Living Life in the Present Tense | John 12:12-16 | March 25, 2018
Channel: International Christian Church
Date: 2018-03-30

Today is Palm Sunday. It’s the day we that celebrate one of the great events in the ministry of Jesus. It occurred on his final journey to Jerusalem.

This morning I want us to take a closer look at the details of this story, as we also consider what this event in Jesus’ life can teach us today.

Side Road #1:  Palm branches aren’t associated with Passover; they’re associated with Sukkot, the Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacle (Leviticus 23:26-43). 

Side Road #2: It is significant that Jesus came into the city on the foal of a donkey. 

As we look at this Palm Sunday story, I want to make three observations about Jesus’ decision to enter Jerusalem in this manner, to the cheers of the crowd and the praises of the people.

1. Jesus knew that in the coming days he would suffer a humiliating death, and yet he made the triumphant entry. (See Luke 19:40; Zechariah 9:9)


2. Jesus knew that many in the crowd would turn against him, and yet he received their praise.


3. Jesus knew that his followers wouldn’t fully understand the events as they occurred, and yet he asked them to participate. (Verse 16)


There will be victories and defeats in your life. Whichever you are experiencing today, the other is no doubt around the bend. Each event has its meaning. Even when you don’t fully understand all that is going on around you, you can still practice awareness. You can live each moment with your eyes open wide, and your heart receptive to what God is doing. (See Proverbs 3:5, 6).