Character of Jesus 67

The Character of Jesus 67

Triumphal Entry

(Matthew 21:1 – 17, Mark 11:1 – 11, Luke 19:29 – 44, John 12:12 – 19)

• Characteristic:  Focused even in chaos
  • Each gospel adds a few extra details.
    • Luke 19:29 – 35  Obtaining the donkey and colt
    • Mark 11:2  On which no one had sat
    • Matthew 21:4 – 5 Zechariah’s prophecy “fulfilled” (John 12:14 – 15 says “As it is written”)  John 12:16 adds that the disciples did not understand.
    • Matthew 21:8 – 11 Palm fronds and coats on the road.  The crowds were those who had come early to the festival (4 days until Passover), to be cleansed (John 11:55 – 57).
    • Luke 19:39 – 44  Pharisees upset over the spectacle.  Jesus laments the destruction of Jerusalem per Daniel 9:26 – 27.
    • Luke 19:45 – 46  Cleansing the Temple again (also Matthew 21:12 – 13)
    • Matthew 21:14 – 17  Jesus healed many.  Jewish leadership complain about the chanting of the people.  Jesus responded with Psalm 8, all of which is remarkably applicable.
    • Luke 19:47 – 48  Jesus taught daily in the Temple.  The leadership plotted but were unable to execute due to the adoring crowds.
    • John 12:17 – 19  Lazarus also was an attraction.  The leaders felt helpless.
  • Jesus was careful to meet the legitimate predictions about the Messiah
    • The Zechariah prophecy about the Messiah starts in 9:9 and goes to the end of the book.
    • Cleansing the Temple a second time as Isaiah 56:8.
  • Jesus understood the impact of Daniel 9:26 – 27 on real people, not just the prediction and its accomplishment.
  • Jesus still took time to heal despite being pressed for time before His end.
  • Jesus defended the excitement of the people even though it may have been somewhat misguided.
  • Jesus did not retire from the danger as previously because He knew what needed to be played out in the symbolism that had been carefully orchestrated (e.g., Passover lamb, delivery from slavery to sin, affliction, and haste to reach the promised rest.)
• Application:  Focused even in chaos
  • Do we know the predictions about the church?
    • John 17:20 – 23 – united, consistent, impossible character
    • 2 Corinthians 5:11  Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men
  • Are we stirred by the plight of those who missed the message?
    • Revelation 20:11 – 15  Judgment Day scene
    • Romans 2:24  The name of God is blasphemed because of you
  • Do we retire from potential adversity?
    • Philippians 1:19 – 30  To you it has been granted to suffer for His sake
  • Do we defend excitement even when it may be somewhat misguided?
    • Philippians 1:15 – 18  Whether in pretense or truth, Christ is preached