The paradox

Palm Sunday, “The paradox” Matthew 21:1-11
Intro…Optical Illusions…Paradox defined…

• We call Jesus, “King of Kings”, yet his whole life was a paradox. He came to serve, not to be served. He’s the greatest man that ever lived, yet his whole life was about humility.

Text: Matthew 21:1-11

I titled the sermon, ‘The presentation of the King”, yet his entrance into Jerusalem was not very noble by earthly kingly standards.

Thesis: Just as Jesus modeled a life of humility and service, we too need to remain humble and serve others in the name of Jesus.

The story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a story of paradox. A story that seems contradictory, but is in fact true.
• We have the benefit, thousands of years later, to know that Jesus was the greatest man that ever lived. Yet, in this story, only a select few knew that.
• They wanted Jesus to be Savior of their world (oppressed by the Romans), yet Jesus came humbly to point them to a better world (as they lived with the oppression of the Romans).
• So, here comes the Savior of the world, and to those people, I’m sure they would rather that Jesus rode in on a majestic white stallion.
• Instead, his triumphal entry was on a lowly donkey/colt...
• In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; versus the horse, which is the animal of war. Those who rode on a donkey proclaimed peaceful intentions.
• Jesus’ whole beginning started out humbly in a manger.
• This fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah. Zechariah 9:9 (red) written 500 years before Christ. Validation the Jesus was the Messiah.
• Jesus was a revolutionary, he came with a message of peace. He wasn’t a king coming to overthrow a government, he was the suffering servant. He came to serve...radical.




Jesus lived and preached humility, contrary to many “famous” Christians today.
• I’m trying to imagine Jesus on TV today... “I've never known a person whom I thought was truly filled with the Holy Spirit who went out and bragged about it or sought to draw attention to himself.” Billy Graham
• From today’s story in Matthew, we know that Jesus’ time had come. “The ride on the donkey, because it was planned, could only be an acted parable, a deliberate act of symbolic self-disclosure for those with eyes to see or after the Resurrection, with memories by which to remember and integrate the events of the preceding weeks and years. Secrecy was being lifted.”

Jesus approached Jerusalem willing to make a public display of his identification
with the OT prophecy of the Messiah. Ready to face what lay ahead...

The residents of the city were truly “rolling out the red carpet” with their cloaks and garments as well as waving the palm branches.
• This was a gesture of honor and respect for Jesus.
• They also shouted “Hosanna” which literally meant “save now” and was originally a cry for help.
• They were quoting Psalm 118:25-27, originally sung at the Feast of Tabernacles.
• Waving palm branches/twigs was often done to celebrate military victories. Again, their mindset was more military than spiritual, because as we know...
• This crowd wanted salvation from the oppression of the Roman government.
• The salvation Jesus offered was different, and what they really needed.
• Same for us today. We may think we need to be saved from __________, but what we really need is what only Jesus can save us from.

Then something very interesting happened. Some of the religious elite standing on the fringes hollered to Jesus: read Luke 19:39-40.
• These “religious elite,” the Pharisees (staunch keepers of the law and so very religious) had been accustomed to Jesus keeping his “messianic secret.”
• They helped pressure these same people who were wildly celebrating here, to bow to political pressure and crucify him a few days later.
• Messianic fervor was high, and perhaps this contributed to Jesus' desire to present himself as Prince of Peace, yet more paradox.


Even though Jesus knew many in the crowd were confused, he allowed the festivities to continue.
• He said that if the Pharisees tried to stop the procession, even the stones would stand up and praise him.
• Jesus was fulfilling prophecy that a Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This was all part of God’s plan and no one could stop it.
• I’m sure that at this point the Pharisees were seething with rage. “Who does he think he is?”
• From there they aggressively pursued their plan to execute the Savior (which leads us into Holy Week or the Passion Week...)
• Jesus was always a contradiction in terms. In just a few days, this same crowd who hailed him would desert him at the cross.
• Again, this was/is all part of God’s plan. So instead of getting all upset at the mistreatment of Jesus...recognize that he went through all this for us...GOSPEL

The week continues...Luke 19:28—
Monday— Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple
Tuesday— Jesus was teaching in the temple and had his authority questioned. Telling parables, where to pay taxes, proper perspectives on money, end times.
Wednesday—As Passover approached, Judas agree to turn in Jesus.
Thursday—(Maundy Thursday) The last supper, Jesus last meal with them. “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Friday—The crucifixion Good Friday
Saturday—Jesus lay in the tomb
Sunday—the resurrection...Easter. Embrace this whole week, it’ll make Easter so much more special!

What does this story of paradox say for us today?
• Like the people in today’s story, it’s too easy to get all excited when we’re “in the moment” (w/ Jesus, palms etc. or for us, at church or around other Christians).
• Don’t let political pressure taint your decisions when you aren’t “celebrating Jesus.”
• Jesus was a threat to “the establishment” the religion of the Pharisees. He had majestic royalty, as well as humility. Remember, we don’t follow a “religion” or a church, we follow Jesus.
• Sometimes we shout “Hosanna: save us” in the wrong way...God won’t necessarily take us out of this world, but give us perspective…
• We need to remain humble and serve others in the name of Jesus.

• “Because Christ Jesus came to the world clothed in humility, he will always be found among those who are clothed with humility. He will be found among the humble people.” A. W. Tozer

Conclusion:
VIDEO/SONG U2, “Pride, in the name of love.”
“one man to overthrow” “one man betrayed with a kiss”