God Has Spoken Peace to the Nations

Introduction to Palm Sunday

As we gather on this Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the profound significance of this day in the Christian calendar. It marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a moment filled with hope, expectation, and a call for peace. Today, we invite the Lord to move in our midst, revealing Jesus as the King of our lives, our homes, and our nations.

The Scriptural Account of Palm Sunday

Let’s dive into the scripture that captures this momentous event. In Matthew 21:1-11, we find the account of Jesus sending his disciples to fetch a donkey and a colt, fulfilling the prophecy that the King would come in humility.

“Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

How incredible is it that Jesus knew exactly where to send his disciples? This moment evokes the imagery of the Old Testament when Samuel sent Saul on his way. It reminds us that God’s promises, even those that seem distant or impossible, come to fruition in His perfect timing.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

This event is not merely a historical account but a fulfillment of centuries of prophecy. The people had waited so long for their King, and as they spread their garments and palm branches on the road, they proclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

All of Jerusalem was stirred by this entrance. The excitement was palpable as the crowds celebrated the arrival of their King. But it’s essential to remember that while they celebrated, many still questioned, “Who is this?” The answer was clear: this is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.

The Historical Context of Israel

To truly grasp the significance of this event, we need to reflect on the historical context of Israel. The temple had been destroyed, and the people had faced exile for 70 years. They were longing for restoration, and many doubted whether God would fulfill His promises. Yet, here was Jesus, the embodiment of those promises, entering the city as a beacon of hope.

Just as the Israelites were called to rebuild the temple, we too are called to restore true worship in our lives and communities. The need for genuine worship is urgent in today’s world, just as it was in the days of old.

The Call to Resurrect Worship

In our generation, we must take up the mantle to resurrect true worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Him; we must actively invite Him into our lives and communities. Let’s consider how we can bring light to a world filled with darkness.

• Rebuild the temple of worship in our hearts.
• Encourage one another in faith.
• Stand firm against discouragement and hopelessness.

As we look back at the rebuilding of the temple, we see that it was not without struggle. The Israelites faced discouragement amidst the mighty Persian Empire, but they chose to listen to the voice of the prophets and pressed on. We too must listen to God’s calling in our lives and strive to rebuild His kingdom on earth.

The Promise of Peace

In Zechariah 9:9-10, we find another prophecy that resonates deeply with the message of Palm Sunday:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey.”

This passage speaks of a King who brings justice and salvation. His dominion extends from sea to sea, promising peace to the nations. Jesus, in His humble entry, was declaring that His reign would bring an end to the instruments of war. The chariots and battle bows would become obsolete in the face of His salvation.

The Role of the Church Today

As we reflect on the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, we must also consider what it means for us today. The church has a critical role in extending His dominion to the ends of the earth. We are called to be agents of change, inviting others into the kingdom.

Jesus cleansed the temple, confronting the injustices that had taken root. This act was not merely about physical cleansing but a call for spiritual renewal. We must also examine our lives and the church today, ensuring that we are living in a way that reflects Christ’s love and justice.

The Importance of Faith and Action

In Matthew 21, following the cleansing of the temple, Jesus performed miracles, healing the blind and the lame. The crowds responded with awe, yet the religious leaders were indignant. This tension between faith and doubt continues today.

Jesus’ actions remind us that faith without action is incomplete. He urges us to have faith and to act upon it. When we face mountains in our lives—be it personal struggles, societal issues, or challenges within the church—He calls us to speak to those mountains, believing that they can be moved.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

Next, Jesus shares the parable of the fig tree, a poignant reminder of the need for fruitfulness in our lives. When He approached the fig tree and found it barren, He cursed it, signaling that unfruitfulness would not be tolerated. This is a call for each of us to examine our lives. Are we bearing fruit that reflects the kingdom of God?

Jesus assures His disciples that if they have faith and do not doubt, they will not only do what was done to the fig tree but will also command mountains to be cast into the sea. This is a powerful promise that calls us to trust in His authority and power.

The Choice Before Us

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we are presented with a choice: to receive Jesus as our King or to reject Him. This choice is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to follow Him, even in difficult times. We must ask ourselves, “Will we trust Him? Will we follow His call?”

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of God rather than human wisdom. The true manifestation of the gospel is not merely in eloquent speech but in the demonstration of the Spirit’s power. This is what the world needs to see—a transformative power that changes lives.

The Miracle of Transformation

The greatest miracle we can witness is the transformation of hearts through the gospel. As believers, we are called to embody this transformation, demonstrating love, mercy, and grace to those around us. The world is watching, and they need to see the evidence of Christ’s work in our lives.

As we engage with our communities, let’s strive to be conduits of His love and peace. Our actions should reflect the heart of Christ, inviting others to experience the joy of salvation and the hope that comes from Him alone.

Conclusion: Covenant and Community

As we prepare to celebrate the covenant of baptism, let us remember that it symbolizes our commitment to Christ and to one another. Just as marriage vows signify a lifelong commitment, our baptism represents our allegiance to Jesus and His body, the church.

In this season of renewal, let us covenant together to seek the Lord earnestly, believing that He will empower us to fulfill our calling. Let us be the church that stands firm in faith, cleanses the temple of our lives, and extends His peace to a hurting world.

As we shout “Hosanna in the highest,” let us also commit to living out our faith actively, inviting others into the transformative love of Christ. Together, we can be agents of change, bringing hope and healing to our communities and beyond.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

God Has Spoken Peace to the Nations

PALM SUNDAY CELEBRATION
Matthew 21:1–11 (NKJV) — 1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

1. Last week we talked about the rebuilding of the temple after Israel’s exile.
   1. The implication is that we are rebuilding the temple in our day – Restoring True Worship – The Conflict and what is at stake.
   2. The attitude of the people who had seen the original temple and how it seemed like nothing in their sight
   3. The promise of the coming glory is fulfilled in this passage.
   4. God is mightily at work in history, to understand who we are and what we are a part of, let’s read the quoted verse:
   5. Zechariah 9:9–10 (NKJV) — 9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.’
   6. Dominion to the ends of the earth
2. Jesus enters Jerusalem and:
   1. Cleanses the temple
   2. Heals the blind and the lame
   3. Sees a fig tree and it has no fruit
   4. Matthew 21:20–22 (NKJV) — 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” 21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
   5. Conflict with the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians
   6. Parable of the landowner.
   7. Matthew 21:43–44 (NKJV) — 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
3. The whole question is over the kingdom
   1. 1 Corinthians 2:1–8 (NKJV) — 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
   2. Tie into peace to the nations.
   3. What this world needs is a demonstration of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
   4. Weakness implies prayerfulness
   5. What you can do: forgive, show mercy, cover faults with love, be grateful, generous, etc.
   6. Like Paul, we are going into the world, how are we going?
   7. Ambassadors who enter the world to speak peace.
   8. Changed hearts, changed lives, changed world.