Pastor Dave Martin ~ Cross Creek Community Church ~ April 9, 2006
“Defining Moments”
Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-48
A certain courthouse in Ohio stands in a unique location. Raindrops that fall on the north side of the building go into Lake Ontario and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, while those falling on the south side go into the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. At precisely the point of the peak of the roof, just a gentle puff of wind can determine the destiny of many raindrops. It will make a difference of more than 2,000 miles as to their final destination.
The spiritual application is clear. By the smallest deed or choice of words we might set in motion influences that could change the course of others’ lives here and now, and could also affect their eternal destiny.
A six-year-old came home from school one day with a note from his teacher in which it was suggested that he be taken out of school, as he was “too stupid to learn.” His name: Thomas Alva Edison.
Thomas Edison received nearly 1100 patents... a great inventor of great inventions had many Defining Moments
“Defining Moments” in History... moments that rocked the world...
Tsunami Wave, Hurricane Katrina, 911, war on terrorism, Columbine Shooting, Berlin Wall fell, Shuttle Disasters, First moon walk, JFK Assassination, The Great Depression, Titanic, WWII...
· They are earmarks of our history but by no means are they the end. Many DM’s await us in the future.
· Many of us have encountered a moment of time when we were steered in a new direction...
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
Everyone has “Defining Moments”... David’s Goliath, Stephen’s Martyrdom, Noah’s Flood, Moses’ Burning Bush, Elijah’s Jezebel, Joseph’s brothers, Joshua’s Jericho, Daniel’s Lions, Peter’s Waterwalk...
The problem with defining moments is that they are only moments: they do not last. They are not meant to last.
Defining Moments have altered and forever sealed into our memory the facts of how things can change in a moment of time.
· This Palm Sunday we’re going to look at the Triumphal Entry – a Defining Moment
The Triumphal Entry records a defining moment in the life of Jesus Christ, the
Nation of Israel and the Church.
Making His way to Jerusalem, he went through Jericho where Jesus encountered Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and healed two blind men (Mt 20:29-34). Jericho is about 17 miles from Jerusalem. Hundreds of thousands Jewish worshipers were making their way to Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover – ascending some 3000 feet in elevation to Mt Zion the Temple Mount. As they journeyed they sang the psalms as they marched. Song of Ascents, the title given fifteen short psalms from Ps 120 to Ps 134. Psalms 121:1-2 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
· As they approached Jerusalem they came to Bethany, 2 miles from Jerusalem on the Mt of Olives. Bethany is where Jesus earlier resurrected Lazarus from the dead (John 11) infuriating the Jews who placed a price on the head of Jesus (Jn 11:57)
· Six days before Passover, Jesus pauses at Mary, Martha, Lazarus house... the crowd swelled (Jn 11:9)
· The next day a great crowd accompanied Jesus Christ (Messiah) into Jerusalem.
Luke 19:29-35 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.'" 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34 They replied, "The Lord needs it." 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.
Here’s a few pictures helping us to understand Mt of Olives, Kidron Valley & the Temple Mount...
“Defining Moments” for...
1. The Disciples –
The Messiah would come riding a donkey.
· Jesus said, go to the village ahead... find a colt... bring it here.
· Notice the two disciples obeyed fully – no task is small but essential - they used their own coats for a saddle & helped Jesus upon this colt (never ridden before) - also notice it is in fulfillment of...
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
· The colt was a symbol of peace. Jesus came to bring peace, as seen in v42. also symbolized service.
· Jesus was not coming as a conquering King in pomp & ceremony but on a donkey – a sign of peace
· V31 “The Lord needs it” (o kurios) is a strong expression; supreme authority - the same as saying “Jehovah”.
· A defining moment for the two disciples and in fulfillment of OT prophecy – Presentation of the Messiah!
· Perhaps a DM could be yours when you realize God needs you! New Direction – Write after The Disciples
The Disciples – Jesus calls me to humble service!
Luke 19:36-40 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" 40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
2. The Crowds –
Jesus presents Himself publicly as the Messiah.
Psalms 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.
· Jesus was a wanted man, yet the people went wild...The people praised God for all the mighty works they had seen... spreading clothes on the pathway a symbol of subjection to a Ruler King (roll out red carpet)
· Some estimate Jerusalem swelled to nearly 2 million people during this time, the atmosphere was charged
· Jesus ministry was mainly centered around Capernaum & the Sea Galilee – He presents Himself...
· Jesus presents Himself publicly to the nation of Israel as their Messiah. Look what the people proclaimed:
o “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” – Luke (Usher in the kingdom of God)
o “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” – Luke (Like the birth announcement from angels)
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
o “Hosanna” – John, Mark (Save now! – people desired to be saved from Roman oppression)
o “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David” – Mark (the messianic, earthly kingdom)
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
o “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” – John, Mark, Mt (OT quote Ps 118:26)
Psalms 118:26-27 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
o “Blessed is the King of Israel” – John (Political, National, Spiritual King of Israel)
o “Hosanna in the highest” – Mark, Mt (Save us we pray to God Almighty – Ps 118:25-27)
o “Hosanna to the Son of David” – Mt (Salvation from Roman oppression, David – Messianic line)
· Pharisees (religionist) “shut up” – Jesus replied – I will be praised & hailed King no matter what.
· Allow this day to be a DM in your life... Jesus is God, I too will worship Him!
The Crowds – Jesus calls me to worship Him!
Luke 19:41-44 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."
3. Jesus –
He was rejected as the Messiah and wept.
· Jesus saw the hearts of the people and He “wept” – sob, an uncontrollable outburst of deep sorrow/ tears.
· The prediction of Jerusalem’s terrible fate we see the compassion of our Lord for a people doomed to utter destruction... Sin dooms the fate of the nation of Israel, they rejected their Messiah.
· This is a tragic defining moment... 3 years Jesus healed the sick, lamb & the blind, He cast out demons, raised the dead, He stilled the storms, fed the thousands, cleansed the lepers... He fulfilled hundreds of OT prophecies even now riding into Jerusalem on the back of an unbroken young donkey
· The spiritual leaders knew the scriptures yet rejected Him, though some accepted Him... many people wanted his miracles not His forgiveness. They wanted freedom from Rome’s oppression not a servant king
· The people wanted a conquering warrior King not someone riding a donkey... Jesus burst out sobbing!
· Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple which was fulfilled by Titus of Rome in AD 70
· Defining moment – even to this day... Salvation turned from the Jew to the Gentile as predicted in the OT
· Even though He knew they would reject Him, it was a defining moment for Jesus... to go to the cross.
Jesus – Jesus calls me to Love one another! (see the world, see the lost)
Luke 19:45-48 45 Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. 46 "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" 47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.
4. The Religious Leaders –
They hated Christ yet feared the people.
· We see Jesus purging the temple twice, here and at the very start of His ministry in John 2:12-16
· The Religious Leaders hated and wanted to kill Jesus but were fearful because of the crowd’s attraction to Him.
· Jesus had to die at the “perfect” time as the “Passover Lamb” of God. (John 1:29)
· We would see phrases like, my time has not yet come – Jn 2:4, Father the time has come Jn 17:1
· The religionists accused Jesus of being demon possessed, drunkard, friend of sinners... they hated Him.
· Look at some passages concerning their hatred toward Jesus Christ...
John 11:53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
Mark 3:6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
John 12:10-11 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
Matthew 26:59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.
Mark 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him.
· The charge Jesus was convicted of: Blasphemy, for He claimed to be the Son of God, Mt 26:63-64
· A very defining moment in the lives of these religionist Jews who looked good on the outside yet lost.
· A DM for you and I, because salvation came to the Gentiles.
The Religious Leaders – Jesus calls me to Examine my Life!
The old mountaineer had lived a full but not exactly saintly life and now was on his deathbed. He summoned his weeping wife. “Sara,” he said, “go to the fireplace and take out the third stone from the top.” She did as instructed. “Reach in there,” said her husband, “and bring out what you find.” Her fingers touched a large Mason jar, and with some effort she pulled it up. The jar was full of cash. “Sara,” said the old man, “when I go, I’m going to take all that money with me. I want you to put that jar up in the attic by the window. I’ll get it as I go by on my way to heaven.” His wife followed his instructions. That night the old mountaineer died. After the funeral his wife remembered the Mason jar and went to the attic. There was the jar still full of money and by the window. “Oh,” the widow sighed. “I knew I should have put it in the basement.”
Consider the “Defining Moments” in your life...
God works in each person’s life. There are moments, both positive and negative, which have defined and redefined who we are. Those events penetrated our lives with such power that they affected the very core of who you are and what you believe.
· Your marriage, first child, college or military, death of a loved one, a dreaded disease, fiery trial...
· Defining Moments in your life where you get rocked to the core... often this is the place you hear God!
During World War II, Winston Churchill was forced to make a painful choice. The British secret service had broken the Nazi code and informed Churchill that the Germans were going to bomb Coventry. He had two alternatives: (1) evacuate the citizens and save hundreds of lives at the expense of indicating to the Germans that the code was broken; or (2) take no action, which would kill hundreds but keep the information flowing and possibly same many more lives. Churchill had to choose and followed the second course.
Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
· I’m looking for the “return of the King” and I mean King Jesus – our Lord and Savior!
· The moment has come – the ultimate defining moment comes when you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior
Our Spiritual Journey begins with a new relationship with Christ!
It’s what happens in us not to us that really matters... (look at everything thru prism of God’s Word)
Ø Learn from your Past! Prov 2:6-8
Warren W. Wiersbe — Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” You do not move ahead by constantly looking in a rear view mirror. The past is a rudder to guide you, not an anchor to drag you. We must learn from the past but not live in the past.
Proverbs 2:6-8 6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Ø Evaluate each Experience! 1Pet 1:6-7
Experience can be wonderful or difficult – Life’s 10% of what happens to you & 90% response
Analysis your life and begin to see God even in the little things that come your way.
Henry Blackaby says, “see where God is working and that’s your invitation to join Him”
1 Peter 1:6-7 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Ø Remain Aligned with God’s Word! 2Co 4:2
When a “Defining Moment” comes along, It’s critical to be grounded in God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 4:2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Ø Grow in God’s Sovereign Grace! 2Pet 3:18
Your Christian life is a journey, a process of becoming more Christ-like – Are You?
God’s in the business of building character in you but you must cooperate with Him
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Make each moment a defining moment in view of eternity!
Let’s Pray