Sermon Notes, March 24, 2013
Pastor Jan Sinozich
Pastor Jan’s
sermon was titled “Journey to the Cross: The Donkey,” based on Luke 19:28-40,
the story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. This story can be compared to the procession
of kings returning home victoriously after battle, with the spoils of war: the
conquering king riding in a chariot of gold, officers in polished armor
displaying banners of the vanquished armies, and at the rear a ragtag
procession of slaves and prisoners in chains.
In Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, the adoring crowd makes up the ragtag
procession: the lame, the blind, the children, the peasants from Galilee and
Bethany (House of Misery).
In verses 28-30
we see how the disciples obtained the donkey.
Why did the owners loan their donkey?
Maybe it was typical hospitality—the locals knew they needed to lend
what they could to help their countrymen at Passover. Maybe it was something to be proud of to let
a distinguished rabbi or teacher ride your beast. Maybe Jesus had arranged for the use of the
donkey much earlier, as a business deal.
Or, maybe they lend their donkey because they see Jesus as their
Lord—they know Him. They are willing to
give what they have to their Lord. They
know that what they have came from their Lord.
When people give Jesus what He asks for, He multiplies the value of
whatever it is. The donkey has a part in
fulfilling prophecy, and these owners and their donkey have been remembered for
2,000 years because they gave what they had.
Where did the
crowd come from? Some knew Him as Lord
and Savior. Some saw an earthly king,
because that’s what they wanted to see.
Some saw Him as simple and forlorn.
The crowd started building in Bethany, probably telling stories about
Jesus as they went, singing praises to God.
As they enter Jerusalem, they mingle with other travelers. They capture the attention of everyone,
including the Pharisees, who tell Jesus to rebuke his followers for saying
“Bless the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
What does this
story mean? It’s about giving; giving
what God has given to us. Everything—our
time, our talents, our resources, our children, our interests—has been
entrusted to us to be used to bring God glory.
They all belong to Him; they’re ours to use, but He can ask for them at
any time. Each of us has a donkey—whatever God has given you, that’s your
donkey. Share your stories about what
He’s done for you. The value of what we
have will be multiplied when it is placed in the Lord’s hands. Just like the donkey in this story.
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