to the final part, the next slide here, which is going to be the Pharisees versus the Praise. 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:25.080 And you can see in the front here some of these, I tried, okay, trying to find some Pharisees pictures here, 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:27.800 where they're not really happy. 00:16:27.800 --> 00:16:31.879 I mean, they probably are celebrating in the Feast of Tabernacles, 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:35.080 but they're not really happy with what's going on. 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:40.120 The prophecy is being fulfilled from Zachariah. The crowds are going wild. 00:16:40.120 --> 00:16:44.240 And many of the disciples there who are celebrating the King's entry into Jerusalem, 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:48.759 yet despite all of this, Pharisees, what are they doing? 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:53.200 They're telling Jesus that the disciples need to just be quiet here. 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:56.240 They're telling Jesus, hey, you need to rebuke your disciples. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:17:00.879 Maybe they're being a little too rowdy. What's going on? Let's go to that verse here. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:06.960 What's it say here? And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, what did they say? 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:10.039 Teacher, rebuke your disciples. 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:14.960 Ugh, talk about a killjoy right there, right? 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:24.000 But Jesus answered them saying, I tell you, if these were silence, the very stones would cry out. 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:26.480 Hallelujah, right? 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:33.000 Even if the Pharisees were successful in silencing the disciples, celebration and praise of Jesus Christ, 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:37.559 riding on the cult of a donkey, going into Jerusalem. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:42.120 Even if they were quiet, the stones would cry out. That's just a remarkable thing. 00:17:42.120 --> 00:17:47.160 The question then comes up, why in the world are the Pharisees telling Jesus to rebuke the disciples? 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:50.039 What's going on? Well, there's a couple ways we can look at this. 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:55.360 We can maybe the Pharisees were afraid of military uprising, right? 00:17:55.359 --> 00:18:01.879 Maybe they just wanted the disciples to not be too loud. Maybe they just had sensory issues. 00:18:01.879 --> 00:18:08.319 But I tend to think the reason why the disciples were saying this has to do with what we were seeing in verse 37, 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:11.159 which is saying that there was a multitude of disciples. 00:18:11.159 --> 00:18:14.719 They were rejoicing and praising God with a loud voice. 00:18:14.719 --> 00:18:18.879 They are praising Jesus for the mighty works they have seen. 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:27.800 And in doing this, the large groups of disciples were saying that Jesus is king. 00:18:27.800 --> 00:18:36.680 For a multitude of people saying that Jesus is king and proclaiming that Jesus is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:40.280 that may not make some people happy here. 00:18:40.280 --> 00:18:45.600 The disciples, they want to praise God and because of this, 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:50.439 it would lead one to believe that the Pharisees are in disbelief of who Christ is. 00:18:50.439 --> 00:18:52.119 They want to shut this down. 00:18:52.119 --> 00:18:56.439 They don't want to hear people saying, oh, Jesus is king. I don't need to hear that. 00:18:56.439 --> 00:18:58.439 We're celebrating the feast here. 00:18:58.439 --> 00:19:02.719 They're not recognizing who Jesus is in this moment. 00:19:02.719 --> 00:19:08.000 It's disbelief of who Christ is and they want to put a stop to the nonsense. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:15.359 And unfortunately, the Pharisees, it appears to be they're angry or perhaps they're blinded. 00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:23.240 It is Christ who responds to the Pharisees by saying that if these disciples were silent, the stones would cry out. 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:24.879 And this is indicative. 00:19:24.879 --> 00:19:31.399 This goes to show the power of Jesus Christ that the prophecy will be fulfilled one way or another. 00:19:31.399 --> 00:19:33.759 It's going to happen. 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:36.199 It's just... 00:19:36.199 --> 00:19:39.639 It's going to happen one way or another. 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:45.240 Again, even if the Pharisees were successful in silencing the disciples, 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:48.560 can you imagine the stones crying out and praising God? 00:19:48.560 --> 00:19:53.000 What an incredible sight that would be. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:20:02.360 If you think about it, and it reminds me that our Lord, our God, is worthy of our praise, even nature. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:05.840 There's a verse out there, the heavens declare the glory of God. 00:20:05.840 --> 00:20:08.200 Some of you know that one, right? 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:15.519 And if nature is going to cry out to the Lord and praise the Lord, why don't we? 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:17.840 That's a question to think about. 00:20:17.840 --> 00:20:21.920 The Pharisees have no authority of who is to praise the Lord. 00:20:21.920 --> 00:20:23.920 Because I want to tell you one thing here. 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:27.840 You cannot silence the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:30.200 You cannot stop the praise. 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:33.759 You cannot stop the power of who Jesus Christ is. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:38.759 What God has said into motion will be seen into fruition. 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:41.079 Our God is constant. 00:20:41.079 --> 00:20:47.519 And he set a plan into motion from the foundation of the world to have Jesus as the King of Kings 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:50.119 and the Lord of Lords. 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:56.920 It is on a Palm Sunday like this where we're celebrating Jesus being King. 00:20:56.920 --> 00:21:02.440 Jesus being Lord, that triumphal entry of Jesus Christ. 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:09.000 It is with our Palm branches that we recognize that our God, he keeps his promises. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:12.960 And in the end, do you know the end of the book? 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:14.559 Do you know what happens? 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:17.120 The end of this book, the Bible? 00:21:17.120 --> 00:21:20.559 There's victory in Jesus. 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:28.360 As we close our time of this Palm Sunday sermon, I'd like for us to take to heart what is happening here. 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:33.159 It is a moment in scripture, a moment in biblical history. 00:21:33.159 --> 00:21:38.199 Palm Sunday is a time where we are like those or we should be like those disciples who are 00:21:38.199 --> 00:21:43.919 praising the name of Jesus Christ. 00:21:43.919 --> 00:21:48.679 We should declare who Jesus is. 00:21:48.679 --> 00:21:52.199 We should say Hosanna, Hallelujah. 00:21:52.199 --> 00:21:57.439 Jesus is here for Jesus Christ is the ruler. 00:21:57.440 --> 00:22:00.240 Jesus Christ is the King of King. 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:06.120 When we went over the Palm branch, it is that representation of victory. 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:16.000 And it reminds us and it should remind us that God keeps his promises just like how God is the same. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:20.960 Right? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:25.440 How wonderful is it to know that our God keeps his promises? 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:30.440 He's not a liar, God is light, God tells the truth. 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:33.039 And what comfort we have. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:36.039 Have you ever been lied to before? 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:41.640 How much that hurts when someone even tells a white lie, a partial truth? 00:22:41.640 --> 00:22:47.120 That's not how it is with our God because he keeps his promises. 00:22:47.120 --> 00:22:49.920 The Lord remains the same. 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:52.960 He doesn't change. 00:22:52.960 --> 00:23:03.960 We pray that none of us will be like the Pharisees who rejected Christ or wanted to silence the praise or to stop the great things that were happening in the Lord. 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:13.440 Let us remember that God laid down his son for us and he laid out a path for us to have salvation through belief. 00:23:13.440 --> 00:23:20.240 Let us be like those disciples who wave the Palm branches or they lay down their cloaks on the road. 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:22.640 Recognizing who Jesus is. 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:24.640 Will you lay down your coat? 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:30.640 Will you celebrate by raising a palm and lifting a shout of praise? 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:34.640 At this time I want to invite the musicians on up. 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:40.640 They can hear me for our final song before we go into our final song. 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:44.640 I would like for you to think of the Palm branch and the promises of God. 00:23:44.640 --> 00:23:48.640 Let it be a representation of who God is. 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:51.640 Let it be a symbol. 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:59.640 Not only of the commitment that God made to us but how we should commit to live and to love like Jesus. 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:06.640 It all begins with faith as the foundation, the firm foundation that exists in Christ. 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:09.640 Let this Sunday be an encouragement. 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:11.640 Let it be a move. 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:20.640 Let it be a call for you to believe in the Lord, to change your mind, to repent of your sins and to follow in the footsteps of Christ. 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:22.640 The choice is up to you. 00:24:22.640 --> 00:24:27.640 Are you going to be like the Pharisee who's going to want to rebuke? 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:30.640 Hey, rebuke your disciples. They're a little too rowdy. 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:36.640 Or are you going to be like the disciples who are lifting their palms up praising Jesus's name? 00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:38.640 Which one are you going to be? 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:41.640 I hope you make the right decision. 00:24:41.640 --> 00:24:49.640 Let us be committed to making that decision for Christ believing in the Lord and being saved and being disciples. 00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:55.640 Lifelong students of the Bible and the teachings of Christ. 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:58.640 Let's pray together. 00:24:58.640 --> 00:25:05.640 Heavenly Father, as we are about to sing this last song, let us sing praises to Jesus. 00:25:05.640 --> 00:25:09.640 Let's be thankful and in gratitude for who he is. 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:13.640 Let us be like those disciples who lift up a shout of praise. 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:16.640 Let us worship God together. 00:25:16.640 --> 00:25:22.640 This Palm Sunday is so important as we recognize the significance of the Palm Branch, 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:30.640 the promises that you keep and the entering of Christ into the Holy Week for this year. 00:25:30.640 --> 00:25:40.640 Let the story of Palm Sunday inspire us to believe in you, to be changed by you and to live and love like you. 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:43.640 May our lives, may they forever be transformed. 00:25:43.640 --> 00:25:50.640 May our hearts be softened, not to be like the Pharisees who just want to shut things down. 00:25:50.640 --> 00:25:53.640 May we not be like the ones who reject the Lord. 00:25:53.640 --> 00:26:03.640 Rather, let us be people who live and love for the Lord and are committed and dedicated to following in those footsteps. 00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:12.640 Let us be like the disciples who proclaim the name of the Lord and let us live our lives dedicated to Christ. 00:26:12.640 --> 00:26:18.640 It is in Jesus' mighty name that we pray and we all say together, Amen. 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:23.640 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:31.640 For more about our church and how you can get involved or support our mission, please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:26:31.640 --> 00:26:43.640 May God's blessings be with you.