Matthew 21:4-5…Ready

Matthew 21:4-5…Ready

21:4  This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet 5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion,‘ See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches how Jesus comes not to Conquer the world, but to bring Peace & Salvation to the world by dying for our sins” → Jesus’ kingship is not like Caesar, or Alexander the Great. His presidency is not like the presidency of the United States. Jesus is not a King who’s going to rule with an iron fits. He’s not going to tax you with a bunch of rules and rituals. He’s not going to rule with fear and intimidation, but with love and compassion. Only later at His Second coming will Jesus come on a White Horse.-(Rev. 7:9-10)

“Even today, Jesus comes not to bring worldly benefits but spiritual befits. Jesus comes for the deeper needs of the heart, bringing peace, hope, and transformation to the places we need it most “ ⇒ We would never have seen Jesus for who He really is if God hadn’t opened our hearts to this truth. And without the help of His Spirit, we would never see that our greatest need has nothing to do with our political freedoms, or lack thereof, or our finances, or our reputation, or even our physical health. That our greatest need is spiritual. We’re tempted to think in worldly terms, even selfish terms of what we think we need. When what we need do is to confess that our greatest need is forgiveness of our sins, and reconciliation with God. That we’ve all sinned against a Holy God, and we can’t save ourselves from the penalty, power of sin. Only a King, who comes to deal with our sin can offer us the hope that we need.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches how we can put full confidence in the Scriptures. (Our is not a blind faith, prophecy is just one of them)

Teaches how faithful and blind obedience to Christ’s command often fulfills prophecy without even knowing it.

Calls for trusting in God’s promises and plan, despite appearances that may suggest otherwise.

Teaches how oftentimes God’s Salvation comes in unexpected ways.

Teaches how it’s not what you own or how successful a person you are that makes you great in God’s eyes, but how meek and humble you are.

We have to ask is Jesus purposely orchestrating and manipulating behind the scenes in order to fulfill prophecy? As a human being No, but as God Yes. For there is never a moment and never a time, where God wasn’t at work. Where God isn’t working, preparing, and planning in a purposeful way. Think about it, could the human being Jesus orchestrate His own virgin birth? I don’t think so! Do you think the human being Jesus could have orchestrated being a Jew or the descendant of King David? I don’t think so. Could the human being Jesus orchestrates His betrayal by a close friend in being sold for thirty pieces of silver, beaten, mocked, crucified with the transgressors, buried with the rich, and raised from the dead in the fulfillment pf prophecy? I don’t think so! Yet, what we witness throughout the narrative is that, while Jesus humbly submits Himself to the Father’s will, each event unfolds in exact alignment with the ancient promises and purposes of God. Not a single detail is left to chance—every step, every encounter, every act is woven into the grand tapestry of redemption. In this, we see that Jesus is not merely a passive participant in history but the sovereign King whose divine authority and foreknowledge ensure the fulfillment of God’s plan, even through the hands of those who oppose Him. This orchestration points us to the confidence we can have in God’s faithfulness: that He is always at work, even in ways we may not immediately perceive, and that His promises, declared long ago, are unfailingly brought to completion in Christ. If this is true, it wouldn’t be too far fetch of a thing to think that God has been orchestrating the events in your own life. Using your life, your family, your circumstances so you could know Him.

In context Zachariah’s prophesy is meant to encourage and spur on the Israelites who have been in exile for 70 years in Babylon. Promising God’s deliverance from the foreign nations around them. Subduing them from oppressing His covenant people. He would also find a remnant among them who would worship Him. In our passage, He announced the advent of the long-awaited king, a future Davidic ruler who would cease wars and bring peace to the world. Such good news prompted God to issue a command to His covenant people, saying, Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! (v 9).

Notice when Matthew quoted the passage of Zachariah he left out part of the prophesy that says “Rejoice greatly Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem“. Which you would think, well, that’s odd. Isn’t this the time when people will be shouting, praising, and rejoicing in Jesus arrival as KIng. That yes there would be great fanfare at Jesus’ arrival on Palm Sunday as He rode into Jerusalem. But Matthew also knew how the week would unfold with the cries of “Crucify Him”. Matthew also leaves out “He is righteous and having salvation”. That yes Jesus came to Save and show grace. But many rejected Him. Later When Jesus returns He will bring Salvation to those who repent and justice and judgment to those who continue in rebellion.

HOW JESUS IS NOT LIKE EARTHLY KINGS

1. Humility: Unlike many earthly kings who are often proud and seek to elevate themselves, Jesus is known for his humility. He washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating servant leadership

2. Love and Compassion: Jesus ruled with love and compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and showing mercy to sinners. His kingdom is built on love rather than fear

3. Spiritual Kingdom: While earthly kings rule over physical territories, Jesus spoke of a spiritual kingdom not built by human hands

4. Sacrifice: Jesus sacrificed himself for the salvation of humanity, a stark contrast to kings who often demand sacrifices from their subjects

5. Forgiveness: Jesus emphasized forgiveness and repentance, offering grace to those who turn to him

6. Eternal Reign: Unlike earthly kings whose reigns are temporary, Jesus is believed to rule eternally