WHAT IS PALM SUNDAY?
John 12:12-19
INTRODUCTION: Christians around the world recognize Palm Sunday as the day Jesus made His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem to offer Himself to Israel as their long-awaited Messiah and King. Four hundred years before this event happened Zechariah had recorded the details of this day: Zechariah 9:9. Palm Sunday started a week of events that would literally change the course of world history! Mathew 21:9.
I. THE PLACE WAS JERUSALEM!
John 12:12: What made the city of Jerusalem so special and why did God set His affections upon this city? The name “Jerusalem” means “The city of peace.” From the time of the fall in the Garden of Eden, when Adam sinned against God, mankind has been at enmity with God. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the cross removed that enmity and has made peace with God possible: Ephesians 2:14-18. During the Millennial Kingdom the Lord Jesus’ throne will be established in Jerusalem: Psalm 132:13-14; Zechariah 6:12-13. Let me ask: “Will you be there with Jesus when He rules on His throne in Jerusalem? Will you dwell with Jesus in the New Jerusalem? Revelation 21:1-7.
II. THE PEOPLE THAT CAME!
John 12:12-13. There were thousands of Jews and Gentiles present in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday: John 12:17-20. The crowd had the religious leaders, the Pharisees, the rich and the poor as well as those who had witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus: John 12:17. Our Lord Jesus said He had come for the Jews: John 12:13. When Jesus went through Samaria He made it very clear He was sent to the Jews: John 4:22. The Scriptures had made it very clear that God had promised to send a Redeemer and a Messiah to Israel: Matthew 1:20-21. Now when Jesus came on Palm Sunday what were the people shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna” meaning “save us, save us.” Just a few days later the people would be shouting “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” The nation of Israel rejected their King and crucified Him: Acts 4:8-12; Hebrews 2:9. However, Jesus also came for the Gentiles: Romans 1:16-17. Because we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior we can rejoice as we travel this life’s road: Psalm 35:9.
III. THE PURPOSE: WHY HE CAME!
Already we have said Jesus came for sinners. He came for Jews and Gentiles alike. Jesus came to redeem mankind from the wages of their sins. However, Jesus coming allows us all to have a better life: John 10:10. That full life is Jesus and you. However, the full life Jesus offers may not be enjoyed by many who have believed in Jesus Christ. Our Lord means to be an ever- present help for each one who trusts in Him: Psalm 124:8. Our Lord’s death on the cross provides not only salvation but it provides every other blessing as well: Romans 8:31-32; Psalm 68:19 KJV. When we have any need in our lives our Lord encourages us to bring it to Him: Matthew 7:7-8. Let me ask you, “If you had been there on Palm Sunday would you have stood in the crowd praising God for raising Lazarus from the dead? John 12:9-11. Or would you have stood in the crowd with those who rejected Jesus as their Messiah-King? Remember, the events of Palm Sunday are recorded in the very Word of God but they will do you no good unless those events are believed in your heart!