|
|
Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem, The Introduction: What would you do if you knew you had one week to live? We would probably spend it with loved ones and trying to do those important things that just had to be done. I submit to you the last week of Jesus' life was spent with loved ones and doing some really important things. The events of the last week comprise approximately half of the Gospels. In this lesson we want to look at "The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem." I) Earlier Trips To Jerusalem A) Luke 2 Jesus teaches in the temple. 1. His parents leave thinking Jesus was traveling in their party only to realize he was left in Jerusalem. 2. Upon returning to Jerusalem they find Jesus in the temple asking questions and people being amazed at Him. Luke 2.47,52 B) John2 Jesus cleanses the temple, John 2.14-16,19 C) John 3 the conversation with Nicodemus at the Passover, John 2.23. D) John 7.1-2 the Feast of Tabernacles, v. 6.30 1. Generally from September to October to commemorate the 40 days in the Wilderness and Israel living in tents. 2. One of those festivals in which Jews were to go to Jerusalem. E) John 10.22-42 Feast of Dedication, v. 39 1. Sometimes called the festival of lights. 2. During the Maccabaeus it was instituted and occurs November- December. II) Events Leading Up To The Last Week A) John 11, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after 4 days in the grave. 1. Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was just 2 miles from Jerusalem. 2. Almost immediately after the raising of Lazarus, the leaders plot to kill Jesus, John 11.53 3. There was also a plot to kill Lazarus, John 12.10 B) The question of Jesus coming to Jerusalem, John 11.56ff 1. Reasons He may have stayed away: a. Fear of death -- most people stay away when their life is in danger b. Fear of being ridiculed -- this is the son of a carpenter, from Galilee, etc. c. Fear of rejection -- John 1 tells us He would come to His own and they rejected Him. d. Fear of being disgraced -- imagine the questions, the examination, the pressure 2. Reasons why He came: a. To die on the cross, John 12.27 b. To face the crowd as they called for His death c. To be rejected by His own people d. To impart God's grace, John 12.32,36 III) The Entry -- Matthew 21.1-11; Mark 11.1-11; Luke 19.29-44; John 12.12-19 A) Jesus commanded His disciples to go to the village opposite of Jerusalem and there they would find a donkey B) Jesus weeps over Jerusalem as He approaches, Luke 19.41 C) Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the donkey D) The people lay down their clothes and palm branches before Him 1. This is the one time when Jesus' entry matched their expectations 2. As a triumphant General would ride into his city after a great victory. 3. "Whoever has a palm branch in his hand, we knew that he is the victor" (Coin of Simon Maccabaeus 141 BC) E) Quoting Zechariah 9.9 in John the other Gospels take part of Isaiah 62.11. F) Hosanna means "save now", whether knowingly or unknowingly they were acknowledging Jesus as their Savior, Psalm 118.25-26. G) Keep in mind this same crowd would be choosing Barabbas over Jesus before the week was over. IV) The Reaction of the Jewish Leaders A) They wanted Jesus to tell the people to stop, Luke 19.39-40. B) They had been unable to disgrace or stop Jesus, John 12.19. V) Jesus The Lamb of God A) The Passover Lamb, Exodus 12 1. The lamb was selected on the 10th day of the first month, Nisan. 2. Male lamb one year old and without blemish, v. 5 3. To be killed at twilight on the 14th day, v. 6 4. To be boiled and not a bone was to be broken, Numbers 9.12 B) Behold the Lamb of God, John 1.29 1. The sacrifice that Jesus was to make was to be sacrificed on the cross 2. That takes away the sin of the world, the purpose of the sacrifice 3. What do you see when you read of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? Victory or defeat/ John 12.16 Jesus overcame sin and died so we can have everlasting life. C) On this day not only did Jesus enter into Jerusalem but also the lambs that were to be sacrificed that Passover. It was on Sunday they brought the Lamb into Jerusalem. |