New Testament Studies: Mark (12): Chapter 11 v1 to 11 -- David Pawson
Summary
TLDRThe video script narrates the story of Palm Sunday, focusing on the contrast between the crowd's perception of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the deeper significance of his mission. The crowd, influenced by a nationalistic spirit, expected a military leader to liberate them from Roman rule, which is reflected in their actions and cries of 'Hosanna'. However, Jesus, riding on a donkey, symbolized peace, not war, indicating his true purpose to bring spiritual peace through the redemption of sins, not political freedom. The speaker laments the crowd's failure to recognize this, leading to their eventual rejection of Jesus. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of nationalism and a call to embrace Jesus' message of peace, forgiveness, and personal transformation. It concludes with a prayer for understanding and applying the principles of Palm Sunday in both personal and political contexts.
Takeaways
- 📜 The story of Palm Sunday, as told in Mark's Gospel, illustrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which was misunderstood by the people as a nationalistic triumph rather than a peaceful mission.
- 🐾 Jesus instructed his disciples to fetch a colt that no one had ever ridden, symbolizing his humility and the peaceful nature of his mission.
- 🌿 The people spread garments and palm branches, a customary sign of greeting a king, but they failed to recognize the true purpose of Jesus' entry, expecting a political savior rather than a spiritual one.
- 🎉 The crowd's acclamation of Jesus as the 'Son of David' reflected their nationalistic hopes for a leader to free them from Roman occupation.
- 🕊️ Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem signifies his grief over the people's misunderstanding and the tragic consequences that their nationalistic fervor would bring.
- ✝️ Jesus' mission was to bring peace, not through military might or political power, but through the spiritual salvation offered by his teachings and ultimate sacrifice.
- 🇮🇱 The nationalistic spirit of the crowd is contrasted with the message of peace and the importance of recognizing the 'things that belong to peace,' which is a call for righteousness and the rejection of sin.
- 📖 The script emphasizes the importance of knowing one's Bible to understand the true nature of Jesus' mission, as the people failed to recognize the significance of his riding a donkey, which is a symbol of peace.
- 🏛️ Jesus' actions in the temple, inspecting and questioning the activities within, reveal his focus on spiritual reform rather than engaging with the Roman authorities.
- ⛰️ The geographical context of Jerusalem and its surrounding hills is used to set the scene for Palm Sunday, highlighting the massive scale of the pilgrimage and the intensity of the people's expectations.
- 👑 The discourse challenges modern notions of nationalism and the use of force, urging instead a return to the principles of peace and righteousness as taught by Jesus.
- 🙏 The application of the Palm Sunday narrative to contemporary life encourages individuals to invite Jesus to inspect every part of their lives, seeking the peace that comes from overcoming personal sins and embracing spiritual transformation.
Q & A
What is the significance of Palm Sunday in the Christian tradition?
-Palm Sunday marks the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and it is often symbolized by the waving of palm branches. It is seen as a day of triumph for Jesus, but also a day of deep significance as it leads to the events of Holy Week and ultimately the crucifixion.
Why did Jesus choose to ride a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?
-Jesus chose to ride a donkey as a symbol of peace and humility, contrasting with the typical image of a conquering king on a warhorse. This act was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a demonstration of his mission of peace.
What was the crowd's initial reaction to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem?
-The crowd initially reacted with great excitement and celebration, viewing Jesus as a potential political leader who could liberate them from Roman rule. They hailed him as the 'Son of David' and spread their garments and palm branches on the road before him.
Why did Jesus weep over Jerusalem during his Palm Sunday entry?
-Jesus wept over Jerusalem because he foresaw the tragic future of the city and its people. He lamented their failure to recognize the true nature of his mission, which was to bring spiritual salvation rather than political liberation.
What does the phrase 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' signify in the context of Palm Sunday?
-The phrase 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' is a quote from Psalm 118 and was used by the crowd to hail Jesus. However, it was also a nationalist and militaristic phrase that the crowd used to express their hope for a military leader who would liberate them from Roman rule.
What was the significance of the garments being spread on the road?
-Spreading garments on the road was an act of honor and respect, similar to a red carpet in modern times. In the context of the script, it was also a historical act performed for leaders who were seen as liberators, indicating the crowd's hope for Jesus to lead a political revolution.
Why did the crowd's attitude towards Jesus change so dramatically from Palm Sunday to his crucifixion?
-The crowd's attitude changed because they were expecting a political savior who would free them from Roman oppression. When Jesus did not fulfill their nationalistic expectations and instead focused on spiritual matters, they became disillusioned and turned against him.
What does the term 'Hosanna' mean and why was it used by the crowd during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem?
-The term 'Hosanna' is a Hebrew word meaning 'save us now' or 'help us now.' It was used by the crowd as a plea for immediate deliverance from their oppressors, reflecting their nationalistic hopes for Jesus to lead a revolt against the Romans.
How did the actions and words of the crowd on Palm Sunday reflect their misunderstanding of Jesus' mission?
-The crowd's actions, such as spreading garments and waving palm branches, as well as their words like 'Hosanna' and 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,' reflected their nationalistic and militaristic expectations. They failed to recognize that Jesus' mission was spiritual, not political, leading to a tragic misunderstanding.
What is the modern application of the Palm Sunday story in terms of nationalism and peace?
-The Palm Sunday story serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of nationalism and the use of force to achieve political ends. It encourages a focus on peace, righteousness, and the transformative power of love and forgiveness, as exemplified by Jesus' mission.
How can the message of Palm Sunday be applied to personal faith and daily life?
-The message of Palm Sunday can be applied to personal faith by recognizing that true peace comes not from solving worldly problems but from addressing the spiritual issues within one's own life. It encourages individuals to invite Jesus into every aspect of their lives, seeking transformation and peace through forgiveness and righteousness.
Outlines
📖 The Story of Palm Sunday and Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem
This paragraph narrates the events of Palm Sunday as described in Mark's gospel, where Jesus approaches Jerusalem, sends disciples to fetch a colt, and is welcomed by crowds spreading garments and palm branches. The people's acclamations of Jesus as the coming king are contrasted with his own intentions, leading to a call for spiritual reflection and preparation for the day of visitation.
🏇 The Triumph and Tragedy of Palm Sunday
The second paragraph delves into the dual perspective of Palm Sunday, highlighting the public's view of triumph and Jesus' view of tragedy. It discusses the historical context of Jewish longing for a messiah and the political fragmentation of their land. The narrative emphasizes the people's hope for Jesus to be a political savior and the tragic misunderstanding of his true mission.
🌿 Nationalism and the Misinterpretation of Palm Sunday
This section examines the nationalistic fervor surrounding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, contrasting it with the actual spiritual significance of the event. It explains the crowd's actions and words as expressions of nationalistic aspirations, and how these were misaligned with Jesus' message of peace and spiritual salvation.
😢 The Tragedy of Misunderstanding Jesus' Mission
The fourth paragraph focuses on the tragic misunderstanding of Jesus' mission by the crowd, who expected a military leader to liberate them from foreign rule. It contrasts their nationalist uprising with Jesus' message of peace and the fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the emotional response of Jesus to the misguided expectations.
🐫 The Symbolism of the Donkey and Jesus' True Purpose
This paragraph discusses the significance of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem, a symbol of peace that was overlooked by the crowd. It emphasizes the contrast between the expected military conquest and Jesus' actual mission of establishing peace through his sacrifice. The narrative also touches on the disappointment of the crowd when Jesus did not fulfill their nationalistic hopes.
🕊️ The Pursuit of True Peace and the Rejection of Jesus
The sixth paragraph reflects on the personal and political implications of the events of Palm Sunday. It calls for a deeper understanding of peace beyond the removal of troubles and towards the forgiveness of sins. It also addresses the fickleness of the crowd's support for Jesus and the potential for similar misunderstandings in contemporary society.
🙏 A Prayer for Understanding and Embracing Jesus' Message
The final paragraph is a prayer for insight and readiness to embrace the true purpose of Jesus' coming, which was to save humanity from sin. It asks for the grace to allow Jesus to inspect and purify every aspect of personal and communal life, leading to the peace that comes from forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Palm Sunday
💡Nationalism
💡Triumph and Tragedy
💡Hosanna
💡Donkey
💡Temple
💡Zechariah
💡Peace
💡Sins
💡Disappointment
💡Mob Psychology
Highlights
The story of Palm Sunday as described in Mark's Gospel verses 1 to 11, where Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey.
The disciples are sent to fetch a colt that no one has ever ridden, symbolizing humility and peace.
The people spread their garments and leafy branches on the road, an act of honor and celebration.
The crowd's cries of 'Hosanna', meaning 'save us now', reflect their nationalistic hopes for a political savior.
Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem, expressing his grief for the impending tragedy due to the people's misunderstanding of his mission.
The expectation of Jesus as a nationalist leader leading a revolt against Roman rule, which he subverts by turning to the temple instead of the Roman garrison.
The contrast between the people's desire for a military leader and Jesus' message of peace, as he rides a donkey instead of a warhorse.
The significance of the donkey in biblical prophecy, indicating a peaceful ruler, as opposed to a conquering warrior.
The historical context of the Jewish people's longing for a return to the days of King David and their resistance to foreign rule.
The tragic irony of the crowd's celebration, which Jesus perceives as leading to disaster due to their misinterpretation of his message.
The importance of recognizing the true nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is not of this world, but one of spiritual peace and redemption.
The application of Palm Sunday's lessons to modern times, warning against the dangers of nationalism and the use of force.
The call for introspection and allowing Jesus to inspect and correct the aspects of our lives that are not pleasing to him.
The transformative power of Jesus' message of peace, which offers a different path to resolving conflicts and achieving peace.
The challenge to embrace Jesus' teachings not just as a solution to personal troubles, but as a means to address and overcome sin.
The invitation to pray and reflect on Palm Sunday, seeking to understand its true meaning and to experience the peace that comes from following Jesus.
Transcripts
Mark's gospel verses 1 to 11 the story
of the first Palm Sunday
and when they drew near to Jerusalem
Beth Fiji and Bethany at the Mount of
Olives he sent two of his disciples and
said to them go into the village
opposite you and immediately as you
enter it you will find a cult tied
and on which no one has ever sat untie
it and bring it
and if anyone says to you why are you
doing this say the Lord has need of it
and we'll send it back here immediately
and they went away and found a coat tied
at the door out in the open Street and
they untied it
and those who stood there said to them
what are you doing untying the coat and
they told them what Jesus had said and
they let them go
and they brought the cult to Jesus and
threw their garments on it and he sat
upon it
and many spread their garments on the
road and others spread leafy branches
which they had cut from the fields and
those who went before and those who
followed Cried Out Hosanna blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord
blessed is the kingdom of Our Father
David that is coming hosanna in the
highest and he entered Jerusalem
and went into the temple
and when he had looked round at
everything as it was already late he
went out to Bethany with the twelve
oh God we ask now that in spirit each
one of us may shout Hosanna
May welcome the Lord Jesus afresh
may see in his face
those deeper things that belong to our
peace
that each one of us may be aware of the
day of our visitation
we remember how he said o Jerusalem o
Jerusalem how often would I have
gathered you as a hen gathers her
chickens beneath her wings
and you would not
we pray that we may be prepared to be
gathered under his wings
and find there our safety
and our salvation
amen
in the month of March or April it varied
a little because of the Jewish calendar
about two to two and a half million Jews
left home and they set off on a
pilgrimage that would take them away
from home for a few days
and in the year ad29 which I take to be
the year in which Jesus died that's as
near as we can get in that year they set
off with one question being discussed by
everybody traveling up to Jerusalem and
that was will Jesus Come To The Feast
they realized that if he did come it
would mean the big Showdown
it would mean a crisis in their National
Life
and everybody must have been asking
everybody else have you seen him on the
road some had but not many he had been
making his way up healing people
teaching them on the way
I want you to imagine this scene if you
can there they all are Jerusalem can't
cope with that many visitors and they
have to camp out around the Hills
if you can imagine a nightlight in the
middle of a soup plate you've got the
geography of Jerusalem
there it is nestling in a hollow with a
rim of Hills all around about a mile
away and those Hills are higher than the
city itself
so that you don't see the city until you
come up over the rim of the soup plate
and there it is nestling like a jewel
It's a Wonderful situation and on these
Hills all around they camped for the
Passover
literally millions of them and this is
the setting for Palm Sunday on that
morning Jesus left the home in which he
was staying which was just over the top
of the rim on the Jericho side the last
time we saw Jesus Sunday night a week
ago he was down in Jericho now he's
climbed nearly 3
500 feet
he's staying here in Bethany just over
the Mount of Olives he will catch his
first glimpse of the city down here
and so that morning he set out and he
sent the disciples for that coat I was
very tempted to preach this morning on
the use of our possessions and I would
have used the coat
as an illustration of a man who said
when the Lord needs it he can have it
and that's all that Jesus needed to say
I I need your donkey as he may say to
you on a Sunday morning I need your car
or I need this or I need that will you
use it for the Lord and the man
immediately let him have the coat
it was a cowboy who reading this story
said Jesus must have had wonderful hands
to get on a coat on which no man has
ever said
and then write it through a shouting mob
numbering thousands and thousands it
takes a police horse years to learn that
and the cowboy said Jesus must have had
wonderful hands you get a unique
impression of our Lord's control of men
of animals of every situation
but that's not the main theme this
morning
I want to ask the question what was
really happening on Palm Sunday
what was really happening
I know we've had the story since we were
that high I know we think it's all
exciting and tremendous and Jesus riding
in with the crowds adulation
nevertheless
when we ask what is really happening we
are a bit shaken when we discover
to the crowds it was a day of tremendous
Triumph
to Jesus it was a day of terrible
tragedy
and it depends entirely which view you
take as to how you feel today whether
you feel excited and happy or whether
you feel
a sense of being oppressed
with all that Jesus saw that day
well now let's look first of all at Palm
Sunday from the point of view of the
crowds and the disciples they had waited
one thousand years for this day and
that's an awful long time to wait
and father had passed on the dream to
son and son and passed on the dream to
grandson and they were all waiting for
one thing to happen and it was this they
were waiting for David's Throne to be
occupied again
a thousand years before this day
they had known a time of peace
prosperity and a wonderful king a king
after God's Own Heart everything went
beautifully it was the Golden Age of
their history and it had never been the
same since it's a sorry tale and much as
I would like to give you a history
lesson now I know that history is boring
but I want to give you just a little bit
of the sorry tale of this Thousand Years
very soon after King David died
because of his son Solomon's policies
there was Civil War and the nation
divided never to unite again
from then on they had a succession of
Kings some of them good most of them bad
and after that they began to be invaded
by other powers as Syria came Babylon
came
and they lost the land altogether for
about 70 years some of them managed to
crawl back and build a wee little Temple
on the site of the big one that Solomon
had built
and they tried to maintain their life
there
but other Invaders came from another
Direction the syrians came the Egyptians
overran them then Alexander the Great
marched and the Greeks took over
and finally the Romans marched and by
the time Jesus began his ministry
Palestine was cut up into little bits
it wasn't even one land it was divided
far worse than Germany as today
a little bit in the north belonged to a
man called Philip and his Capital was
caesarea Philippi
Galilee belonged to Herod the grandson
of the man who'd killed those babies at
Bethlehem
a chunk in the middle belonged to the
Samaritans
Jerusalem and the bit around that was
governed by a Roman Governor Pontius
Pilate who'd taken over Direct Control
and the whole land was cut into little
bits
and they just lived for the day when
they would have their own land to
themselves again it's quite natural that
all these hopes should be expressed in
one word David David
do you know that when any Jewish boy was
born
the parents would rush out into the
street and Shout dowies dowies
meaning a boy has been born and it might
be another David who could get back the
land for us and be our King and every
mother who had a child hoped that their
baby would be that King and sit on his
on the throne of the land again it's a
very wonderful story
how for a thousand years they kept alive
the hope that one day there would be
another king like David
now being an enemy occupied territory
this had bred quizlings collaborators
Tax Collectors a resistance movement
known as the zealots
acts of terrorism were taking place in
fact if you could read the story then
you'd realize it's so like today it's so
up to date
the whole situation was crying out for
the right man to come
and if I asked what was the real meaning
of Palm Sunday in the eyes of the crowd
one word will answer it nationalism
it was a nationalist demonstration
it was a crowd of people who were fed up
with others ruling their country
fed up with being a colony
fed up with not having their own land to
themselves and their own ruler over them
and it was nothing more or less than a
nationalist demonstration a protest
movement a March
now that becomes strangely relevant
in their eyes
they had found the right leader
they had tried some months earlier up in
Galilee to make him King and he had
refused
now they thought he's willing and what a
king to have can you imagine finding a
king to rule over your land who's a
wonderful teacher
a friend of everybody no matter what
their class or background a man who can
heal and work miracles a man who loves
the Common People a man who's fond of
children a man who's fair and wise and
just and merciful a man who puts
hypocritical religious rulers in their
place
now man who can even raise the dead
wouldn't you want a man like that to
Reign Over England
wouldn't you be thrilled if the king of
England were like this
well that's the man they'd found
and when he came riding over the brow of
the hill with all the crowds waiting
there they said this is it
he's going to be king he's accepted our
offer no wonder they got excited so
there's no doubt in the people's minds
as to what was happening the Throne of
David was not going to be vacant for
another 24 hours
it was a tide of nationalist feeling
the end of foreign domination the end of
a divided country
now somebody may be saying in their
minds how does he know it was all this
how does he know it was nationalism
isn't he just trying to update the Bible
by linking it to a modern newspaper no
I'm not
look at two things and this will prove
to you that it was nothing more or less
in their minds than a nationalist
demonstration first look at what they
said and second look at what they did
every single word they said and Every
Act they did on that Sunday was sheer
nationalism let me show you what did
they say
they said Hosanna Hosanna what does that
mean
if you think it means a kind of Glorious
hello or a great hail or some greeting
some Act of Praise then think again it
means nothing of the sort
in modern Christian worship Hosanna now
means Praise Him
but he didn't then
it is a Hebrew word
and you know what it means it means this
save us now
that's what it means
it's an expression of impatience
it is saying get us out of our troubles
now now is the time to fight now is the
time to meet the enemies and Tackle them
save us now and shouting Hosanna
was just like singing the freedom song
it was a military phrase look at what
else they said do you notice how the
name David comes in again and again son
of David
Kingdom of Our Father David there are
the words you can see that they're
thinking of a political coup
look at even the phrase blessed is he
that cometh in the name of the lord it's
from a Passover psalm
which was about the defeat of the
Egyptians and when you read Psalm 118
you know what it's all about it's all
about cutting off our enemies
and when they quoted that Psalm they
were shouting a political nationalist
militarist phrase
now look at what they did we think it's
lovely that they took down palms and
waved The Palms and strew the road with
the palms and we think it's wonderful
that they took their garments off and
they put them down in the dust
what did those actions mean the clue
lies in their own history
once before they had done both these
things on two separate occasions do you
know when
do you know of the occasion when they
actually took their garments and put
them in the road outside Jerusalem they
did it once in the Old Testament
it was for a man called jihu
and he was coming
to throw ahab's house and Jezebel off
the throne
he was coming as a resistance leader
he was coming as a terrorist and he was
coming to liberate the children of
Israel from the domination and
exploitation of an evil royal family and
they took their garments off and they
put them in the road for jihu
he was the man you remember who driveth
furiously and he was coming at a great
Pace in a chariot up that road and they
threw their garments in front of him and
the chariot wheels went over it was a
military action
and what about the Palms
this is not in the Old Testament but in
the Apocrypha in that 400 years between
Malachi and Matthew there there was one
and only one occasion when they got the
throne back
and it was under a family of Brothers
who were very skilled resistance
Fighters they were called The Maccabees
I'm sure at least the choir is heard of
Judas Maccabees but others of you have
heard of this family of seven brothers
who fought the Greeks and who managed
for a very few years to put one of their
own number on the throne again
and you know when Judas Maccabees or
rather Simon maccabeus came to Jerusalem
they pulled Palm leaves and they waved
Palm leaves to welcome this resistance
leader
who was going to set them free
now I hope I haven't spoiled Palm Sunday
for you but that's what it was
that's why they shouted Hosanna that's
why they took their coats off and put
them in the dust that's why they wave
Palm leaves this was a military leader
this was a man who'd set them free and
it was a nationalist Uprising and the
leaders in Jerusalem said look the whole
world has gone after him
that's what it was in their eyes and
they were thrilled they were bursting
with excitement and pride can you see
the disciples James and John making
quite sure they're walking on the right
and the left of the donkey can't you see
them
thrilled this is what we've left the
fishing for this was what it was all
about isn't it great look at them all
looking at us and we're near him and oh
they were so bursting with it you can
sense what they thought was happening
but the tragedy is that when you look at
our Lord he's crying
the word used is this he's sobbing
he's burst into tears
and they look at him and they think it's
tears of joy they think he must be so
happy with it all that he's overcome
with his emotions no he's not he thinks
it's the most tragic thing they've done
I know he allowed it to happen I know he
came
but when he looks at that crowd
who think it's a day of Triumph he sees
it as a day of terrible tragedy
now why what has gone wrong it's a
terribly strong word used of Jesus here
he loved this place he loved this people
and his heart ached for them
he could see that this kind of
nationalism would lead them to utter
disaster
and indeed if you study his words on
this occasion in the other gospels you
find that he predicted to the people at
that point I can see already
remparts besieging the city I can see
women and children being slaughtered I
can see this whole city wiped out
nationalism leads to that
those who live by the sword will die by
the swords of Jesus and you know that in
the year ad70 only 40 years after Palm
Sunday what Jesus saw would happen did
they Rose against the Romans and the
Roman might under Titus crash that City
killed one million one hundred thousand
inhabitants in it
and during The Siege they were so
reduced that they were eating dung and
even cooking their own children to get
something to eat it's an appalling story
which you can read in this in the
history of Josephus and Jesus saw all
that
he saw that if that's the kind of
Kingdom you want if this is the kind of
feeling that is going to stir you then
it will lead you to utter ruin and
disaster and he wept over them
you see the thing that they had not
noticed
which he had deliberately done
they had not noticed the animal on which
he rode
that is the tragedy of Palm Sunday
all their eyes were on him
they had no eyes for the animal on which
he rode and that's the key to it all
if you are coming as a military leader
you come on a horse
or even with a chariot as jihu did or as
Simon Maccabees did
but he came on a nest
and it's the one animal you don't use in
battle
you try
you'll be as effective as Don Quixote
you'll be as ineffective
he had deliberately chosen an s
and if they'd known their Bibles and he
was often telling people the reason you
get wrong ideas is that you don't know
your bibles if they had known their
Bibles in Zechariah the prophet it said
that the king would come to Jerusalem
humble
make not a fighter but as a prince of
peace riding on a nurse
when General Allenby in the first World
War the British general liberated
Jerusalem he rode up to Jerusalem on a
war charger of a horse and then when he
came within sights of the gates he
realized he shouldn't come as that
and he dismounted and he took his
military cap off
and he walked bareheaded into Jerusalem
he could not enter that city as a man of
war
do you know that the word Jerusalem
means peace city of Peace the end part
of its Salem is the same as the word
shalom
the greeting peace that you give to Jews
in Israel today it was always meant to
be the city where peace would be from
which peace would flow to the whole
world this was God's intention it was
not meant to be a city of War
the city where peace was made and from
which peace could reach the whole earth
and Jesus came to bring peace to the
whole world from that City and indeed he
has done he's made Peace by the blood of
his cross that was why he came he was
coming for peaceful purposes
to bring the peace of God to a world
that needed it
and they misunderstood because they
didn't see the Donkey
they only saw him
their disappointment with him was great
because as you come up imagine the scene
you come down from Mount of Olives past
the Garden of Gethsemane over the kedron
brook up the other side towards the
Magnificent Golden Gate which by the way
has been bricked up ever since the only
gate of Jerusalem that you can't go
through now and Ezekiel said it was for
the king not for anybody but coming up
to the Golden Gate in his day which was
wide open
when he got through it they would expect
him to turn right
because over here at the corner of the
temple area was the Roman Garrison
and to their horror when he came through
the gate he turned left
and he made for the temple
that was shattering
he didn't even
take one look at the Roman Garrison or
at the soldiers he went right into the
place of worship and he began to look in
every cupboard
and every back room
he began to say and what's going on in
here
what's going on in there
now this shook them
they thought he was coming to deal with
the Romans and here he was dealing with
them there were things in those
cupboards and in those rooms that they
didn't want him to see
and it was profoundly disturbing
and he was looking all around the temple
and then he simply said it's getting
late
and he went out down the valley up the
Mount of Olives and over the hill and
away
the most disappointing anti-climax
I wonder what they thought
they were so disappointed with him that
within days they were shouting crucify
him and the mob psychology of it is
utterly true to life
if you have once roused a nationalist
mob
and then do not do what they want you to
do
the mob will turn right around and
that's precisely how the cross took
place within the week
where were the people on the Friday when
Jesus died where were they those who'd
shouted Hosanna they were still in
Jerusalem
not one would lift a finger to him why
well because they were disappointed with
Jesus
and one of the things Jesus said on Palm
Sunday I think is the most important
thing
apart from saying I'd love to have
protected you I would love to have drawn
this city and this people under my
protection as a hen gathers of chicks
that's a lovely picture and he said you
wouldn't come like that you wanted me to
fight you wanted me to be a Cockerel you
wanted to have a cockpit here and I
wanted to be a hen Gathering you as
chicks under her Wing but the thing he
said that was most revealing was this
wood that you had known
the things that belong to your peace
what does he mean
he's saying if only you had understood
how peace comes
but they didn't
so I must finish and I want to apply
this morning very practically
first at a political level and second at
a personal level what has all this got
to do with us simply this this crowd was
made up of men like me
and women like you and young people it
was made up of ordinary people and in
them we can see a mirror to ourselves
now here is the political application
the Nationalist spirit is characteristic
of our times
the desire to protest the desire to have
big demonstrations the desire to
overthrow those who oppress the desire
to use Force this is a desire that is
rampant in our world
this is the new world in which we live
and it's an old world
in every continent
in America North and South in Europe in
Africa in Asia this spirit is abroad
and one wants to say to such people
again and again would that you knew the
things that belong to your peace
may I say that I don't think it is up to
Britain now I don't think it is possible
for Britain now to be a peacemaker and a
world leader in peace because we do not
understand the things that belong to our
peace
what does belong to our peace
I'll tell you righteousness exalts a
nation but sin is a reproach to any
people and if Britain is ever going to
be a peacemaker in the world we shall
only be a peacemaker if we are prepared
to let Jesus come and inspect every
cupboard in Britain
and look at our life in all its aspects
and begin with us
it's all very well to say it's always
them it's always that Nation it's always
that race it's always the other people
but Jesus said I've come to look around
your life
and there's perhaps plenty in our
national life at the moment
that we would not like Jesus to see
oh if we knew the things that belong to
peace
and so we say release to us Barabbas now
Barabbas was a nationalist
insurrectionist release unto us
mercarios release unto us this man and
the people have been in prison one year
are the leaders of the nation the next
and Jomo Kenyatta comes out of jail
becomes the Prime Minister and so life
goes on release unto us Barabbas and
what shall we do with Jesus he's
irrelevant away with him you can see the
crowd psychology in this politically we
need to say to Wales and to Scotland
nationalism is not the thing that brings
peace
we need to say it to ourselves
the other thing we need to say is
personal
it's easy enough to welcome Jesus as the
answer to our troubles
it's easy enough to say Jesus Come into
my life I'm unhappy and I want to be
happy Jesus Come into my life I'm bored
and I want to be interested
but Jesus can weep over that and say I
want to come in and put right what is
wrong with you
I've not just come to deliver you from
your troubles I've come to deliver you
from your sins that is what belongs to
your peace
if we want the Peace of Jesus then we
must welcome him on Palm Sunday and say
Jesus come in and inspect every part of
my life
that's what belongs to my peace
that's why he comes riding on an S
he is not coming to get us out of our
troubles but out of our sins
that is the heart of all true peace let
us pray
Lord Jesus on this Palm Sunday we
remember how many people misunderstood
you
how they misunderstood the purpose of
your coming
and you knew all along that you had come
to die to save us from our sins
Lord we pray that we may be ready to
have you come and inspect our worship
every part of this Temple of Praise that
we have erected this morning
we pray that you will inspect the
temples of Our Lives
and look into every nook and cranny and
if there is something there that is not
pleasing we pray that you will deal with
it and bring us into the Peace of
forgiveness
help us to celebrate Palm Sunday in this
worthy way
help us to understand what it is all
about and to give you the True Glory as
the coming Savior and Lord
amen
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