My grandfather taught me to stand up, out of respect when someone is addressing you. Even at a restaurant, a man stands when his wife approaches the dinner table as a symbol of respect. In the military, when a ranking officer walks in the room, many times they would call the whole room to attention. We appreciated both their authority and their position from the time they came on the base until the time they left. This was a sign of respect.
The Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ was the day Jesus was celebrated with the waving of palms as the Savior of the world because of his authority and his position in our lives. This week, we turn to Luke 19:28 – 40 for our lesson:
28 And when he had said these things, bhe went on ahead, cgoing up to Jerusalem. 29 dWhen he drew near to Bethphage and eBethany, at fthe mount that is called Olivet, he sent gtwo of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, hon which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it ijust as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they jspread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—kthe whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice lfor all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, m“Blessed is nthe King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and oglory in the highest!” 39 pAnd some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, qthe very stones would cry out.”
Jesus was being recognized as the King of the universe in this scripture. Today, we will explore the honored position and sovereignty of Jesus and how we can participate in celebrating Jesus for who He is.
Jesus our sovereign King is worthy of open-handed obedience.
Before the triumphant entry, Jesus planned his entrance on a colt. The disciples met Jesus’ command with open-handed obedience. They found the donkey and told the owners exactly what they needed to hear. They didn’t allow the details to cause them to question God’s instructions. They simply obeyed.
Do we have this kind of open-handed obedience?
The people were looking for the promised Messiah for centuries. Through history and prophecy, puzzle pieces were coming together to tell the story of the true Messiah. Jesus was the only one that fulfilled all of the prophecies that were told about the promised one.
Though he was greater than all, he humbled himself to ride on a donkey. The disciples went without hesitation to get the donkey. Open-handed obedience allowed the disciples to participate in the grand mission of Jesus Christ.
When we are closed-handed with what we think is ours, we are unable to see God move and use our lives for His purpose. However, when we’re open-handed with our things, great and mighty things are awaiting us because we allow God to use us for the purpose we’ve been created.
Can you imagine if you were open-handed what God could do through you?
So, let’s explore. What are you being closed-handed with? Is it money? Service? Wherever God says go, go. Whatever God says do, do. Be open-handed with your obedience.
Jesus, our Sovereign King is worthy of honor and praise.
Before Jesus rode the colt, the disciples laid their outer garment on the donkey as a saddle. Then, all the people began to lay down their outer garments and palms on the ground out of respect as Jesus rode through the streets. At this moment, they celebrated Jesus as their sovereign King. This is how they chose to honor Him. With their voices, they declared praises to God.
This celebration recognized the value of what Jesus came to do. Now, there could be peace in heaven between God and man. This triumphant entry was a recognition of Jesus’ authority and position at that moment. These people praised Jesus publicly in front of their families, colleagues, and employees. Where do you acknowledge your King Jesus?
Do you sing to the Lord with a full heart and a focused mind or are you distracted with your busyness or your preferences? These people were singing to Jesus for all He had done. Jesus is worthy of our public praise. These people were making a joyful noise for all He had done. Let us be intentional about singing a new song that inspires us to focus on God.
This worship was so grand that the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke his followers. God deserves praise in song and in every area of our lives. If we don’t praise him, creation will praise him. Find a way to praise Jesus in your daily life.
If you’re on social media, we invite you to use your social media posts to praise Jesus. Use the hashtag #cogginspraise so that our social media team can find you.
Jesus is worthy of our open-handed obedience and He is worthy of honor and praise. Make a commitment today to obey Him with open hands, whether through your giving, service, or obedience to His voice. Search for ways to give God honor and praise in every area of your life today.
