Sunday School Lessons

SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

 

THE PARABLE OF THE WICKED HUSBANDMEN

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  Having entered Jerusalem, Jesus went directly to the temple. This, in itself, was a powerful indication that His Kingdom was not after the natural order, but was rather after a spiritual order.

2.  His initial visit to the temple was for observation purposes. He was doubtless grieved to see how His Father’s house of prayer had been turned into a house of merchandise and a den of thieves, yet He took no immediate action against its corruptors, but instead, retired to Bethany for the night. When He returned the next morning, however, He was not passive, but very active; as He performed two symbolic acts which served to illustrate radical changes that He had His Kingdom would bring to pass.

a)  He cursed a fig tree because it was covered with leaves, but bore not fruit. The barren fig tree was an apt emblem of the Jew’s religion, which was all about outward profession, but bore no fruit unto God.

b)  He purged the temple, driving from it the money changers, etc., thereby symbolizing the renovation that was coming.

3.  Having purged the temple, He then made it a place for teaching. As it was His method to teach by parables, He proceeded to set forth the sin and ruin of the Jewish nation in a parable about a vineyard and some wicked husbandmen to whom the owner had entrusted it.

I .  THE JEWISH NATION WHICH WAS SO HIGHLY HONORED AND PRIVILEGED IS HERE REPRESENTED IN PARABOLIC LANGUAGE. (VERSE 1)

A.  ISRAEL WAS A NATION OF THE LORD’S PLANTING, AND REFERRED TO IN SCRIPTURE AS HIS “VINEYARD.” (PSA. 80:8; ISA. 5:2; 61:3; JER. 2:21, ETC.)

1.  The nation itself was planted when God gave them a law, and put them in possession of the Promised Land. He fenced it with deserts, seas, and rivers.

2.  The vineyard here is God’s Kingdom on earth, particularly the Jewish nation. The parable is founded on Isa. 5:1-7.

B.  THE VINEYARD OWNER IN THE PARABLE IS THE LORD HIMSELF.

1.  In Isa. 5:1-7 it is God Himself Who is seen tending the vineyard. He never literally withdrew Himself, as one having gone “into a far country.”

2.  However, once in their own land, the Lord did take the visible signs of His presence away, and put His vineyard under the care of “husbandmen.”

C.  THE “HUSBANDMEN” IN THE PARABLE REPRESENT THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THE PEOPLE.

1.  Israel had a priesthood of the tribe of Levi, and elders to represent them to the priests.

2.  The present leadership was made up of scribes, Pharisees, chief priests, and elders, who were to lead and instruct the people.

3.  They were said even to sit in Moses’ seat. (Matt. 23:2)

D.  THE LORD HAD “HEDGED” HIS VINEYARD, THAT IS, HE HAD GUARDED AND PROTECTED IT.

1.  This He did by His providence. God Himself was their defender.

2.  More important than the physical boundaries mentioned above, were the spiritual fences consisting in peculiar laws and minute restrictions which differentiated Judaism from all other religions, and tended to preserve purity and holiness.

3.  God’s commands are not to deprive, but to protect us.

E.  THE “WINE PRESS” THAT HE DUG WITHIN HIS VINEYARD MAY BE UNDERSTOOD IN A COUPLE OF WAYS.

1.  It may simply signify god’s supply of all things necessary for their use and enjoyment.

2.  Yet typically, it speaks of the prophetic spirit, the temple services, and all the things that typified the sacrifice and death of Christ.

F.  THE “TOWER,” FOR THE PURPOSE OF WATCHING AND GUARDING THE VINEYARD, MAY SPEAK OF THE CIVIL POWER, AS WELL AS TEMPLE AND PRIESTHOOD.

G.  THE VINEYARD WAS “LET OUT” (RENTED OUT), AS IT WERE, TO THE “HUSBANDMEN” OR TENANTS.

1.  According to the custom of the day, the “rent” to be paid in such cases was simply a previously agreed upon percentage of the harvest.

2.  This brings us to the point of the parable. The “renters” returned no fruit to the owner of the vineyard when the payment was due.

3.  The point of the parable is the same as that which was symbolized in the cursing of the barren fig tree in Vs. 19.

II.  THE PAST TREATMENT OF GOD’S PROPHETS AND THE FUTURE CRUCIFIXION OF HIS SON ARE NEXT PARABOLICALLY DESCRIBED. (VERSES 2-8)

A.  GOD HAD REPEATEDLY SENT HIS SERVANTS (HIS PROPHETS) TO COLLECT HIS DUE (TO CALL BOTH PRIESTS AND PEOPLE BACK TO PURITY AND HOLY RELIGION), BUT THE HUSBANDMEN (KINGS, PRIESTS, AND TEACHERS) HAD UNITED IN DOING EVIL TO THEM. (VERSES 2-5; ISA. 66:5; JER. 20:1, 2; 26:11; ACTS 7:52)

1.  This is the householder’s last resort. Luke represents him as saying, “What shall I do?”

2.  Sending Jesus to Jerusalem was God’s ultimatum. Reject Him, and judgment falls! “They will reverence my son.”

a)  How could they not reverence Him?

b)  Heaven adores Him; hell trembles at Him. “They will reverence my son.”

3.  The tenants knew that the son was the heir, and therefore plotted his death in order to steal his inheritance. (Vs. 7)

a)  This tells us the priests and leaders knew that Jesus was the Messiah.

b)  But, they had possession of the inheritance, and they thought by killing the heir, they would keep possession.

4.  They were hasty in carrying out their wicked plot. (Verse 8; Matt. 21:39)

a)  “They caught Him” in the garden of Gethsemane.

b)  “They cast Him out,” out of their city.

c)  “They slew Him” at Calvary.

III.  JESUS REQUIRED THE CHIEF PRIEST AND ELDERS TO ANNOUNCE THEIR OWN VERDICT AND JUDGEMENT OUT OF THEIR OWN MOUTHS. (VERSE 9; MATT. 21:40, 41)

A.  IT WAS THEIR CRIMES THAT HE HAD DESCRIBED.

1.  As a class, the religious leaders were guilty of the blood of a long line of prophets.

2.  They were about to crown their long career of crime by the murder of the Son of God.

B.  VIEWING IT OBJECTIVELY, THEY COULD SEE CLEARLY THE HEINOUSNESS OF THE HORRIBLE CRIMES HERE DESCRIBED IN THE PARABLE, AND WELL UNDERSTOOD THE JUST         PUNISHMENT THAT THEY DESERVED. (MATT. 21:41)

1.  Like David before Nathan. (II Sam. 12:1-6)

2.  Why do we judge our sins more severely when we detect them in other people?

3.  Later, they will realize that He is speaking about them (Verse 12), but it did not stop them from carrying out the crime.

C.  ONCE THEY HAD ANNOUNCED THE VERDICT AND PRESCRIBED THE JUST PUNISHMENT, IT WAS TIME FOR THEM TO OWN THE GUILT.

IV.  FINALLY, JESUS CHARGES THESE JEWISH LEADERS WITH THEIR REJECTION OF HIMSELF (THE TRUE MESSIAH), NOT BY PARABLE, BUT WITH PROPHETIC SCRIPTURE. (VERSES 10-12; PSA. 118:22, 23)

A.  THEY WERE PROFESSEDLY “THE BUILDERS,” AND THEY HAD REJECTED HIM, “THE CHIEF CORNER-STONE.” (VERSE 10)

1.  Against the wills of scribe and priest, the Lord had accomplished this. “This is the Lord’s doing.”

2.  The suffering and glory of Christ are the wonders of the universe. “It is marvelous in our eyes.”

B.  THE KINGDOM WOULD BE TAKEN FROM THEM AND GIVEN TO ANOTHER NATION. (VSE. 9b)

1.  That nation (Israel) that had been so favored of God would come to sacrifice everything that had made them so blessed.

2.  The “NATION” to which the Kingdom is to be given shall be a HOLY NATION, made up out of every nation. (I Pet. 2:1-10)

3.  There is a true Israel according to the election of grace, made up of every nation, kindred, and tongue.

C.  THE STONE THAT THESE “BUILDERS” REFUSED MUST EVENTUALLY DESTROY THEM IN THE JUDGMENT. (SEE MATT. 21:44)

D.  NOTE THE SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS. (VERSE 12)

1.  They knew He spoke of their judgment.

2.  Yet, they would have laid hands on Him right then had they not feared the multitude, who thought He was a prophet.

CONCLUSION:

1.  Oh, foolish nation! The Son of God took upon Himself the seed of Abraham. He came to His own, but they received Him not.  They cried for His blood until they saw Him slain. The favored and privileged tenants of God’s vineyard killed His only begotten Son.

2.  But, though the crime was horrendous beyond words, the wondrous truth is that God’s grace is triumphant. “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.”

 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2015

 

CHRIST CONFOUNDS HIS ENEMIES

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  Our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem as foretold by the prophet Zechariah was a most remarkable event done with great publicity. Not only did the manner of His coming declare Him to be the long-awaited King Messiah, but in many ways His divine nature was revealed as well. His omniscience as well as His sovereign lordship over both man and beast is clearly seen. (Verses 2-7)

2.  Once He was within the city He demonstrated His authority over His Father’s house. (Verses 15-17) Asking permission of no one, He repeated the very same actions that He did nearly three years before at the beginning of His public ministry. (John 2:14-16) As He did this, strangely enough, none resisted or challenged His authority. Only after the fact did His enemies muster up the courage to question Him.

3.  After our Lord had purged the temple now for the second time, He departed and went again to Bethany. There He spent the night with His dear friends, and then returned the next morning. As He and the twelve were in route back to the city they passed the withered fig tree which He had cursed the morning before, this providing Him with the opportunity to teach them an important lesson in the mighty power that can be accessed by faith. (Verses 20-26)

4.  It is at this point that we take up the story from Mark’s pen.

I.  JESUS WAS AGAIN WITHIN THE TEMPLE PRECINCTS WHEN A GROUP OF JEWISH LEADERS CONFRONTED HIM. (VERSE 27)

A.  HE WALKED CALMLY THROUGH THE COURT, HAVING THE EVENING BEFORE FORCEFULLY PURGED IT. “HE WAS WALKING IN THE TEMPLE.”

1.  He was not in the least worried about the confrontation that He knew was coming.

2.  These members of the Sanhedrin had likely been in council all night with the other members of that body deciding how they should deal with this matter. They had offered no resistance the evening before. Could they now save face?

B.  JESUS NOT ONLY WALKED CALMLY THROUGH THE TEMPLE PRECINCTS, BUT LUKE TELLS US THAT HE WAS ENGAGED IN TEACHING AND PREACHING WHEN THE CONFRONTATION OCCURRED. “HE TAUGHT THE PEOPLE IN THE TEMPLE AND PREACHED THE GOSPEL.” (LUKE 20:1)

1.  Jesus not only purchased salvation, but published it.

a)  This is our greatest confirmation of the truth of the Gospel. Jesus preached it.

b)  Let us not be surprised when the enemy tries to hinder us in this work.

c)  Let us be emboldened. Jesus knew that He was in the mouth of danger, yet, “He taught the people…and preached the gospel.”

2.  The Jewish leaders formed a body and burst upon Him while He was teaching the people. “The chief priests and scribes CAME UPON HIM.”

a)  The word (itestasan) used only in Luke 20:1, suggests a sudden violent bursting in.

b)  Never had this house been graced with such a teacher, yet these intruders had no respect either for the greatest of all teachers or for the wonderful soul-saving Gospel that He preached.

c)  Their sudden appearance, if meant to surprise or frighten Him, did neither.

d)  Considering the things they had now witnessed, what fools they were to try and challenge His authority. Yet, that is exactly what they intended to do.

II.  THE RELIGIOUS AND CIVIL JUDGES OF THE JEWS HERE JOINED TOGETHER TO CHALLENGE CHRIST’S AUTHORITY. (VERSES 27b, 28)

A.  THE MESSIAH’S CHIEF OPPONENTS WERE THOSE WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIS FOREMOST PROMOTERS. “THERE COME TO HIM THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE  SCRIBES, AND THE ELDERS.”

1.  Those who sat in Moses’ seat were responsible to open to the Messiah.

2.  They, however, would not go in themselves, nor would they suffer others to enter. (Matt. 23:13)

3.  It is a woefully degenerate generation when the leaders in both church and state will not hear the Gospel.

4.  But, not only would they not hear, they showed the utmost disrespect to the Gospel, and to the Son of God Who preached it.

B.  THE OPPOSITION, WITH GREAT INSOLENCE, CHALLENGED THE AUTHORITY OF THE SON OF GOD. (VERSE 28)

1.  Time and again He had shown that He was a teacher come from God. (Ch. 11:29-32; Matt. 12:26-28) Nicodemus, who was a ruler and a master in Israel, had seen the proof and owned that He was indeed “a teacher sent from God.” (John 3:2)

2.  They had witnessed His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem in exact answer to the prophetic Scripture.

3.  He had driven the venders, who were licensed by the rulers, from the temple.

4.  Now, they demanded to know by whose authority He had done these things. Was it by Caesar’s authority? Had He obtained permission from the high priest to teach His “new doctrine” in the temple?

5.  The intimation in this question was that He had no authority, because He had it not from them.

III.  JESUS RESPONDED WITH A COUNTER-QUESTION WHICH TOTALLY CONFOUNDED THESE PROUD RULERS. (VERSES 29-33)

A.  THE COUNTER-QUESTION, WHETHER JOHN’S MINISTRY WAS OF GOD OR OF MEN, IF ANSWERED HONESTLY WOULD ANSWER THEIR QUESTION. (VERSE 29)

1.  By John’s “baptism” Jesus is referring to John’s whole ministry; his preaching and his baptism. Was it from God or men? Gamaliel’s whole argument turned upon this hinge. (Acts 5:38, 39)

2.  They had themselves sent a delegation to ask of John “Art thou Elias, or that prophet?” this supposes that they knew that John’s ministry was from heaven. (John 1:21)

3.  John had clearly declared that Jesus was the true Messiah. (Matt. 3:11, 12; John 1:29-34; see also John 5:32-35)

4.  Should they give an honest answer in good conscience, they would thereby answer their own question respecting Christ and by what authority He did and said these things.

B.  THE RULERS WERE BAFFLED AND CONFOUNDED BY JESUS’ COUNTER-QUESTION. (VERSES 31-33a)

1.  If they answered the question, it would answer theirs. If they refused to answer it, that would mean that Jesus would not offer proof on His authority to these obstinately prejudice men.

a)  Thus, “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” (I Cor. 3:19)

b)  We learn from our Lord to use wisdom in avoiding danger when possible. He, Who had all power over His enemies, did not tempt God in any circumstance. “The heart of the wise studieth to answer.”

2.  They reasoned among themselves how to answer. They considered not the merit of the cause as to valid proofs about John’s calling. They only considered how they could save face and still pursue        their plan to destroy Christ, and how they might secure their own safety.

3.  Their final decision was not to answer the question.

a)  If they should say John’s ministry was from heaven, then they would condemn themselves in that they had not believed Jesus – His claims, His Gospel.

b)  If they should say of men, which would be to contradict their own previous confession, and which would go contrary to the people, they would be putting themselves in grave danger.

4.  Thus, they were confounded. They were between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” They simply said, “We cannot tell.”

C.  HEREBY, JESUS AVOIDED THE SNARE THEY LAID FOR HIM. (VERSE 33)

1.  He could have demonstrated His divinity and His authority, but He would not. Those who will not believe the Scriptures would not believe, even if one were to be raised from the dead in their midst.

2.  It was not another sign that they lacked. They were not ignorant of the fact that Jesus had just recently raised Lazarus from the dead just two miles outside of Jerusalem.

3.  Jesus would neither fall into their trap, nor would He gratify their seeking of a sign. He knew what was in their wicked hearts, and determined to let the ignorant be ignorant still.

 

 

AUGUST 30, 2015

 

THE BARREN FIG TREE

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem exactly as the prophet Zechariah had predicted that the King Messiah would come in. (Verses 7-10; Zech. 9:9)

2.  The manner in which He entered signaled that this King was not after the usual order of royalty. He came in lowly, and was riding on the foal of an ass. There was no royal entourage or coronation. His initial destination declared that His Kingdom was not of any earthly sort. He went not to the court or palace, but rather to the temple court.

3.  His conduct was most interesting. He observed the goings on at the temple, but spoke not a word. He looked all around, and then retired with His disciples to Bethany for the night. He would keep His actions and words in reserve until His return the next morning.

4.  Our Lord’s first acts were emblematic predictions of the curse that was coming upon the fruitless pretense that the Jew’s religion had become; and of the renovation and reformation that was at hand.

 

I.  JESUS CURSED A BARREN FIG TREE AS AN EMBLEM OF THE ACCURSED STATE OF JERUSALEM AND THE JUDGMENT THAT WAS COMING. (VERSES 12-14)

A.  A DAY OF EXCITEMENT WAS FOLLOWED BY AN EVENING OF QUIET RETIREMENT AND REST.

1.  Jesus’ triumphal entrance into the city was one of great celebration; however, the day had ended sorrowfully for the king. Though Jesus spoke not a word, the defilements of His Father’s sacred house were grievously beheld by Him.

2.  He went from there to more pleasant environs, to a village that He loved, to a home where He always received a loving welcome.

3.  Our Lord was always in perfect peace, having His heart stayed on His Father, and delighting to do His will. Our sleep is often restless due to anxiety over what the morning might bring. Yet, there is no doubt that Jesus’ sleep was peaceful and restful, even knowing what the coming day held in store for Him.

B.  THE DAWNING OF THE NEW DAY FOUND JESUS UP AND ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF THE DAY. (VERSE 12)

1.  He was probably up before any of the others, so that He might have time alone for prayer and communion. This would account for why He was hungry.

2.  All was exactly according to His purpose. We can be quite sure that His kind friends would have been happy and honored to provide Him a good breakfast, but it was needful for sake of the object lesson which He was now about to give them that He be in need of food.

C.  HERE WE HAVE THE SYMBOLIC ACT OF JESUS CURSING A BARREN FIG TREE. (VERSES 13, 14)

1.  Being hungry, Jesus spotted a fig tree covered with leaves. Thus, even though the time of figs was not yet, according to the nature of fig trees He had good reason to expect to find fruit. Since with fig trees fruit begins to appear before leaves, and since this tree was covered with leaves, the expectation for fruit was reasonable.

2.  When Jesus came to the fig tree covered with leaves, He found “nothing but leaves.” Jesus promptly cursed the fig tree for its pretense and hypocrisy, and “presently the fig tree withered away.” (Matt. 21:19)

3.  The fig tree represents Jerusalem which was verdant with religious pretense and very forward in vain externals, but was destitute of repentance, faith, and holiness. This act was intended as an object lesson. As Jesus came to Jerusalem, He found nothing but leaves, and therefore it was worthy of the same swift judgment that the pretentious fruitless tree received!

4.  Remember, true believers are known by the fruit they bear.

a)  Mere profession is not enough. True saving faith is always verified by its fruit.

b)  Mere religious activity is not enough. We must have more than just leaves. There must be the internal fruit of a pure heart and love for things holy.

5.  Jesus Himself is the appointed judge, and He has assured us that every plant that the Father has not planted shall be uprooted. (Matt. 15:13; See Luke 13:6-9)

II.  JESUS AGAIN CLEANSES THE TEMPLE, DRIVING FROM IT THE MONEY CHANGERS, AS SYMBOLIC OF THE RENOVATION AND REFORMATION THAT WAS NOW AT HAND. (VRS. 15-18)

A.  IN THE BEGINNING OF HIS MINISTRY JESUS HAD GONE INTO THE TEMPLE AND CLEANSED IT. (JOHN 2:13-17)

1.  The first cleansing demonstrated the reform that was needed, and now He proceeds to carry it out.

2.  Remarkably, on that occasion His authority (of which His small whip was but a token) went unchallenged until after the place was cleared of all merchandising.

3.  But, shaken as the buyers and sellers were then, they had come back in force, and the operation was running full scale.

a)  Reform will not continue long without careful oversight and maintenance.

b)  With respect to the “temples” of our bodies, the same truth applies. We must exercise continual diligence and discipline.

B.  NOW, IN THE LAST WEEK OF HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY, JESUS REPEATS THE SAME ACTION, WITH THE SAME HOLY JEALOUSY FOR HIS FATHER’S HOUSE. (VERSE 15-17)

1.  He now references the prophetic scriptures, which He had alluded to before. (Verse 17; Isa. 56:7)

2.  Our Lord was angered on two accounts.

a)  They were making “merchandise” of the holy precincts. (John 2:16) They were buying, selling, changing money – all quite lawful practices – but they were “ill-timed” and “ill-placed.” Even lawful things may not be appropriate in the house of God.

b)  They were making dishonest gain. “You have made it (My Father’s house) a den of thieves.”

(1)  Money changing was a service for public convenience, supplying shekels for the sanctuary in lieu of Roman coin. Yet they were making dishonest gain for their service.

(2)  Selling doves and pigeons seems licensed, since these birds were required for sacrifice, but these merchants were not serving God in this trade, but themselves.

3.  This event supplies a good barometer by which to determine how the Lord looks upon those who make merchandise of the “Gospel ministry.”

4.  Jesus did not contend with His enemies, or any wicked influence, without “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Verse 17)

a)  This prophecy had a special relation to the court of Gentiles, which is here being so grossly desecrated. “Mine house shall be called a house of prayer FOR ALL PEOPLE.” (Isa. 56:7)

b)  Jesus likened His Father’s house, when occupied by these buyers and sellers, to those caves in the mountains where robbers were want to lurk and hide. “Ye have made it a DEN OF THIEVES.”

C.  THE SCRIBES AND CHIEF PRIESTS WERE EXTREMELY VEXED AND FLUSTERED BY THIS. (VERSE 18)

1.  They hated Him, and hated to be reformed by Him, and yet they feared Him.

a)  For one thing, they were helpless to withstand Him. Now twice He had “cleansed” the temple, and they could do nothing to stop Him.

b)  For another thing, they feared that He would next overthrow them. They knew how they had profaned and abused their offices, which was a worse defilement than what the merchandisers were doing.

2.  They saw what great interest He had with the people. Everything that He said was an oracle of God, and a law to the people, and they were astonished at His doctrine. They therefore sought how they might kill Him.

a)  What fools they were! They sought not how they might be at peace with Him, but how they might kill Him.

b)  A desperate attempt, and one which one would think that even they might fear was fighting against God.

c)  These wicked rulers represent all men and women who for sake of retaining lordship over their lives and destinies, say “We will not have this man to rule over us,” thus, in effect, saying, away with Him, let His blood be on our heads.

 

III.  JESUS TEACHES A VALUABLE LESSON IN FAITH TO HIS DISCIPLES UPON OCCASION OF THE WITHERING AWAY OF THE CURSED FIG TREE. (VERSES 19-26)

A.  THAT THE CURSED FIG TREE WAS SO SOON WITHERED WAS A MATTER OF GREAT SURPRISE. (VERSES 20, 21)

1.  Although they had passed it the night before (the same day on which the curse was pronounced), the darkness prevented their seeing that it was withered. However, the next morning, as they were returning to the city they saw that it was dried up. Whatever or whomever Christ curses is cursed indeed. He had said to it, “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever!!” To make certain of it, the tree was “dried up from the roots.”

2.  This is what comes of rejecting Christ, and being rejected by Him. Let us therefore be certain that our faith is not mere outward profession, but is such as bears real fruit.

B.  JESUS SAW IN THIS INCIDENT AN OCCASION FOR INSTRUCTING HIS DISCIPLES IN THE EXERCISE OF TRUE FAITH, AND WHAT AMAZING THINGS CAN RESULT. (VERSES 22-26)

1.  He taught them to pray in faith and to expect a lively active result. They admired the power of His words, but He assured them that a lively, active faith would put great power into their prayers. (Verses 22, 23)

2.  Truly, whatever things a Christian might legitimately desire, (not such as might be consumed on fleshly lust, see James 4:3) can be confidently asked for and granted. (Verse 24)

3.  To this promise is added the necessary qualifications of prevailing prayer, that we freely forgive those who have trespassed against us, and be charitable with all men. (Verses 25, 2 6)

4.  Clearly, a forgiving spirit is essential if we will have God’s forgiveness. (Matt. 6:12; 18:21-35)

 

 

AUGUST 23, 2015

 

JESUS’ TRIUMPHAL ENTRANCE

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  Leaving Jericho, Jesus began His ascent up to Jerusalem. Not only was it an upward journey, but Jerusalem was a city which stood on a hill. Jesus was going there to accomplish the redemption of His people. That  which was facing Him, He had very recently rehearsed again to His disciples. (Ch. 10:32, 34) His readiness to do what must be done, and to finish the work which His Father had given Him to do is seen in that He went before.

2.  They were come unto the villages of Bethphage and Bethany. We are familiar with Bethany, because the home of Jesus’ dear friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha was there. These two villages lay before the Mount of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem. It was here that Jesus began to make preparations for entrance into Jerusalem.

3.  Our Lord’s words and actions on this occasion are striking and wonderful. The reasons seem clear and plain. His work as the Great Prophet, so far as His earthly ministry was concerned, was almost finished. His work as the sacrifice for sin and substitute for sinners remained to be accomplished. Therefore, being mindful of Zechariah’s prophecy of this event (Zech. 9:9), He would draw the attention of the whole nation to Himself, as His entrance would be in fulfillment of that prophecy, and must answer to it in every detail. This thing could not be done in a corner, but must be highly publicized. With this in mind, notice –

 

I.  JESUS MAKES ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS ENTRANCE THAT ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE PREDICTIONS OF THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH. (VERSES 1-6; ZECH. 9:9) Notice how the manner in which He instructs His disciples clearly reveals His divine nature.

A.  HIS PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF ALL THINGS IS SEEN. (VERSE 2)

1.  We see Him sending two of His disciples into a village, describing to them what they would see and hear with as much confidence as if the whole transaction had been previously arranged.

2.  In short, He speaks like one to whom all things were naked and open; like one whose eyes were in every place at once; like one who knew things unseen as well as things seen.

3.  The disciples would at the entrance of the village see a colt tied, upon which no man had sat. Matthew makes mention of the colt’s mother, as does the prophet, but Mark, only mentions the animal upon which the Messiah was to ride.

4.  Our Lord’s omniscience is proof positive of His Divine nature. We have seen many times how Jesus would speak or act in a certain way based on His knowledge of men’s thoughts. In His dealings with the Pharisees, His response were often prefaced by the phrase, “…knowing their thoughts.” In those cases, they were left to wonder how He knew. This is different. He states what is, and what will be in clearest detail, leaving no doubt as to the basis of His knowledge.

5.  Christ’s perfect knowledge should be a great comfort to every true believer. We ought to cry out like David, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, I cannot attain unto it.” (See Psalm 139_1-12) He knows us, He knows our love. (John 21:17)

6.  Let unbelievers be alarmed at this reality, and may it awaken them to repentance. (Job 34:22; Rom. 2:16)

B.  HIS DIVINE OWNERSHIP OF ALL THINGS IS ASSERTED. “…loose him and bring him.”

1.  He can say this because, as Creator, He owns everything. All things we have are on loan from Him.   Notice, “say…the Lord hath need of him.” Not our Lord, but the Lord of heaven and earth, Whose are the cattle on a thousand hills.

2.  The “need” was not because of weariness. He who had traveled from Galilee to Bethany on foot could have walked the two remaining miles. The “need” was that He might enter Jerusalem according to the prophecy of Zechariah.

3.  The owner of this colt had no idea the honor that was given him. Whatever we have that Christ requires for His service is our great honor to give. He cannot ask of us anything that He has not first given to us.

C.  HIS ABSOLUTE RULE OVER THE HEARTS OF MEN IS DEMONSTRATED. (VERSES 3-6)

1.  There had been no pre-arrangement. The Lord knew that the owner would express his objection.

2.  Nevertheless, the Lord turned his heart, removing all objections. The hearts of kings are in His hand. (Prov. 21:1) But, what is true about kings is true of all.

3.  The Psalmist could say with absolute certainty, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” (Psa. 110:3)

D.  ALSO, IN ADDITION TO HIS DIVINE NATURE, HIS OFFICE AS KING MESSIAH IS PROCLAIMED. (ZECH. 9:9)

1.  Jesus was keenly aware of every prophetic detail concerning Himself and His work. (John 19:28-30)

2.  All of these arrangements were made in order to publicize the fact that Zechariah was speaking of Him.

E.  HIS SOVEREIGN LORDSHIP OVER ALL IS THE GREAT CONFIDENCE AND COMFORT OF ALL WHOM HE SENDS IN HIS NAME. (VERSES 4, 6; LUKE 19:32)

1.  We go in and walk by faith, but we are guided by His all-seeing eye.

2.  We must obey His voice, trusting that He Who goes with us controls all circumstances.

3.  We are to do His bidding, knowing that He goes before us.

4.  We go in His stead, knowing that His commands are made effectual as He rules over the hearts of men.

II.  JESUS MAKES HIS ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM ACCORDING TO ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY WITH GREAT PUBLICITY. (VERSES 7-10)

A.  HE RIDES INTO JERUSALEM ON AN ASS’S COLT LIKE A TRIUMPHANT KING. (VSE. 7)

1.  Having obtained the desired animal, the disciples brought him to Jesus. They then spread their own garments on his back for a blanket.

2.  Zechariah cries, “Behold, thy KING cometh unto thee: He is JUST and having SALVATION; LOWLY, and riding upon an ass.”

3.  This was not the kind of king that the rulers were expecting, but had they known the Scriptures, He was exactly their fulfillment. He came, “having salvation,” said the prophet. For sake of that work He must lay down His life, He shall then take it up again and go into a far country (ascend into heaven) to receive for Himself a Kingdom. (Luke 19:32)

B.  HE ENTERED THE CITY TO GREAT REJOICING AND LOUD HOSANNAS FROM THE MULTITUDE OF DISCIPLES ABOUT HIM. (VERSES 7-10; SEE MATT. 21:9-11 AND      LUKE 19:37, 38)

1.  The common people who made up the majority of Christ’s followers had seen His mighty works, and owned Christ as King. Most recently they had witnessed the raising of Lazarus from the dead at Bethany. (John 11:41-45; 12:17-20)

2.  They put together a kind of natural country triumph.  Having no saddle, they used their garments. These they also strewed before Him, along with palm leaves, etc.

3.  The multitude of disciples, now joined by those that John mentioned, all began to sing and shout and praise God. They shouted loud Hosannas (SAVE NOW). They blessed the Son of David.

4.  From what John records (John 11, 12) it is clear that all Israel and the world knew about this. The Pharisees were more than a little concerned about His fame. It was God’s will that Christ’s redemptive work (His death, burial, and resurrection) be widely publicized.

5.  Sadly, few if any of these followers really understood what was taking place here, nor did they understand the nature of His Kingdom that He was to receive. Nevertheless, the event of Christ’s sacrifice for sin as a substitute for guilty sinners was known far and wide.

C.  CHRIST’S TRIUMPH AND THE THUNDEROUS ACCLAMATIONS BY THE MULTITUDES SORELY VEXED THE PROUD PHARISEES. (SEE LUKE 19:39, 40)

1.  They would have silenced the multitude had they been able. (Luke 19:39)

a)  They joined not in any praises of Jesus of Nazareth, Whom they despised.

b)  It pained them to hear Him praised as Savior and worthy of highest glory.

2.  Even could they have silenced the people, God would have His Name forever praised. (Luke 19:40)

a)  This appears to be a proverbial saying used among them.

b)  This day accomplished God’s decree, which could not be defeated.

III. HAVING ENTERED JERUSALEM TO SHOUTS OF LOUD HOSANNAS, JESUS WENT DIRECTLY TO THE TEMPLE, MADE A BRIEF ENTRANCE, LOOKED ALL AROUND, THEN RETIRED TO BETHANY WITH HIS DISCIPLES. (VERSE 11)

A.  HIS SUDDEN COMING INTO THE TEMPLE WAS FOR THE FULFILLING OF THE PROPHETIC SCRIPTURE. (MAL. 3:1)

1.  There was no King’s banquet prepared and waiting, that’s for sure.

2.  He said nothing, and did nothing at this time. He simply “looked about upon all things.” He saw many disorders, but for the time being, held His peace.

3.  The Lord sees all wickedness in the world, but He does not presently reckon with every evil.

B.  HAVING SATISFIED HIS PRESENT PURPOSE, JESUS RETIRED WITH THE TWELVE TO BETHANY FOR THE NIGHT.

1.  There He shall enjoy the company of His dear friends; Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

2.  On the morrow, He shall return to the temple, but this time not in silence.