A King for the Nations

·33 min·3 clips

Why does Matthew spend seven verses detailing Jesus' choice to ride a baby donkey into Jerusalem?

The episode opens with a reading of Matthew 21:1-11, describing Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. The speaker notes that Matthew devotes seven verses to Jesus' mode of transport, highlighting its significance. He explains that Jesus' choice fulfills Zechariah 9:9, portraying a gentle king rather than a military conqueror. The sermon contrasts this with Judas Maccabeus, who entered Jerusalem on a war horse during the Maccabean Revolt. The crowds shout 'Hosanna' from Psalm 118, meaning 'save us,' but misunderstand Jesus' purpose. Jesus had already predicted his crucifixion three times in Matthew 20. The speaker then discusses Jesus clearing the temple courts, showing his mission includes judgment and restoring access for Gentiles. The sermon shifts to Revelation, where John hears of the 'lion of Judah' but sees a slain lamb, symbolizing Jesus' coronation through sacrifice. Early Christians faced Roman persecution and doubted Jesus' kingship, but Revelation reassured them. The speaker offers four takeaways: the value of singing scripture-based songs, Jesus' global mission for all nations, the need to cry 'Hosanna' in trouble, and the call for Christians to embrace sacrifice like Jesus. He shares a personal story about a woman who doubted her worthiness, emphasizing that trust in Jesus is sufficient. The sermon concludes with Hebrews 2, affirming Jesus' glorification after humiliation.

As heard by us

Matthew 21 moves from procession to judgment to prayer.

This sermon on Matthew 21 stays close to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem: the donkey and colt, the cloaks and branches, and the crowd's Hosannas to the son of David.

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Why you'd press play

Palm Sunday, with the road lined by cloaks and branches.

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