3/20/2016
Dr. Frank W.R. Benoit
“The Triumphal Entry”
Palm Sunday Mar. 20, 2016 Frank W.R. Benoit
Introduction – We’ve all heard the Palm Sunday events in the Gospels so many times that we almost don’t listen anymore. We think we already know the story, so why bother? Jesus on the donkey colt, the people shouting “Hosanna!” and waving branches, the Pharisees complaining, it’s all so familiar that our brain shuts down. But Jesus’ messianic coming to Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday has important lessons about Him as Messiah and about the right response to Him and His work of salvation for all who believe in Him. Let’s look at these 2 areas.
- The prophetic importance of the “Triumphal Entry”.
A. Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:4-5; John 12:14-15 – fulfilled the prophecy of Messiah’s entry into Jerusalem and in the way specified.
B. Psa. 118:25-26; Isa. 62:11 – fulfilled the prophecy of One coming in the name of the LORD and bringing salvation to Jerusalem.
C. Daniel 9:24-27; Lk. 19:41-44; John 12:23 – fulfilled the prophecy of the time for Messiah to arrive.
D. Ex. 12:3-6 – fulfilled the day that the sacrificial lambs had to be taken in to the home, and Jesus came into Jerusalem as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:36)
Application: Only Jesus has fulfilled the prophecies of the Messiah entering Jerusalem in the way, in the place, and in the time allotted for all of that, and no one else can now. He showed that God’s word is true and does come true in Him.
- The proper response to the “Triumphal Entry”.
A. John 12:16 – The failure of the disciples to “get it” right.
B. Matt. 21:9-11 – the failure of the people to “get it” right.
C. Luke 19:39-44; John 12:19 – the failure of the religious leaders and the nation to “get it” right.
Application: Now we have the opportunity to “get it right” in understanding who Jesus is, what He did, and why it is so important. But will we “get it”? Have you “got it”? That is the 1st step to getting saved: understanding the Gospel about Jesus Christ. The 2nd step is truly believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior.
Conclusion – Palm Sunday is much more than just a worn out Bible story for Sunday School or Easter season, even though many people see it that way. It is an important reminder that teaches us how Jesus did claim to be the Messiah and He came at the time appointed by God the Father, to do the work of being the Lamb of God.