Palm Sunday: Robust Public Praise
Passion Week 2021 • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Each of the gospel authors craft the story a little different to support the purpose of their biographical sketch of Jesus. However, there are a few key points inherent within the story.
1. Jesus fulfills prophecy (Zech 9:9). Luke doesn’t include this prophecy in his gospel, but both Matthew and John do. John writes, “Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written” and then quotes Zechariah 9:9 where Jerusalem is called upon to rejoice at the coming of their king. Zechariah offers two purposes in the future King’s coming, (1) the coming King will destroy all that stands in his way and (2) He will both “set prisoners free from the waterless pit” (9:11) and “on that day the Lord their God will save them” (9:16).
In fulfilling this prophecy, Jesus declares himself to be the King who will destroy the enemy and set prisoners free. However, his deliverance would be different than expected and would initially exists in the spiritual realm – only to be physically experienced at a later time.
2. Jesus indirectly declares his deity and messiahship. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem in this manner – fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy – he was indirectly declaring Himself to be the Divine King. This multitude of disciples misunderstood Jesus’ intent, and while their cries of “Hosanna” and “blessed is the King” were correct, their cries were also misunderstood. The people were ready for deliverance, but Jesus had come to save them from their sins, not from their political situation.
3. Jesus corrected misunderstandings. The palm branches indicated the people believed Jesus was entering Jerusalem for political liberation and yet Jesus came in peace. Palm branches were an icon of Jewish independence. At the rededication of the temple in 164 BC, the people “carried boughs and green branches and palms, for him that had given them good success in cleansing his place” (2 Maccabees 10:7). A few decades later, in 141 BC, the people celebrated the winning of full political independence under Simon “And they entered . . . with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and harps, and cymbals . . . because the great enemy was destroyed out of Israel” (1 Maccabees 13:51).
Yet Jesus enters on a donkey. His coming on a donkey fulfilled prophecy but also communicated peace and humility instead of war and judgment as would a warhorse.
4. Jesus provoked Jewish leaders. Typically, Jesus withdrew when religious leaders were provoked. In this instance, however, Jesus purposefully provoked them so that the purposes for his death may be accomplished.
Robust Public Praise
Robust Public Praise
Now for a secondary point. Having quickly acknowledged the primary purpose of the Triumphal Entry, let us consider a secondary point found in two verses unique to Luke.
And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Their praise was public.
Their praise was public.
This scene occurs on the streets. Jesus and his “multitude of disciples” have walked from Bethany and Bethphage, on the road that ascends the Mount of Olives and winds down through the Kidron Valley and back up to Jerusalem. Luke notes that their public praise began on their way down the Mount of Olives and in view of the temple mount.
Their praise drew in others as they walked by. The apostle John reveals in his gospel account the crowd began with those who had witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection, but grew as others heard of what had occurred (Jn 12:17).
Luke informs the reader that the processional ends outside the city gates.
It is public enough for the religious leaders to be aware of it, observing it, and comment to Jesus about it.
Their praise was robust.
Their praise was robust.
They were loud. Luke writes of how they praised God “with a loud voice” (Lk 19:37).
Their praise may well reflect the psalmist’ description, “Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright” (Psa 33:1).
Spurgeon. There are no people in the world who have such a right to be happy, nor have such cause to be joyful as the saints of the living God…. true praise sets the heart ringing its bells, and hanging out its streamers. Never hang your flag at half-mast when you praise God; no, run up every colour, let every banner wave in the breeze, and let all the powers and passions of your spirit exult and rejoice in God your Saviour.[1]
Their praise was unashamed.
Their praise was unashamed.
A. Robust public praise will almost always draw criticism.
This multitude of disciples were inevitably aware of the criticisms of the religious elite.
Luke writes in verse 39 of how some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
As conservative Christians we tend to be cautious in any public expression or public emotion during our corporate worship. We desire to be driven by biblical truth instead of our emotions. As a result, we have almost entirely exiled any type of robust praise – for sure any that would manifest in some form of outward or visible demonstration. “You can sing loud – just don’t move.” I recall once holding up my one hand during a song. Afterward a lady in the church confronted me and admonished my hand raising. “People may come in and think we are charismatic and never come back!” Moments like that suppress enthusiastic praise.
Their praise was informed.
Their praise was informed.
They appropriately held Jesus as the object of their praise.
Specifically, in Luke, they praise Jesus for his works. John mentions Lazarus’ resurrection specifically, but Matthew acknowledges after entering the temple, Jesus as well healed the blind and the lame (Matt 21:14).
Consistently throughout scripture, God is praised for both his character and his works.
God’s Character. God is worthy of our eternal praise prior to our having received any benefit ourselves. The psalmist’ writes, “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:1–3). In these verses, the psalmists offers no benefit to mankind. The praise simply flows from God’s greatness.
God’s Salvation. God’s salvation is of such infinite value at to warrant our praise for all eternity.
God’s Ongoing Blessings. God’s ongoing blessings are constant reminders of His character . . . especially His grace, mercy, and providence.
God’s Providence in Trials. God’s providence through trials, resulting in our spiritual growth, is an appropriate motivation for our praise.
Their praise was naïve.
Their praise was naïve.
I understand this seems to conflict with the previous point.
They understood something accurately about Jesus and thus praised him accordingly. However, they were wrong in several areas.
Gloriously, Jesus received their somewhat informed but mostly naïve praise.
They were inaccurate in their understanding of what Jesus had come to do.
His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. (John 12:16).
They wanted a conquering King on a stallion but instead got a gentle King on a donkey.
Our praise of God is always the same. Our praise of God is muddled with inaccurate understanding and faulty logic and theologically poor wording and less than entirely pure motives. Even though we know it will not be perfect, we should still praise in a robust, public, unashamed fashion.
Purpose statement. Why? Because Jesus deserves (and will receive) praise – even if it is from the rocks.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Mary Bowerman unfolds the story of Karas Oglesby.[2] Three-year-old Karas Oglesby couldn't wait through a homecoming ceremony on Tuesday to hug her dad who had just returned home after being deployed for eight months. After spotting Lt. Daniel Oglesby in the front row of a group of soldiers, the little girl broke away from her mother and ran toward her father during a ceremony. Karas makes it to her father and Lt. Oglesby bends down to give her a squeeze. Then, the determined little girl runs back to her mother and sister.
Unashamed, robust, informed – while naïve – public celebration! Karas held no concern for this moments protocol. She had not mentally worked through the fact that no one else was running up to their loved one. She did not care. She boldly displayed her affection for her dad. Karas offered robust celebration. She was informed in that she knew her dad and that he was standing on the other side of the room from her. That is really all that mattered to her. Her knowledge was, however, a bit naïve. She did not understand all the circumstances surrounding this moment. She did not understand the protocol that needed to be followed for her dad to pick up his things and come home with her. She did not care that the captain was speaking, and she was interrupting the whole process. She probably did not consider or even really care that her mom may have been even more excited to see her husband. In that moment she knew one thing to be true. Her dad was home! So, she ran and hugged him.
Therefore, Karas reflects well the energy and uninhibited celebration the disciples experienced on their journey down from the Mount of Olives and into Jerusalem. And Karas’ energy and uninhibited and public celebration ought to characterize our regular praise of Jesus – our praise of God.
An admission. Let’s be realistic – the disciples wouldn’t have behaved this way if this type of moment happened all the time. If Karas’ dad came home every week. Unlikely would she have run to embrace him this way each time. Similarly, I am not trying to convince you that your praise on a Sunday morning should always be robust and unashamed public adulation. I do however want you to consider whether you believe so firmly in who Jesus is and what God is doing that you are willing to set aside all self-awareness and unashamedly celebrate Jesus and his work – regardless of the inevitable criticisms that will surround you.
Prayer from outline of 1 Kings 8. Blessed be the Lord who has given his people rest through Jesus Christ, according to all He has promised. Not one of His promises have failed. May the Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him so that we will follow His will as revealed in His Word. May the Lord hear this prayer and maintain His omnipotent hold of His Church and direct our service so that the people of the earth will know the Lord is our God and there is no other. We submit our hearts, minds, and lives to be wholly yours.
[1] C. H. Spurgeon, “Praise Thy God, O Zion,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 12 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1866), 125.
[2] Mary Bowerman, “3-year-old girl interrupts ceremony to hug dad after deployment,” USA Today¸ October 8, 2015. Accessed March 25, 2021. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/10/08/little-girl-hug-dad-deployment-soldier-ceremony-interrupted/73586408/