2023.04.02 Steps Leading To The Cross What Makes Jesus Worthy Of Worship

This event we are looking at today in Jesus’ life is often called the Triumphal Entry. We all know the scene well: Jesus entering Jerusalem accompanied by the waving of palm branches, the cheering of the crowds and great anticipation. If you were a visitor to Jerusalem on this day, if you were unfamiliar with Jesus’ life and teachings, you would probably be wondering what this was all about. You might even ask, “What makes Jesus worthy of worship?” I) Jesus Reveals that He is the Messiah (28-34) There are three ways Jesus reveals himself as Messiah. A) He starts from the Mount of Olives (28-29) The starting point of the Mount of Olives is important because the Mount of Olives is more than just a geographical marker here. The Mount of Olives has Messianic implications. Ezekiel 11:23 and Zechariah 14:4 B) He rides the tethered colt (30) For the Jewish person in Jesus’ day, steeped in the Old Testament as they were, this tethered colt here in Luke’s gospel would evoke associations with this prophecy in Genesis 49:10-11 and provide yet another reason to see Jesus as the Messiah. C) Jesus alludes to the position of “Lord” (31-34) The name “Lord” was a title that was used for the coming Messiah. For example, Psalm 110:1 “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” II) The People Reveal Jesus as Messiah (35-38) We see this in a number of ways. A) They place him on the donkey (35) By placing him on the donkey and then going before him into the city of Jerusalem, the people clearly proclaim Jesus as Messiah and king. B) They spread their cloaks before him (36) The spreading of the cloaks was a sign of respect for the king. (2 Kings 9:13) C) They shout his praises (37-38) The word “hosanna” literally means, “Lord save us!” (Matthew 21:9) The praises of the people are the third way that the people proclaim Jesus as Messiah as he enters Jerusalem. III) Jesus Relishes their praise of him as Messiah (39-40) Not everyone was happy about Jesus’