24/03/2024
*24TH MARCH, 2024*
*CELEBRATE CHRIST, CELEBRATE SALVATION: BRIEF SERMON ANALYSIS*
**ISAIAH 12:1-6, JOHN 12:12-19**
*HOSSANNAH*
Today is a wonderful day as we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This marks the last week of Jesus on earth as He approaches the cross to retrieve the glory we lost to the devil. It's the final leg of a spiritual battle to restore our hope and give us a premium opportunity to be reconciled to God.
There was joy, but almost no one had a clear insight about the main reason for their rejoicing. As we celebrate, it's essential to understand the essence and significance of this celebration. The true celebration of Christ lies in the understanding of the importance of salvation. Hence the scripture can be fulfilled that, with joy, we can now draw from the wells of salvation.
_Here are some significant points to note:_
*1. Jerusalem:*
Jesus arrived for the Jewish holiday of Passover. However, this time around, unknown to many, including His disciples, He would be the object of sacrifice. A great sacrifice was about to take place, and it was required that it should be done in the great city. For quite a while, Jesus had not been in Jerusalem because the people (especially the religious leaders of the time) rejected him.
Jesus announced His arrival not because He wanted to show off, but so that the world may know that there is a significant change in the Testament with which God would start operating with mankind. Jesus is the testator of the New Covenant.
*2. Palm Fronds:*
The palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life. Palms and palm branches have symbolic meaning to the Jews of today and in ancient times. Palms, along with other tree branches, are a part of the feast of Tabernacles. A feast in which the Israelites remember God’s provision, not only as they wandered in the wilderness but also anticipate the messianic age when all nations will flow into the city to worship the Lord
The Messiah is here to assure us victory over sin, satan and death.
*3. Ass c**t:*
The c**t had remained under the shackles of its owner, but it was time to be released and honored. The whole human race has also been under the bo***ge of the law, but it is time for us to be liberated and celebrated. With Jesus in our lives, we enjoy a privilege and honor that we do not deserve. We are redeemed from shame to fame, stagnancy to progress, imprisonment to freedom, perdition to salvation. Jesus needs your service so that you can be honored. Release yourself from the shackles of sin and surrender your life to Him.
Jesus riding on the ass c**t was also a sign of humility. Unlike the kings of the world who lord over their subjects, Jesus came to serve. For this reason, He was greatly exalted in heaven, and we praise God for His unspeakable gift through our Lord, Jesus Christ. It implies that anyone who truly celebrates Christ and salvation must always wear a garment of humility.
*4. The Critics:*
Some antagonized Jesus. In their thoughts, Jesus had gained so much fame and would push them out of relevance. They had up till that time taken advantage of the people through the shortcomings of the law. They would, however, play a significant part in ensuring His purpose was fulfilled through crucifixion.
A lesson therein is that criticism will be part of our spiritual journey. It's not something to frown on but another reason to rejoice.
In conclusion, we must allow the triumphal entry of Jesus into our lives to reexamine, reposition, and also use us as a tool for the proclamation of His wonderful work of salvation.
I pray that Jesus will be celebrated forever in our lives, and His work of salvation will not be in vain concerning us, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Hossannah
*Stay blessed eternally!*
_This publication is by CCC SHARON PARISH Bible Teachers' Desk. For inquiries, suggestions or contributions, please send an email to [email protected]._
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