staying power 3.20.16

The Triumphant Entry

Palm Sunday

And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, ′saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If any one says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and he will send them immediately.”

This took place to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying,“Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of an

ass.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the ass and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.”

And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you make it a den of robbers.”

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant;

Matthew 21:1-15 (NIV)

Jesus can be very DIVISIVE!

If you’ve come with the CROWDyou’ll run from the CONFLICT

“And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” Luke 8:14

So make it PERSONALJesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Lk 9:20

If you’ve come for the SHOWyou’ll flee from the COMMITMENT

When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he was hoping to see some sign done by him. Luke 23:8

So take it Deeper“Then you will understand what is right and just -- every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be

pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Pr 2: 9-11

If you’ve come for the COMFORTyou’ll flee from the SACRIFICE

“I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” Jn 6:26

So make it IMPORTANT

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.(Matt. 6:21)

Will Your Faith have Staying Power?