Matthew 21:1-9

At Whatever Cost…

            We all know those places you want to avoid. It’s those places you warn your kids about and tell them never to go there. Whether it’s because we know there’s regular violence there, or the places where you know only illegal things happen, things you don’t want to get wrapped up in. But we also know there’s danger in more places than these. Simply climbing a tall tree can prove dangerous, or going on top of your roof to clean the gutters. But aside from that, we understand this fact that we want to avoid violence or danger, especially the kind that puts you at risk of not coming back. But I have a question for you… what would it take for you to risk that danger and go there anyway? There’s a store in that area that’s having the most phenomenal sale ever. Or there’s construction on other roads and that way is the fastest and easiest route left. Or any number of other possibilities… Indeed, we all have different tolerances for accepting risk and danger. But I want to take it one step farther. What would make you willing go there? As in, grab the keys, we’re going right now… For I know the one answer that at least every parent will agree with… If your own child is stuck there, or especially, dads… if you got a call from your daughter and she told you she’s in one of those bad areas and she’s stuck with no way to leave. Yes, we know there’s nowhere we wouldn’t go if it meant the safety and protection of our children or family. 

            For today, as we begin our journey through this holy week, we must realize this same nature in Christ. Jesus’ triumphal entry isn’t just some walk in the park. Jesus doesn’t come in to only celebration and fanfare. While he’s celebrated today as the true king, the real reason he comes is to protect the ones he loves. So, let us learn today:

JESUS COMES FOR YOU!

I.

            News always spread fast about where Jesus was going so that crowds would amass quickly. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for Jesus to be surrounded by people. Rarely was he not surrounded by people. But this time was different. People weren’t just asking him questions or seeking a miracle. This time, they were praising him. They were shouting with joy at his arrival. We heard what the crowds said, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9. The jubilation in the crowd that day had to feel electric. There was hope for a better life. But we must understand what Hosanna actually means. It’s not actually a word of praise. It means, “Save us, Lord.” That what the people were shouting weren’t simply praises, but a plea. A plea that Jesus would be the ruler who would deliver them from their troubles and slavery again. It was their hope that they could have another “David” on the throne.

            But this is where we must have a clearer understanding of what we need deliverance from. That is, we need to understand Jesus’ motivation for entering that lion’s den. Despite all the cheers and celebration on this day, the enemy was lurking underneath every cry of Hosanna. Indeed, the Pharisees and Sadducees were present as well to offer their disdain for such celebrations, as other Gospels tell us. But it’s our sin from which we need deliverance. It’s our death that holds us captive. It’s Satan and his evil schemes that subjects us to the torment and sorrow we face in this world. And these are far worse than any dictator or evil tyrant. Jesus alone saw our condition. He knew the danger we were in and he couldn’t ignore it. So, Jesus came. He came lowly and humbly. He rode into Jerusalem where he knew danger lurked around the corner for him. He knew the very things that they would do to him, but he came anyway. And here we are on the sidelines, still crying, hosanna! Save us, Lord. Deliver us from this valley of death and sorrow so we may finally be free. For our only hope is in you. 

II.

            It’s this fact that should change our entire perspective on Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphal entry. That Jesus comes for you! He comes in spite of any danger awaiting him. He comes regardless of the peril to himself because his one focus and concern is you! He has ridden into Jerusalem so that he may redeem you from sin and death. For consider the mindset which Jesus had, as Paul writes for us, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross,” Philippians 2:5-8. As a parent cares for a child, so too does Jesus care for us. He knows the danger we’ve found ourselves in, and there’s nothing that will prevent him from coming!

            For Jesus knew all along what he was riding into. These shouts of hosanna will soon be replaced with shouts of “crucify.” These jubilant crowds will soon give way to angry mobs. This hope of deliverance will soon see the despair of the cross. Upon the cross, Jesus will give everything he has for you and me. He will pour out his body and soul for you and me… just so we can be safe and free! For Jesus rides into Jerusalem as a king. He rides in as a savior. But the place where he’s enthroned is the cross! On the cross, Jesus reigns over sin, death, and the devil so that we may be transformed from wretched sinners to holy saints. For this is what he knew when he rode in to Jerusalem on that fateful day. As Hebrews tells us, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:1-2. It was for joy that Jesus came… because he knew at the end of it all, he’d find you. 

            As we enter this most holy of weeks, let us look to Jesus and learn that he has come for us! He rides into Jerusalem regardless of the danger and suffering that awaits him. So let us follow him to his cross and tomb that we may celebrate with him in his resurrection and eternal life! In Jesus’ name! Amen!