“Jesus Initiates a Different Kind of Conversation” Matthew 21:1-11 (Billy Russell, 4/14/19)

Conversations- Overhearing Jesus Talk with People on Their Journeys

                     “Jesus Initiates a Different Kind of Conversation”

                                                  (Mt.21:1-11)

 

Today is Palm Sunday, ushering in Passion Week, leading up to Easter.

As Michael Card notes, we paradoxically celebrate Jesus’ suffering on our behalf. Jesus has come to Jerusalem to die (Mt.20:28). He gives prophetic instructions, initiating a different kind of conversation: as a king to be honored and praised, yet as a suffering servant, giving his life for us.

 

                              Lessons from Jesus Conversation

 

A prophetic word- centering on who Jesus is (21:1-5; Zech. 9:9)-

     Notice: Jesus initiates the conversation approaching Jerusalem (v.1).

     He engages the disciples in a story that was much anticipated as a

           fulfillment of prophecy by the Messiah (vv.1-5)

     Just as He has told them he was coming to Jerusalem to die, He now

           also reveals himself as a peace-bringing king.

     Center your conversations with others on who Jesus is.

 

A symbolic word- representing who Jesus has come to be (21:6-8)-

     Jesus is enacting the fulfillment of prophecy (vv.6-8).

     The disciples are living out the story! They are walking in living history!

     This symbolic act points to Jesus as being the Messiah.

     What symbolic acts do we participate in which reflect our believe in

          Jesus as the promised One from God?

     Conversations about our baptism and observing the Lord’s Supper are

          helpful to describing our relationship with Jesus and His people.

 

How do we respond to Jesus? Worship - acknowledging/receiving Jesus as King (21:9-11; Ps.118:25-26).

     The crowd responded to Jesus’ entry as if receiving a King (v.8).

     They laid down cloaks/palm branches as an offering of worship (v.8).

     They expressively shouted/praised Jesus (v.9), quoting from a favorite

            song they would sing at Passover (Ps.118). They worshipped Him!

     How do you respond to this prophetic conversation (vv.10-11)?

     What do you say to Jesus in response to the revelation of who He is?

     Who (or what) receives your praise and worship?