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Hear current audio messages by Pastor Scott Burr at:
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Monday, July 6, 2015

It's all about Jesus: Ignore Him, Crucify Him, or Worship Him (Pt.2)


Part 2

A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”-Matthew 21:8-9.

Among the multitude following Jesus that day were two differing sets of worshippers. One group had been following Jesus from the very beginning; walking with him daily. The second group was comprised of those who joined in as the rejoicing throng passed by in hopes that he was about to deliver them from the oppressive Romans.

Also among those surrounding Jesus that day were those that had no idea what was happening at all. They did not walk with Jesus. They were busy about their own lives and businesses and did not know that Jesus had come to them “gentle and riding on a donkey”:

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”-Matthew 21:10-11.

Then we have the religious crowd, who while Jesus was fulfilling scripture just outside their doors, were busy going through the perpetual motions of temple worship; oblivious to what was happening around them. They felt secure in their religion, so much so that they began to abuse it and manipulate it for their own personal gain. They were not interested in a Messiah or in having their lifestyles turned upside down, however that is precisely what Jesus came into the temple to do.

Finally, among those following Jesus that day were those who would crucify him. You might be surprised to know that those who made up this crowd were comprised, at least in part, from each of the above groups.

There were likely a group of those worshippers, who joined in expecting Jesus, would deliver them from Roman bondage, when they realized that he would not fulfill their expectations joined with those who were crying out for his crucifixion. There were likely business owners and money-changers present who were disgruntled about how Jesus and his “righteous” standards were creating a hardship on them and their ability to enjoy life. There were certainly religious people in the crowd, who refused to believe in him as their Messiah, King, and Lord. They would never lift a word of praise, but instead shouted for his crucifixion.

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was to make himself known and he is making himself known still today. He is looking to establish himself as King of Kings and Lord of Lords in each of our lives; but how are we receiving him? Are we receiving him with praise and humility, are we ignoring him, or are we calling for his crucifixion?

 

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church

 

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