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Sermon Notes  March 13, 2011

Mark 11: 1-11

Intro:   Palm Sunday … walking from Mount of Olives to                                 Gethsemene… group of eastern European Christians

In parade with palm branches…  singing…Hosanna!

t/s – So Important Christians remember every year… Palm Sunday.

 

We will examine one of the most dramatic Scenes from the Life of Jesus.  It is the story of…..A Pregnant Pause.  A dramatic silence that captures attention and allows for Reflection, Transition, Emphasis

 

Tell the Story

  • Jesus avoided Jerusalem the last half of ministry (opposition)
  • When he finally came, the religious authorities had already decided to kill him.  He did not sneak in with a disguise, nor crawl over wall at night…  He came in a Parade!
  • Describe 11: 7-11

 

t/s – Reflection (What Just happened?)

Anticipation (What about to Happen?…Slow Motion to Cross)

Emphasis…

 

I Am the Savior King (Read vs. 7-10)

Exp – Jesus made a bold, public, orchestrated Proclamation with

This parade….Riding into Jerusalem on a Donkey.

  • Do Not Tell.  My Hour has not yet come..  NOW!
  • Zechariah 9:9 (written 500 years before)
  • The crowds Understood and sang Psalm 118:26
  • Hosanna – O Lord Save Us!

 

ILL – C.S. Lewis and Josh McDowell… Liar, Lunatic or Lord!

— Not possible to call him just a good man

 

App – “To You, Who Is Jesus?”

n      Is He the Messiah, the Legitimate Savior King of All?

n      Yes or No?!  Order Your Life Accordingly

 

t/s – Not Only Who, but also Why?!

I Came to Die (to Lay down My Life)            Read vs. 1-6, 11

Exp – There is a real tension in this story… (the whine of violins)

  • Why all the mystery around the donkey?

Supernatural knowledge or Human Vulnerability

  • Why travel two miles by foot to spend night outside city?

 

Jesus was very aware of the plans to Kill Him  (brewing betrayal)

 

Jesus entered Jerusalem on donkey, not a Stallion (imagine Romans)

His supporters were armed with Palm branches, not swords

He went not to the Tower that housed the military might of the Land, but to the Temple… the Place of Sacrifice!

 

Psalm 118: 26-27

 

ILL – The latin word for Cross is “Crux”

The basic and decisive point…central issue

The Cross is the Crux

 

ILL – Imagine helping a child study, Who was George Washington?

— Real Tall, married to Martha, wooden teeth… !?!

 

App – Test on Jesus —

Jesus is the Savior King who Laid down His Life of Cross.

 

The pregnant pause in the midst of the Crowd, standing in the Temple, serves to emphasize the Claim just made and the coming Climax.

I am the Savior King.  I am here to Lay down My Life.

 

Conclusion

Picture Him…Riding into Jerusalem on a Donkey… Humble..

Makes 3rd Statement:  You Can Reject Me.  (will not force my Rule)

  • Future Come with Sword, Eyes of Flame, Irresistable Power

 

Imagine yourself in the crowd.  You hear the noise, the rush to the street, Jesus is coming… Will You mind your own business, head down, mouth shut, trying to avoid making a decision…. Or will you Join the Parade of Praise?                “Hosanna!  Lord Save Me!”