Seletar Tamil Methodist Church

Thought for the Month

From Ashes to Beauty


	Pastor's Message
	JESUS THE KING
	Matt 21:1-17
	Intro ‘it is not the donkey, it is the Lord on the donkey . “ blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. It was an important time the Lord chose to reveal himself to the jews. It was a procession that People of Jerusalem had never witnessed in their history. There was a tone victory and exuberance in their shouts and acclamation. The whole of Jerusalem was stirred. They asked “Who is this ?” the pharisees could not take it . They said “ see this is getting us no where. Look how the whole world has gone after him.” Jn 12:19
	1. The Reception to The King
	It was a triumphal entry and it was a decisive entry. It was a royal entry . They welcomed him as pilgrim “ blessed he who comes in the name of the Lord “ ps 118:26 They also called him Son of David. They recognised him as messaiah. The animal he rode explains his mission. Matt21.5 “your king comes to you gentle riding on a donkey.”Zech 9:9 &10 He will be a humble and righteous judge He is the universal king He will proclaim peace to the nations. He will rule from sea to sea and from the rivers to the ends of the earth.” He is the King who brings peace to all the nations. It was symbolic. He was riding on the donkey as prince of peace . ready to take the punishment of peace. He is our peace. Your King comes to you. He is the deliverer .messaiah , Lord.. Prince of peace.
	2. Reaction of Jesus .
	- He wept Luke 19:41 He is The High priest with sympathy and compassion. He loved Israel with the everlasting love. He was not carried away by the exuberance of the crowd. There was sorrow and agony expressed by the Master. The Temple was a masssive structure standing there. Christ saw the inside It was a pathetic condition. Jesus saw the rejection of his message and the possible consequences of rejection; In AD 70 the temple was totally destroyed. Jesus also realised what was going to happen in the next few days. They were His people so He was troubled. - He cleansed the Temple Matt 21:12,13 (Mk 11 It happened on the next day) His temple was called the " House of prayer" Luke 19:45,46 " for all nations" Mk11:27 That missionary purpose of God was lost in the temple It became the den of robbers It became a commercial entity - exploitation of pilgrims and taking away the court that was meant for gentiles. True worship was missinges. Noises were heard instead of praises. God was not glorified and worshiped. It was His temple and so he was zealous about it.
	3.Responses of the people
	-There was this initial positive response. Even the Children joined the crowd. People who have seen and experienced His goodness were there People who have heard about Him Jn 12:17,18 They have acknowledged Him. The whole city was stirred and they were curious to know who Jesus was. They said " This is Jesus The prophet from Nazareth." Matt 21:11 It was witnessing event. -There were some spectators. Jn 12;16 They were part of the crowd but ignorant of what was going on. -The religious leaders resisted Him Luke 19:39 Jn12:19 The Priests and the Lawyers were indignant. They were used to noise so they could not take the praise. The Leaders tried to Kill Him Luke 19:48
	Conclusion
	As the opposition mounted against Jesus The crowd switched allegiance. They joined the crowd to say "crucify Him" What is your response to the Lord today? Is he your King who orders peace in your life? Lift up your gates O you gates Lift them up. The King of glory may come . Invite him as your king to rule over you. Some trust in chariots and some in Horses. But we trust the name of the Lord our God. “blessed is he who came in the name of our Lord.Hosanna in the highest.