WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.039 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.559 Alright, well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:38.759 We have just read the verse for Palm Sunday, the verses. 00:00:40.259 --> 00:00:45.840 You know, Palm Sunday is a day of joy and of worship. 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:56.299 I always love Palm Sunday. You're waving the palms, and you are, it's as though you are a part of the crowd, saying, Hosanna to the King. 00:00:56.299 --> 00:01:07.640 And as Jesus entered Jerusalem, he is riding humbly on a donkey, surrounded by the crowd. 00:01:07.759 --> 00:01:11.039 They're going wild. The city is alive, as it were. 00:01:11.040 --> 00:01:15.800 And it's at this time where we celebrate. 00:01:15.800 --> 00:01:24.700 We think of how Christ is coming into the scene, and he is riding on this colt, and the people are cheering his name. 00:01:24.700 --> 00:01:31.719 And it's important for us to know that we should praise the Lord. 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:35.500 For he is the Prince of Peace. 00:01:36.159 --> 00:01:44.340 He is the one who is coming onto the scene and entering into Jerusalem as he enters into our lives. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:47.859 But that's not the only part of the scene. 00:01:48.859 --> 00:01:59.960 You see, as the noise is fading, right, Jesus is riding on the colt, and he's going through the crowd, and the crowd is praising, and they're excited. 00:02:00.180 --> 00:02:05.159 As he's leaving that crowd, he's going towards the city of Jerusalem. 00:02:05.159 --> 00:02:10.520 And it says that Jesus wept. 00:02:12.379 --> 00:02:14.539 That's a very strange thing to happen. 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:19.400 It's a moment of celebration, but also a moment of weeping. 00:02:20.259 --> 00:02:30.579 The same city that welcomed him, you had these people who were celebrating, but there was also people who did not know who Christ was. 00:02:30.580 --> 00:02:37.140 And Jesus, seeing it all, wept not in anger, but in heartbreak. 00:02:37.640 --> 00:02:39.720 And I'd like for us to turn our Bibles. 00:02:40.740 --> 00:02:46.960 We're going to turn to that same moment, that same scene, that same day. 00:02:49.800 --> 00:02:54.140 Verses 41 through 44. 00:02:54.139 --> 00:03:00.239 It's on page 1044 in your ESVP Bible. 00:03:06.139 --> 00:03:07.319 And it says, 00:03:07.319 --> 00:03:15.899 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 00:03:15.900 --> 00:03:23.939 Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace. 00:03:24.580 --> 00:03:27.040 But now they are hidden from your eyes. 00:03:27.580 --> 00:03:31.900 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up a barricade around you, 00:03:32.040 --> 00:03:35.620 and surround you, and hem you in on every side, 00:03:35.819 --> 00:03:40.020 and tear you down to the ground, and you and your children within you. 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:47.420 And they will not leave one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 00:03:48.420 --> 00:03:50.020 It's that verse 41. 00:03:50.920 --> 00:03:54.340 As he's drawing near to the city, he is weeping. 00:03:55.100 --> 00:03:58.500 What an interesting contrast of what's happening here. 00:03:59.040 --> 00:04:01.400 Celebration and also weeping. 00:04:01.400 --> 00:04:09.700 It's because, well, we identify with the people who are celebrating. 00:04:10.460 --> 00:04:16.220 And we know that in these verses, it is where Christ is saying to the Pharisees, 00:04:16.259 --> 00:04:18.920 when they're saying, hey, keep your disciples quiet. 00:04:20.399 --> 00:04:26.500 Where Christ is reminding them, saying, well, the stones would cry out if they stopped. 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:33.459 And it's this reminder that you cannot stop the praise of our Lord and our God. 00:04:34.220 --> 00:04:47.939 And in this, there's also those next verses where there are those who didn't recognize the peace that was coming from Christ. 00:04:47.939 --> 00:04:58.019 And it's a reminder for us, just like how when we think of the Christmas season, right, how Christ is the Prince of Peace. 00:04:59.379 --> 00:05:06.519 We must make way in our hearts to receive him and to recognize him. 00:05:06.519 --> 00:05:14.159 And when Christ is visiting, just like how we've talked about the invitation that is available for all, 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:23.159 we must respond as though Christ is knocking or as though Christ is extending that invitation to you. 00:05:24.240 --> 00:05:32.419 And so this moment helps us understand the importance and the significance of Palm Sunday. 00:05:32.420 --> 00:05:36.900 Let us never stop praising in the living God. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:37.140 Amen. 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:42.480 But let us also remember Christ wept for the city. 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:50.960 Weeping for those who do not know him, who those whose hearts were hardened or those who are yet to believe. 00:05:51.620 --> 00:05:56.900 As we celebrate, we should have compassion on those who do not know the Lord. 00:05:56.899 --> 00:06:06.539 We should praise God every single day, thanking him that he is the Lord of Lords, that he is the King of Kings. 00:06:07.599 --> 00:06:12.699 But we should also have compassion for those who don't know the Lord. 00:06:14.839 --> 00:06:23.539 In the Greek, it says that Jesus wept, Klaou, a deep, audible lament. 00:06:23.540 --> 00:06:27.960 Do you realize there's only two times in Scripture where Jesus weeps? 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:33.700 And this is the only time that Christ is weeping for the city. 00:06:35.140 --> 00:06:42.120 His lament is not over suffering necessarily, but over spiritual blindness. 00:06:42.120 --> 00:06:52.160 And as we celebrate this day, let us remember and consider those who are not joining in the praise. 00:06:53.300 --> 00:07:05.600 We should pray that their eyes should be open so that they can see, that they can hear and understand the goodness of God and the peace that surpasses all understanding. 00:07:05.600 --> 00:07:13.540 So we see in here, let's go into the interpretation piece. 00:07:16.580 --> 00:07:29.680 Right, as we've been reading, the fulfillment of prophecy, where Jesus is sending those two disciples, right, where Christ is coming on a cult, just like humble beginnings. 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:45.220 Do you realize when God speaks to us, he speaks to us in a very, very often in a quiet manner, just as when Christ entered the world, being born in the manger, humble beginnings. 00:07:45.960 --> 00:07:51.879 And in this scene, very similarly, Christ is entering in a humble manner. 00:07:51.879 --> 00:08:07.639 You see, just as we think of the Christmas story and we think of this Palm Sunday and even Easter, sometimes we have an expectation that isn't reality. 00:08:08.379 --> 00:08:20.879 Meaning a lot of people were expecting a revolutionary for Christ to come into as a warlord and to overthrow the government, which is kind of a crazy thought. 00:08:21.879 --> 00:08:24.120 But he didn't come in that way. 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:28.339 He came in humble, in a humble manner. 00:08:29.659 --> 00:08:36.480 And so what is happening here and how does this help us with our understanding of Palm Sunday? 00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:44.379 It's a time of celebration, as I've mentioned, when Jesus is not weeping over the crowd behind him that's celebrating. 00:08:44.379 --> 00:08:53.399 No, he is weeping for those, the city ahead, Jerusalem, who those who are blind or those who are in darkness. 00:08:55.179 --> 00:08:59.080 Perhaps you identify with the crowd that is celebrating. 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:04.480 Or perhaps you identify as someone who is in the city. 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:14.279 If you are in darkness, I encourage for you to come to the light and join us in the celebration of Jesus Christ. 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:17.659 And sometimes we do get blinded. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:23.440 Sometimes it can be by sin or by worldly pursuits or even the hardness of hearts. 00:09:24.180 --> 00:09:29.980 Do you realize how much God will transform your life much like your heart? 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:35.259 I know for me personally, I know that I'm a work in progress. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:48.080 And I know that God is going to continue to work in my life much as he will work in your life, transforming you and molding you into the man or in the woman or the individual, whoever that God wants you to be. 00:09:49.580 --> 00:09:52.100 It's a molding process that happens. 00:09:52.100 --> 00:09:58.779 The people in the city, they have the temple, the sacrifices and the scriptures. 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:03.800 But yet they're missing the prince of peace. 00:10:04.620 --> 00:10:11.300 We know in Isaiah when it says, when it mentions the prince of peace or in John 1 verse 11. 00:10:12.180 --> 00:10:18.580 Where it says Christ, he came to his own and his own people did not receive him. 00:10:18.580 --> 00:10:26.440 Or in Matthew 23, 37, where it says, oh, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered your children? 00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:37.780 You see, as he's weeping and entering into the city, he is recognizing the spiritual blindness of the people within. 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:47.860 What a kind of a sad thing to think about, but it's also encouraging because we get to celebrate. 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:52.279 And it's a call for us to share in the gospel message. 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:58.779 As we are entering into Holy Week and the time of Easter. 00:10:59.539 --> 00:11:02.959 Let us be reminded, this is why we celebrate. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:06.980 We celebrate in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. 00:11:07.340 --> 00:11:13.940 And we share in the gospel message to those yet to believe, those who do not believe. 00:11:14.480 --> 00:11:18.100 And we continue to celebrate because we're not going to stop praising, are we? 00:11:18.700 --> 00:11:20.879 We're going to continue praying. 00:11:21.379 --> 00:11:24.019 We're going to continue praising the living God. 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:29.759 And we're going to continue being thankful and grateful for the life that God has given to us. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:33.580 That doesn't mean that life is going to be perfect for sure. 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:35.439 It's not going to be perfect. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:37.379 We still got our own struggles. 00:11:37.480 --> 00:11:38.279 We got the everyday. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:47.340 But it's knowing that in the midst of every storm or every valley in life, God is with us. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:49.600 And I don't know about you. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:55.279 But this world certainly needs the hope that comes from Jesus Christ. 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:58.360 Have you seen the news? 00:11:58.360 --> 00:12:00.919 Have you been on social media? 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:03.279 If you haven't, good for you. 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.360 Let's remember that. 00:12:06.500 --> 00:12:07.480 The second thing then. 00:12:08.460 --> 00:12:11.379 Some were blind to the Prince of Peace. 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:18.340 When it says in that verse, but now they are hidden from your eyes. 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:26.820 It is a prayer of mine and it should be a prayer of ours that we do not become blind to God or the things of God. 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:31.800 Rather, it should be our prayer that eyes will be opened. 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:36.759 Now, I don't mean literally you're closing your eyes and you're just being silly. 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:40.980 I'm talking about spiritual eyes that you may see. 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:42.379 Right? 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:46.759 It's just like how scripture says, let he who has ears, let him what? 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:48.159 Hear. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:50.500 To understand. 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:55.179 It's not that peace wasn't there. 00:12:55.179 --> 00:12:57.359 It's that it wasn't recognized. 00:12:57.899 --> 00:13:00.019 And some hearts were hardened. 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:07.859 Just as I mentioned that there were a lot of people that expected Christ to overthrow Rome, to overthrow the government. 00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:10.899 Their hearts were in the wrong place. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:13.299 Some of their hearts were hardened. 00:13:13.439 --> 00:13:17.860 They were seeking power, but not peace. 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:20.759 They were seeking other things. 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:26.819 And their view was clouded by other things. 00:13:28.079 --> 00:13:33.079 For many of us, we've had those moments where our judgment has been clouded before. 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:38.579 But I pray that that's not so today. 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:44.199 They were looking for the king to fix. 00:13:44.819 --> 00:13:46.079 This is very important. 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:55.459 The expectation was they wanted Jesus to fix the external problems, but not the matters of the heart. 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.620 Does that make sense, church? 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:04.679 How many of us we want, we think of God as, you know, a genie in the bottle. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:07.779 Snap your fingers and it's done. 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:12.799 But the thing is, God will transform us. 00:14:13.559 --> 00:14:15.079 It's just like that song, right? 00:14:15.179 --> 00:14:16.899 From the inside out. 00:14:18.259 --> 00:14:24.399 Just like when it says in scripture, create in me a new heart, oh God. 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:28.079 And renew a right or a steadfast spirit within me. 00:14:28.699 --> 00:14:31.100 Talking about internal transformation. 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:37.420 There's many times where we think, oh, if I just had this new toy. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:40.080 If I just had this new thing. 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:42.300 That's the external. 00:14:43.300 --> 00:14:50.000 But when it comes to matters of Christ being the prince of peace, or when we think of the salvation that comes from him. 00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:53.279 The clarity of life that comes from him. 00:14:53.560 --> 00:14:55.680 The simplicity of the gospel. 00:14:55.679 --> 00:14:58.059 It's an internal matter. 00:14:59.439 --> 00:15:03.039 And I'm telling you, I want peace in my life. 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:07.459 There's a lot of people that would love to have peace. 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:09.620 And they search in the wrong places. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:11.899 They search for the wrong things for that peace. 00:15:12.719 --> 00:15:14.579 Just as in Isaiah. 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:18.039 Seeing they do not see. 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:21.799 Are we talking about this kind of sight? 00:15:22.319 --> 00:15:24.179 Are we talking spiritual sight? 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:28.379 Or in Romans 11, verse 7 through 8. 00:15:28.699 --> 00:15:30.639 Eyes that would not see. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:37.419 And the third thing is that the time of visitation came, but they missed it. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:40.360 It's a reminder for us as Christians. 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:43.120 We celebrate the day. 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:47.500 Not only as we continue every year to celebrate Palm Sunday. 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:50.960 We celebrate the fact that we know who Jesus Christ is. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:55.059 We responded to the invitation. 00:15:55.759 --> 00:16:00.360 In this case, when it's talking about not knowing the time of the visitation. 00:16:00.940 --> 00:16:07.460 It's much like how I speak of the time in which now is the day of salvation. 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:11.039 It's kind of like how Christ is coming for a visit. 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:14.759 Now's your time to respond to him and talk to him while he's here. 00:16:14.759 --> 00:16:15.480 Right? 00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:19.899 It's like if you had a famous person come to a party. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.179 A birthday party. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:23.340 Now's the time to meet the celebrity. 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:25.460 Now's the time to meet the friend. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:27.519 When they're gone, they're gone. 00:16:28.179 --> 00:16:33.620 It's the same idea that Christ is here visiting and responding to that. 00:16:33.679 --> 00:16:42.399 It's just another way of understanding the time that was allotted for God's people to respond. 00:16:42.399 --> 00:16:44.600 And we can think of that even today. 00:16:45.199 --> 00:16:51.500 Now there's a certain amount of time that we are given and we should respond to Jesus. 00:16:53.500 --> 00:16:59.879 And so the visitation means divine nearness. 00:16:59.879 --> 00:17:04.160 And I want to be in the presence of God. 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:05.359 And I hope for you as well. 00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:07.160 You want to be in God's presence. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:13.640 When we think of that word visitation, it's talking about God being near. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:17.119 And literally Christ being there, right? 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:18.880 So Christ is near kind of thing. 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:23.660 And God was showing up in mercy before judgment. 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:33.060 It's much like how we think of today that we are given a certain amount of time to respond to the invitation to believe in the Lord and to be saved. 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:34.580 But we're not given forever. 00:17:35.040 --> 00:17:36.480 That's just the reality of it. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:40.360 And that's why it's so important for us to respond now. 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:45.919 In Luke chapter 1 verse 78 and 79. 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:53.319 The sunrise shall visit us from on high to guide our feet into the way of peace. 00:17:53.379 --> 00:17:55.240 How many of you have heard that language before? 00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:56.819 The way of peace. 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:58.879 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:17:59.059 --> 00:18:00.479 You can nod or blink. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:01.919 Right? 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:04.419 You've probably heard that language before. 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.939 The way of peace. 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:09.599 Well, true peace comes from Christ. 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:10.899 That's why I share that. 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:16.859 To guide our feet into the way of peace coming from Christ. 00:18:18.199 --> 00:18:23.939 And it's also a reminder for us that in just as it says in Hebrews chapter 3 verse 15. 00:18:23.939 --> 00:18:28.779 That today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. 00:18:28.959 --> 00:18:31.799 In other words, don't reject the Lord. 00:18:32.699 --> 00:18:35.699 If you're hearing God's call for your life. 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:37.819 To respond to salvation. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:40.519 Or maybe to respond to a certain situation. 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:42.840 God's calling you to speak to somebody. 00:18:43.220 --> 00:18:45.440 Or God's calling you to visit someone. 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:48.340 Or to minister to someone. 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:49.299 Whatever it is. 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.620 Respond. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:53.799 And like then and now. 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:56.199 We have this day. 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:59.839 To sing Hosanna and to celebrate Christ. 00:19:01.679 --> 00:19:05.959 We should care for others to respond in the same way. 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:09.179 This leads us then to the application. 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.479 Well, how do we live this out? 00:19:10.559 --> 00:19:15.059 You mean to tell me, Pastor, that you should live out Palm Sunday? 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:17.619 In our everyday life? 00:19:17.659 --> 00:19:18.859 And the answer is yes. 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:23.919 Don't just celebrate who Jesus is just once. 00:19:24.419 --> 00:19:28.059 Proclaim the good news of the gospel always. 00:19:28.740 --> 00:19:30.279 In what you say. 00:19:30.419 --> 00:19:32.139 The words that you speak to others. 00:19:32.399 --> 00:19:33.819 In your presence. 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:36.759 How you interact with people. 00:19:37.179 --> 00:19:40.579 That even manifests in the work that you do. 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:43.819 In the school studies that you have. 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:46.299 I've mentioned before. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.480 And I'll mention it again. 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:50.419 The importance of the ministry of presence. 00:19:51.139 --> 00:19:53.519 Being there with people. 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:58.639 Who you are as a person. 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:02.039 Have you ever been in the presence of someone. 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:04.759 And you knew they were a Christian. 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:08.919 That's the inner transformation I'm talking about. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:11.759 Where you know God's working in them. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:14.879 And you just love their pleasant people to be with. 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.839 Whoever it is. 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.279 And so in that. 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:25.259 Palm Sunday invites us to praise God. 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:30.579 It also calls us though to live it out in our words and in our deeds. 00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:35.279 So that others will join in the praise. 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:37.599 Does that make sense church? 00:20:37.599 --> 00:20:41.319 We are called to live out the gospel. 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:41.639 Right? 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:46.159 As I've used the language before of being an ambassador for Christ. 00:20:47.219 --> 00:20:50.359 The words that we speak and the actions that we do. 00:20:52.919 --> 00:20:55.679 In Matthew chapter 15 verse 8. 00:20:55.680 --> 00:20:58.400 This is a convicting one. 00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:01.240 The people honor me with their lips. 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:03.460 But their heart is far from me. 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:09.880 Let your words and your actions be in sync with the celebration. 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:12.860 The love that you have for Christ. 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:14.100 Live it out. 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:16.639 The second thing then. 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:22.939 Is to pray for the places where Christ still weeps. 00:21:24.179 --> 00:21:27.819 Just as we praise the living God and we thank him. 00:21:29.719 --> 00:21:33.459 The fact that Jesus was weeping over the city. 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:35.839 Those that were in darkness. 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:38.519 Those that might have had hardened hearts. 00:21:39.000 --> 00:21:40.659 We need to learn from that. 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:44.380 Only two times Christ cried. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:45.220 Why? 00:21:46.080 --> 00:21:48.400 And how is that important for us? 00:21:49.180 --> 00:21:51.759 Jesus wept for Jerusalem. 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:53.900 Not to condemn it. 00:21:54.560 --> 00:21:55.700 But to redeem it. 00:21:57.300 --> 00:21:58.860 And in the same way. 00:21:58.859 --> 00:22:03.599 I'm sure that Christ still weeps for cities. 00:22:05.119 --> 00:22:06.599 Those that are divided. 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:08.799 Full of hatred. 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:10.079 Violence. 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:11.259 Or those. 00:22:12.379 --> 00:22:12.959 Bitterness. 00:22:13.699 --> 00:22:15.879 Those that are fractured by sin. 00:22:17.939 --> 00:22:20.479 We should have a heart for our own city. 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:22.819 And as we. 00:22:23.660 --> 00:22:24.180 Grow. 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:25.480 In this faith. 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:27.180 As we know who Christ is. 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:28.259 And we grow in him. 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:30.900 Let us be salt and light. 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:33.120 Into our own community. 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.079 And so. 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:40.220 Pray. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.819 For those places. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:44.220 I'm sure that each and every one of you. 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:45.680 Can think of one area. 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:47.140 In your own community. 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:49.099 That you can pray for. 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:49.179 There. 00:22:50.699 --> 00:22:51.879 So use. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.439 The celebration. 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.500 Use it as a way. 00:22:55.639 --> 00:22:56.539 Of living it out. 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:58.459 And then third. 00:22:58.819 --> 00:23:01.419 Recognize the time of Christ's visitation. 00:23:01.879 --> 00:23:03.019 And invitation. 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:06.099 Just as Christ was riding. 00:23:06.339 --> 00:23:07.559 On the colt of the donkey. 00:23:07.919 --> 00:23:09.559 And the people were celebrating. 00:23:09.859 --> 00:23:11.399 And he's heading towards the city. 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:14.000 Christ was physically near. 00:23:14.719 --> 00:23:15.919 And in the same way. 00:23:15.919 --> 00:23:16.419 For us. 00:23:16.420 --> 00:23:16.860 Christ Jesus. 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:16.980 Jesus. 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:19.160 Still draws near to us. 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:20.660 Even today. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.980 In spirit. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:23.820 Right. 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:25.580 The guiding of the Holy Spirit. 00:23:25.820 --> 00:23:27.519 Through the word of God. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.519 And in the hearts. 00:23:30.519 --> 00:23:32.300 Of those that love him. 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:34.720 So there's many ways. 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.820 That we can see. 00:23:35.820 --> 00:23:37.000 How God. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:37.860 Works. 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:39.440 In our lives. 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:41.360 And in the lives of others. 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:43.900 It's the question then. 00:23:44.340 --> 00:23:46.500 Will you recognize Christ? 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:49.440 Will you respond to him? 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:54.279 It's just like how in Luke. 00:23:54.380 --> 00:23:55.140 Chapter 12. 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:56.080 Verse 56. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.120 When Christ says. 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:58.539 You do not know. 00:23:59.140 --> 00:24:00.340 How to interpret. 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:02.200 The present time. 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.840 Or in Revelation. 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:05.680 320. 00:24:05.820 --> 00:24:06.920 That's always one that you. 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:07.980 You hear about. 00:24:08.580 --> 00:24:10.360 Where Christ is knocking at the door. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.279 Where it says. 00:24:11.360 --> 00:24:11.779 Behold. 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:12.779 I stand at the door. 00:24:12.840 --> 00:24:13.320 And knock. 00:24:13.920 --> 00:24:14.720 Well in that verse. 00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:15.019 It's. 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.980 I guess it humors me a little bit. 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:17.960 When it talks about. 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.380 Knocking at the door. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:21.120 And we have these really sweet pictures. 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:23.200 But it's talking about judgment. 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:24.019 That's going to happen. 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:24.880 That's going to follow. 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:27.339 But it's the same premise though. 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.099 Right. 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:30.440 Jesus knocking at the door. 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.539 Are you going to open it? 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:33.039 Or when we're talking about. 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.000 The invitation. 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:36.000 God giving you an invitation. 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:37.000 Will you respond? 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:38.500 In this case. 00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:40.500 Christ being present. 00:24:40.660 --> 00:24:41.319 Being near. 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.180 Visiting. 00:24:43.160 --> 00:24:44.519 Let us respond to him. 00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:46.640 And so. 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.980 Did Jesus weep. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:50.700 Because he didn't have power. 00:24:51.140 --> 00:24:52.319 Or did he weep. 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.720 Because he had compassion. 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.519 On those. 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:56.400 Desiring for people. 00:24:56.700 --> 00:24:57.440 To respond. 00:24:58.400 --> 00:25:00.120 Because God gives us. 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:01.500 The ability. 00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:03.099 To respond. 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.579 He gives us the opportunity. 00:25:06.099 --> 00:25:07.279 For us to say. 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:08.120 Yes to him. 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:08.960 And here's the thing. 00:25:09.220 --> 00:25:10.519 This is where it gets crazy. 00:25:11.380 --> 00:25:13.200 There's the sovereignty of God. 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:16.480 And the human responsibility. 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:19.579 So you have divine providence. 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.860 And yet you also have. 00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:23.019 Human responsibility. 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.980 The ability to respond to Christ. 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.559 And somehow. 00:25:25.880 --> 00:25:26.680 That all works. 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.440 I know it's. 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:29.059 Beyond a lot of our heads here. 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:30.799 But somehow that all works. 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.059 And so. 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:36.220 Jesus came. 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.220 Not by force. 00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:37.740 Not by force. 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:40.839 Not by overthrowing the government. 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:43.519 But the way of peace. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:46.659 Will we recognize Christ. 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:49.139 And will we. 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:50.259 Respond. 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:51.959 To that visitation. 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:53.819 Or to that invitation. 00:25:53.819 --> 00:25:54.799 For his life. 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.539 As we close here. 00:25:57.619 --> 00:25:59.099 I want us to think of how. 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:01.059 Important Palm Sunday. 00:26:01.379 --> 00:26:02.379 Is for us. 00:26:02.439 --> 00:26:03.179 As the church. 00:26:03.180 --> 00:26:05.299 This is. 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:06.799 The most important. 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:08.880 Or one of the most important times. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:10.519 In the Christian calendar. 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:13.720 When we are entering Holy Week. 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:14.620 And we're thinking. 00:26:14.880 --> 00:26:16.539 About these last moments. 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:16.860 Of Christ's. 00:26:17.860 --> 00:26:18.340 Life. 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:21.200 And how important it is. 00:26:21.299 --> 00:26:22.259 Let us continue. 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:23.160 To praise. 00:26:23.160 --> 00:26:24.299 The living God. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.779 And let us. 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:27.060 Grow in him. 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:28.500 And live our lives. 00:26:29.600 --> 00:26:30.920 Continuing to say. 00:26:31.380 --> 00:26:31.900 Hosanna. 00:26:31.900 --> 00:26:32.000 Hosanna. 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.680 Blessed is he. 00:26:33.780 --> 00:26:34.340 Who comes. 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:35.620 In the name of the Lord. 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.960 Let us live our lives. 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.580 Where people. 00:26:39.019 --> 00:26:39.740 Think for a moment. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.340 There's something different. 00:26:41.340 --> 00:26:42.019 About you. 00:26:43.040 --> 00:26:44.040 I want to know. 00:26:46.080 --> 00:26:47.400 In what you say. 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:48.320 And in what you do. 00:26:48.780 --> 00:26:49.700 May your life. 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:51.200 Be a beacon of hope. 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:52.620 For others to see. 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.460 Let's pray together. 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.840 And father. 00:26:55.840 --> 00:26:57.280 As we are closing. 00:26:57.280 --> 00:26:58.220 This time. 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:59.420 For this Palm Sunday. 00:27:00.180 --> 00:27:01.280 May we be. 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:02.279 Reminded. 00:27:02.379 --> 00:27:03.099 May we be. 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.039 Encouraged. 00:27:05.379 --> 00:27:06.220 Of this. 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.720 Important Sunday. 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:10.139 This celebration. 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:12.680 This fulfillment. 00:27:12.680 --> 00:27:13.639 Of prophecy. 00:27:15.379 --> 00:27:16.899 And even when we. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:19.259 Knowing that. 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:20.539 You will be praised. 00:27:20.660 --> 00:27:21.259 Even if. 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.859 The heart of man. 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.740 Goes cold. 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:24.279 And says. 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:25.720 You shouldn't. 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:26.500 Praise God. 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:27.940 Knowing that the stones. 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.740 Would cry out. 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:29.559 Is remarkable. 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:32.119 And in this father. 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.740 May we recognize. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:35.079 That in this time. 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:35.940 Of celebration. 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.879 In this time. 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:37.919 Of saying. 00:27:38.639 --> 00:27:39.319 Hosanna. 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:41.879 May we recognize. 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.000 In that. 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:45.059 There was also. 00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:46.379 The weeping. 00:27:47.460 --> 00:27:48.960 And in the same way. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:50.119 That Christ cared. 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:51.099 For the city. 00:27:51.619 --> 00:27:52.539 The heart. 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.379 Of the city. 00:27:53.379 --> 00:27:54.159 As it were. 00:27:54.160 --> 00:27:56.160 May we. 00:27:56.840 --> 00:27:57.519 Celebrate. 00:27:57.519 --> 00:27:58.259 This day. 00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.420 But also. 00:27:59.540 --> 00:28:00.400 Have compassion. 00:28:01.080 --> 00:28:01.840 For our own. 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.400 Community. 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:03.960 And for our own. 00:28:04.519 --> 00:28:05.360 Our own town. 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.200 Our own city. 00:28:06.440 --> 00:28:07.100 As it were. 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.940 We love you. 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.840 We praise you. 00:28:12.340 --> 00:28:13.340 And we sing. 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:13.980 Hosanna. 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:14.779 To the king. 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:17.899 In the name. 00:28:17.899 --> 00:28:18.599 Of Jesus. 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:19.200 We pray. 00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:20.240 And we all say together. 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:20.680 Amen. 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:21.619 Amen. 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:21.759 Amen. 00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:24.480 Thank you for listening. 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:25.619 For this week's message. 00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:27.079 From Ontario Community Church. 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.200 I pray. 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.579 That you are encouraged. 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:30.599 And strengthened. 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:31.859 In your walk with Christ. 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.139 For more sermons. 00:28:33.139 --> 00:28:33.899 And resources. 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:34.819 Visit. 00:28:35.819 --> 00:28:37.220 OntarioCommunityChurch.org 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:38.839 May God bless you. 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.740 As you live out. 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:40.359 His grace. 00:28:40.359 --> 00:28:41.039 And truth. 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:42.220 Every single day. 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:42.339 Amen. 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:42.339 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.779 Amen. 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:45.779 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:45.779