Sermon Notes

Palm Sunday has been celebrated in churches as far back as the 4^th century but became a regular observance since the 19^th century in Anglican churches.

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was rightly honoured as King and saviour. Palm Sunday services also remember Jesus’ final week on Earth, leading up to his crucifixion, burial and resurrection to eternal life.

One city, one Jesus, different reactions

It is curious that during Jesus’ final week, we see different reactions to Jesus within the same city:

• Those who honoured and praised him as a saviour and king
• Those who didn’t know who he was
• And keeping within the same time period, the religious rulers, who rejected him and did everything to make sure he was crucified.

Jesus – the unknown

Who?

Perhaps the largest in number, of all the groups we are discussing here. Those who did not know Jesus.

Attributes

The only reason this group is aware of Jesus, is because they just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Up to that point, they may never have heard of Jesus, or plain ignored what people said about him elsewhere.

A Christian response

When an unbeliever comes face-to-face as it were, with a proclamation of Jesus, some will ask “who is this”? We must be ready to give an answer and share the hope that we ourselves hold dear.

Jesus – the blasphemer

Who?

Religious leaders, the educated, the theologians of Jesus’ day.

Despite having studied and accumulated much knowledge, pride of status and tradition has blinded them to who Jesus really is.

A Christian response

The prideful and educated can often be the hardest to reach. If it seems like straight talk is never enough to cut through, ‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective’ (James 5:16 NIV).

Jesus – Lord and Saviour

Who?

These are they who recognised Jesus for who he truly was.

Attributes

The believers followed him. They worshipped him. They had knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, proclaiming and quoting the prophetic Psalms, and they gave of their time and things of great personal value.

A Christian response

This is why Christians celebrate Palm Sunday and indeed Easter. It is the most important time in Jesus’ ministry. Indeed, one could say, it is for this reason God became flesh and dwelt amongst us. It is why we worship him today.

Who is Jesus to you?

There will come a day, when we all have to bow our knee before Jesus and give an account. What determines our future after that, is how we regard Jesus in our heart whilst on this Earth.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He would welcome all who call on his name.

Questions for further study and discussion

1. Why do you think some people recognised Jesus as King and Messiah while others did not?
2. Why did those who gave honour and praised Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, cut down palm leaves, and through their clothes on the road, given that clothes are personal and valuable items and cutting down palm leaves takes time and effort?
3. Thinking of those in the city who did not know Jesus, what might it take to get them to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour?
   • Seeing a miracle? (read Luke 16:19-31)
   • Knowing the scriptures? (John 3:4-10)
4. How do the reactions of people mentioned in Matthew 21:8-11, reflect those in our own society today? If they are so similar, why do you think that is?
5. Who is Jesus to you? Is he someone you have always grown up with or did you come to know him later in life?
   • Has your view of Jesus changed over time, if so, how?