4/13/25                                                                               Rentz

 

 

Jesus Set His Face—Part One

Luke 9:51

 

Jesus Knew the Praise That Awaited

John 12:12-19

 

Introduction—The religious world refers to the coming week as “Holy Week”, but I would submit that every day with Jesus is a holy reality.  The days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus were the most pivotal days in the history of mankind.  Jesus knew what was in His future and yet He faced it with holy resolve for it was His eternal purpose in coming.  He was ready to face all that was ahead for God’s glory and our benefit.

 

I. The Multitudes Were Prompted by What Jesus Did Rather

    Than Who He Was

                A. Jesus had recently raised Lazarus from the dead

                                1. No one but God could raise one from the

                                    grave after four days (Jn.11:38-44)

                                2. Because of Lazarus, the Chief Priests felt

                                    they were losing control of the multitude

                                    (Jn.12:10-11)

                B. Earlier, crowds followed Jesus because they ate of

                    the loaves and fishes

                C. Our goal should be to worship Jesus for His

                    majesty, not just His actions (Jude 25)

 

II. Jesus Positioned Himself As Messiah and Savior

                A. His choice of the young colt was no accident

                                1. When a King entered a city riding upon a

                                    colt, He came in peace

                                2. When a King enters riding upon a horse,

                                    He comes to conquer—When Jesus

                                    returns, He emerges from Heaven riding

                                    upon a white horse (Rev.19:11-13)

                B. The crowd was compelled to praise Him

                    (Lk.19:37-40)

                C. His very presence demanded recognition

 

III. Multitudes Praised, Even Though It Was Temporary

                A. The applause of the world is often temporary—In

                    Lystra, Paul went from being regarded as a god to

                    being stoned to death

                B. Where were these praising multitudes a few days

                    later when Jesus stood before Pilate?

                C. This is a fore view of every knee bowing before

                    Jesus (Phil.2:5-11)

 

Conclusion—I believe this was a momentous moment in the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus.  He was being recognized as both King and Messiah, even though it was short lived.  There is coming a day when the praise that we offer to Him will be sincere and everlasting.  Let’s praise Jesus for all that He accomplished for us!