How to Move a City Matthew 20 & 21 Introduction: Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. This the Sunday before Easter. On Palm Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem and set the stage for his Passion. 1
Introduction: So let us now turn to our text and look at what the Lord has to say to us today. We will look at our text today in two parts. Matthew 20:29-34 29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. 2
Matthew 20:29-34 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? Matthew 20:29-34 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. 3
Verses 29-20 We all have to move on and move forward. Jesus left Jericho with a purpose before him. When two blind men heard that Jesus was near, they cried out to Him for mercy. Definition of Mercy: to help one afflicted or seeking aid; to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched. 4
Hymn Lyrics: Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by. Verse 31 The crowd of people tried to silence and put a lid on their prayers. The circumstances in life can overwhelm us if we are not careful and cause our eyes to be taken off of Jesus. 5
The two men also worked in a majestic title, the reference to King David. This inferred the fulfillment of prophecy and an understanding of who the Jesus really was and is. You and I need to know who we are worshipping- really know. But the two men persevered in their petition for mercy. And so should we. A closer look at Mercy? The Gospel s bridge the Old Testament concept of Mercy(chesed) and the New Testament concept of Mercy, now called Grace (charis)! 6
Verses 32-33This grabbed Christ s attention. He asked then what they specifically wanted. The request for God s mercy is the door that opens up for all that we need from all that the Lord has. Verse 34 The Compassion of the Lord releases the miraculous. Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 7
Lamentations 3:19-25 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.my soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.this I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.it is of thelord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.thelordis my portion, saithmy soul; therefore will I hope in him.thelordis good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seekethhim. Matthew 21:1-11 1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 8
Matthew 21:1-11 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Matthew 21:1-11 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 9
Matthew 21:1-11 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawedthem in the way. Matthew 21:1-11 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10
Matthew 21:1-11 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. Verses 1-5 Behold thy King!The preparation for the fulfillment of prophecy. God has things for us to do to set-up for what He wants to do next in our lives AND for the lives of others. 11
Here is our King chorus lyrics by David Crowder: Here is our King Here is our love Here is our God who's come To bring us back to Him He is the One He is Jesus Verses 6-7 Obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath thelordas great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of thelord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 12
Verses 8-9 The Power of Praise! The multitudes spread their garments and waved palm branches. What an example for us! Verses 10-11 The city and community was moved. This resulted in the multitudes asking Who is this Jesus? 13
How to Move a City Understanding that first, WE are the instrument of worship. How to Move a City Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 14
How to Move a City Hebrews 13:18 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. How to Move a City Psalm 149 Praise ye thelord. Sing unto thelorda new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 15
In Closing: Matthew 21:12-17 Verses 12-13 What should leave our lives and churches? Ungodly attitudes. Our worship is not for sale our passion for God is not a business as usual situation In Closing: Matthew 21:12-17 Verses 14-17 What should enter and stay in our lives and churchescompassion for others, families worshipping the Lord together, praise, reverence, worship, and adoration of the Lord. 16
Invitation (3 Parts): For Salvation? For Jesus to bring His mercy sand save and restore your life. Do not let Jesus pass you by today! Invitation (3 Parts): For a need in your life. Let us cry out and petition the Lord for His great mercy. Do not let Jesus pass you by today! 17
Invitation (3 Parts): To Move our City and Community for the Lord! The Lord is doing wonderful things in the community. Let us partner with Him today! Let Us Pray. 18