Embracing the King of Peace

How Will We Welcome Our King? - [COOS Weekend Service - Revd Aaron Cheng]

Estimated read time: 1:20

Summary

The service, led by Revd Aaron Cheng, captures the essence of Palm Sunday, a pivotal point marking the beginning of Holy Week. The sermon calls upon the congregation to reflect upon how they welcome Jesus, the King of peace, into their lives amidst their daily struggles and expectations. Drawing from biblical events and prophecies, it emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of his promises and challenges the audience to embrace a deeper understanding of faith and unconditional surrender to God's plans.

Highlights

The start of Holy Week focuses on remembering the final events of Jesus' life. 🌿
Jesus' entry on a donkey signifies peace, contrasting the pomp of earthly leaders. 🐴
The sermon emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy as a promise-keeping King. 📜
Jesus' humility challenges believers to approach Easter with genuine understanding and surrender. 🕊️
Palm Sunday encourages welcoming Jesus into our lives beyond expectations and desires. 🚪
Christ's peaceful approach contrasts with worldly power, offering a new paradigm. 🤝

Key Takeaways

Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week, leading to Easter, marking a period of deep reflection and preparation. 🌿
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey contrasts earthly power with divine humility, fulfilling prophecy. 🐴
Believers are urged to welcome Jesus beyond their needs, embracing his sovereignty and greater plan. 🌟
Reflection on expectations, as Jesus' answers to prayers may differ, yet fulfill deeper spiritual needs. 🙏
Importance of embracing peace, as demonstrated by Jesus, contrasting the world's typical power structures. ✌️
Christ's kingdom, rooted in love and justice, challenges dominion and violence. 💖

Overview

As Palm Sunday rolls in, Revd Aaron Cheng urges the congregation to ponder on how they would welcome Jesus into their lives, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary settings. This momentous day not only kicks off Holy Week but also sets the tone for reflection and spiritual readiness for Easter.

The sermon highlights how Jesus, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfills Old Testament prophecies, embodying humility rather than the expected grandeur of a traditional king. This significant event is juxtaposed with worldly expectations of power and deliverance, presenting a profound message about divine sovereignty and grace.

Believers are called to examine their faith, recognizing Jesus as a promise-keeping Savior whose answers might differ from worldly expectations but fulfill deeper spiritual yearnings. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the transformative power of welcoming Jesus earnestly, grounded not in needs, but in embracing his peace, justice, and love-filled approach.

Chapters

00:00 - 03:00: Introduction and Overview of Holy Week The chapter kicks off with a greeting and acknowledgment of Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. The speaker encourages interaction by instructing the audience to communicate with each other about the significance of the day. Holy Week is described as the final week of Lent that leads up to Easter Sunday, and those who haven't been fasting are given a last chance to partake in the tradition.
03:00 - 10:00: Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem On Holy Week, we remember the final days of Jesus' earthly life. On Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds with palm branches. Subsequently, Holy Monday commemorates Jesus overturning the tables at the temple, and Holy Tuesday continues the remembrance events.
10:00 - 17:00: Significance of Jerusalem and Events of Palm Sunday The chapter discusses the significance of Jerusalem and the events surrounding Palm Sunday. It reflects on the key teachings and events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, focusing on major Christian observances. Mainly, it outlines the days of Holy Week: starting with Jesus’ teachings on end times in Jerusalem, followed by Holy Wednesday marking Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. It continues with Maundy Thursday, which highlights the Last Supper and Jesus' new commandment about love. Good Friday is noted for commemorating Jesus's suffering and death, with a call for gathering at 3 p.m. Holy Week concludes on Holy Saturday, symbolizing the culmination of these significant events.
17:00 - 23:00: The Symbolism of the Donkey and Prophecy Fulfillment This chapter discusses the symbolism of the donkey as it relates to biblical prophecy fulfillment, specifically within the context of Palm Sunday as described in Luke 19:28-44. The narrative delves into the anticipation of Easter Sunday, reflecting on how believers should welcome their king, Jesus. The sermon invites meditation on these themes through prayer.
23:00 - 31:00: Trusting in God's Promises and Examples from Scripture The chapter begins with a metaphorical scenario where the reader is asked to imagine organizing an event for a VIP, like a prime minister or president, highlighting the need for meticulous preparation.
31:00 - 40:00: Jesus' True Mission and the Misunderstanding of the Crowd This chapter discusses the true mission of Jesus and how it diverges from the expectations and understanding of the crowd around him. It highlights that despite Jesus having a profound and spiritual mission, people around him misinterpret his goals based on their worldly views and expectations. The transcript, though garbled, suggests a scenario where high-profile individuals (VIPs) have distinct expectations and preferences regarding logistics and hospitality, drawing a parallel to how Jesus’ mission could be misunderstood by those looking at the superficial aspects rather than the deeper spiritual purpose. Although the transcript doesn't directly illustrate Jesus' mission, it symbolically represents how his intentions might be obscured or misinterpreted by the crowd's presumptions.
40:00 - 45:00: Personal Reflections on Welcoming King Jesus The chapter discusses the protocol and security measures involved in welcoming a VIP, such as a President, Archbishop, CEO, or Chairman. It emphasizes the importance of security checks to ensure safety, like inspecting under chairs and behind curtains. The narrative metaphorically relates these preparations to the concept of 'welcoming King Jesus,' suggesting an introspective approach to spiritual readiness and personal reflection.
45:00 - 53:00: Contrasting Kingdoms: Jesus vs. Pilate The chapter "Contrasting Kingdoms: Jesus vs. Pilate" explores the different dynamics and preparations involved in handling high-profile figures, such as Jesus and Pilate. It highlights the emphasis on respect, protocol, and ceremonial practices when addressing dignitaries, suggesting the need for careful planning in selecting appropriate settings and gestures during their speech and reception. The narrative implies the significance of proper address and the choice of music as elements that reflect one's understanding of respect and recognition in public appearances.
53:00 - 58:00: The Power of Peace and Love in Jesus' Kingdom The chapter discusses the significance of preparing for a VIP event, drawing a parallel to welcoming Jesus as the most important VIP in our lives. It highlights Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week and its culmination in Easter. The narrative emphasizes Jesus' entry and how believers should recognize Him as their VIP, incorporating themes of peace and love within His kingdom.
58:00 - 65:00: Call to Action for Christians: Proclaiming Jesus Boldly The chapter titled 'Call to Action for Christians: Proclaiming Jesus Boldly' begins with an emphasis on the significance of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation leading to Easter. This time is defined as a journey towards the cross, highlighted by increasing intensity as Holy Week approaches. The central theme of the chapter revolves around a persistent, reflective inquiry posed throughout the sermon: 'How do we prepare our hearts for this holy time?' This question serves as the guiding principle for the reflections shared in the chapter, urging Christians to contemplate their spiritual readiness and calling to boldly proclaim Jesus.
65:00 - 72:00: Ending Blessings and Worship The chapter explores the theme of welcoming Jesus as a king, contrasting His entry into Jerusalem with the arrivals of earthly kings and VIPs.

How Will We Welcome Our King? - [COOS Weekend Service - Revd Aaron Cheng] Transcription

00:00 - 00:30 Shalom. Shalom. Good morning. Today is Palm Sunday. So turn to your neighbor. Say, "Today is Palm Sunday." And he marks the start of Holy Week. Say, "Holy week." Holy. Okay. Now pastor, you teach certain things. What is Holy Week? Holy Week is what we have the final week of Lent leading to Easter Sunday. So if you have not been fasting uh well you got one last chance. This is
00:30 - 01:00 last week you can still fast. And if you have been fasting and you can't wait to feast one more week to go. Okay. Well during Holy Week we canmorate we remember the final days of Jesus earthly life. So first day today being Palm Sunday we remember Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem with the crowds doing bahham branches and everything which we have just seen just now. Holy Monday, we remember Jesus overturning the tables at the temple. Holy Tuesday,
01:00 - 01:30 we remember Jesus teaching in Jerusalem, especially on end times. Holy Wednesday, we remember Judas is Scariot betraying Jesus. Then Monday, Thursday, we remember the last supper and then Jesus new commandment to love one another. And Good Friday, I will see all of you at 3 p.m. We will remember Jesus suffering and death on the cross. And Holy Week will end on Holy Saturday, symbolizing
01:30 - 02:00 Jesus' time in the tomb, awaiting the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. So today this morning we want to look into Luke 19 verse 28-4 a Palm Sunday passage for today and to reflect upon the question how will we welcome our king. Let us pray. Lord may the words of my mouth and the meditation of all our hearts be
02:00 - 02:30 acceptable in your sight. Our Lord God and redeemer. Amen. Imagine if you are running a major event, you are receiving a very important person. Let's say the VIP for your event is the prime minister or the president of the country. You need to make a lot of preparation for your event. First, you need to reserve a very special parking lot because those these cars that these people drive are much
02:30 - 03:00 larger. Okay? At least a BM. So he would and VIPs they will not drive down to your basement car park. Okay? They will just park outside. So it must be a big parking lot outside your event lobby. And you need to have ushers literally like uh us waving flags all the way from the lobby all the way to your events function room. And if such a big VIP the leader of your organization got to walk
03:00 - 03:30 with him all the way from the car to the function room. So if this is cool if we are going to invite the president here well SP going to be up there just to wait for him and then walk him here. If it's the diosis, the archbishop will be the one. And if it's your company, your CEO or your chairman got to walk with the VIP. And even before that, you need to have the security detail to check under every chair and behind every curtain to make sure there are no bombs. The whole place is safe. And you also
03:30 - 04:00 need to check know maybe this pop, this roserum is not good enough. Maybe when he come and speak and give his speech, you need to have a very special roserum for him. You need to think very carefully the moment he step foot when doors are open. What you going to say? How you going to address him? His excellency, his majesty, whatever you want to say, you know, make sure you address him correctly. And also what music to play, what is appropriate to welcome the VIP. Friends, if you're going to have a
04:00 - 04:30 VIP for your event, this is how tedious it is. This is how you prepare to receive your VIP. We are at a high point in the season of Lent. Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week leading to Easter next Sunday. Palm Sunday also remind us the most important VIP of our lives which is Jesus. Turn to your neighbor say Jesus is our VIP. Our VIP King Jesus now entering
04:30 - 05:00 Jerusalem making his way to the cross. Lent is this season of 40 days where we prepare our hearts for Easter and Holy Week will be the most intense week of preparation. Today as we go through the whole sermon, there will be one question that I'll keep asking and this will be the main thing for today. We'll be asking throughout our reflection. How
05:00 - 05:30 will we welcome our king? Say with me together. 1 23 How will we welcome our king? Jesus entry into Jerusalem differs very greatly from earthly kings and VIPs how they arrive in an event. Luke 19:E30-31 together 1 2 3 let's read together saying go into the village in front of you where on entering you will
05:30 - 06:00 find a c tied on which no one has ever sat untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you why are you untying it you shall say this the lord has of need of it. Our humble king gave instructions on how he wants to enter Jerusalem. He did not leave it to chance. He's not letting us to plan for it. He is in full control. Jesus is demonstrating his
06:00 - 06:30 sovereignty. So, let's imagine if you are if you were all one of his disciples and Jesus gave you the instructions to bring back a court. So I'm going to imagine pastor Andrew here. Pastor Andrew, I want you walk to Linky Road. Not now. I haven't finished yet. Sit down. Relax. Relax. Relax. Down the link road. Maybe I should ask you to maybe. Okay. Okay. Okay.
06:30 - 07:00 Okay. Come down. My brother go to Lanky Road. Cycle and carriage. You see that new Mercedes GLC 200? I bring it here. You said pastor, you see our Yeah, I think I see our I think what is what Jesus is trying to do. No, bring it here. Uh rabbi, you not going to pay for it? No, bring it here. They ask you why. Tell them I have need of it. Why?
07:00 - 07:30 Okay. The Lord has need of it. I think if you say that, they won't call the police. No, because they won't they won't be bothered with you. They think that you are crazy. They just ask the security guard to chase you out. That was exactly what happened. That's what exactly what happened. The Lord has need of it. And the disciples did it. Look at verse 32 to 35. Let's read this together. 1 2 3. So those who were sent went away and found
07:30 - 08:00 it just as he had told them. And as they were untieing the cord, his owners said to them, "Why are you untying the cord?" And they said, "The Lord has need of it." And they brought it to Jesus. And throwing their clothes on the court, they set Jesus on it. So you have it. The disciples found the court exactly what Jesus had described it to be. And when being challenged, they reply, "The Lord has need of it." And just they just
08:00 - 08:30 got it. And Jesus rode on the court and enter into Jerusalem. What does this tell tell us? All these details point to Jesus sovereignty. Say the word sovereignty. He is in control. He is in charge of how he wants to enter into Jerusalem. Before we talk about the donkey, let's talk about Jerusalem first. Why is entering into Jerusalem
08:30 - 09:00 such a big deal? Number one, Jerusalem was the HQ for religious activities. The temple was there. The high priest is there. Seduces the Pharisee. They were all there. Then Jerusalem was also the political HQ. The Roman governor, Pontus, Pilate is there. Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee where Jesus came from, he was also there. Therefore, Jerusalem at that moment of time was the perfect setting for Good Friday and
09:00 - 09:30 resurrection Sunday. Moreover, is Passover period. Jesus will be tried by both the religious and the political authorities. The whole drama of going up to the cross intensify the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem and very crowded at a time because it was Passover. Jews from all around Judea, Samaria, everywhere. Jews from everywhere will just travel to
09:30 - 10:00 Jerusalem because it's Passover and Passover feast is only a few days away. The whole entire place was packed. And when Jerusalem, sorry, and when Jesus entered Jerusalem, this is how the crowd welcomed Jesus. John 12:13. Let's read this together. 1 2 3. So they took branches or palm trees, went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosana, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of
10:00 - 10:30 Israel." This is the part where you get the word palm for Palm Sunday. The crowd, they were taking off their clothes, they taking off their jackets, they spread it on the road. Why? This is the start of the red carpet treatment because the roads wasn't maintained by LTA. It was dusty. So if you walk as you walk you kick up the dust into the air. When when you put clothes over the roads this is red carpet padded cushioning for your feet. They also cut
10:30 - 11:00 palm branches. Same thing just to prevent the dust from coming out. And all these is for the king's welcome. These were actions the ancient Jews they did to welcome what to welcome a victorious king who returned home after a victory at Palm Sunday. We remember Jesus victorious or we call triumphal entry into Jerusalem marking this entry that leads to the cross. They was even saying that Palm Sunday is what we call
11:00 - 11:30 the fake Easter because here we have them shouting hosana hosana blessed is he in a few days time they will shall crucify him crucify him. Next, we talk about the donkey. Of all the horses that Jesus could have chose, all the Mercedes-Benz actually if I would tell Pastor Andrew to go to Linki, it would not be the Mercedes is the bicycle park beside the
11:30 - 12:00 Mercedes because a Bendy will be better. Maybe a victorious king if he were to finish the war, he will enter back home. He will ride on a waror, a stallion. He will not choose a donkey because a donkey is a beast of a burden. So imagine this riding a donkey means what? Riding a donkey will means the prime minister or the president during NDP they they go into pardang right not in the Mercedes or BM mean imagine our T or
12:00 - 12:30 our Lawren sit behind the lorry then the lorry drive them into NDP then they just wave. This is what it looks like if Palm Sunday would happen today. The main reason for the donkey or the court is was because of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Let's read this together. Zechariah 9:93. Rejoice greatly, oh daughter of Zion. Shout aloud, O daughter of
12:30 - 13:00 Jerusalem. Behold, your king is coming to you. Righteous and having salvation. Is he? Humble and mounted on the donkey on the c the f of a donkey. Jesus chose to come to Jerusalem on a donkey was to fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah. Prophet Zechariah hundreds of years ago prophesied that the Messiah will enter Jerusalem on a donkey, not a waror. Donkey is where you put your bar. It's a
13:00 - 13:30 lorry of today. This is to portray what is to portray that the Messiah will come in peace. Say the word peace. Peace. Say shalom. Shalom. When the crowd saw Jesus riding the court into Jerusalem, they know they know the Bible very well that Jesus was fulfilling Zechariah 99. Jesus is the righteous, humble, and peaceful king. So
13:30 - 14:00 I want us to pause at this point of the sermon and think of this question. We're going to approach. We're going to approach Easter next Sunday, just one week away. It's the most intense week. This is the most high point in our Christian calendar, Easter Sunday. How will we welcome King Jesus? How will we welcome King Jesus?
14:00 - 14:30 A few years ago uh when we just came out from COVID, I promised my family that I will bring them for a cruise because uh during COVID days, no one was traveling. The moment Royal Caribbean start to sell, it was sold out almost every cruise. So I told my family, okay, okay, I will also bring you for a cruise. So my wife and I, we took leave and I bought the cruise tickets. We did all our research. What what what special
14:30 - 15:00 thing to buy? What will what will we do? Whole family with the two girls, we were looking forward to it. But just one month before the cruise, one month, this happened to pastors quite a lot. I was being called up for a ministry engagement. And that means what? That means I got to cancel my leave, cancel all the cruise tickets, and I suffered a financial loss because it's too near. My wife was very angry. In fact,
15:00 - 15:30 not just my wife. My whole family was very angry with me because I did not keep my promise. On the other hand, we look at God. King Jesus is a promisekeeping God. In fact, he is a prophecy completing God. Three examples in Genesis. We look at Noah. Noah, he looked foolish when he want to build an ark on the dry land, but he trusted the
15:30 - 16:00 promisekeeping God and he waited faithfully. Of course, we know God fulfilled his word and saving Noah's family through the flood. Next, we have Abraham. Abraham, he looked foolish when he wandered into an unknown land, believing in a promise for a son, but he trusted in the promisekeeping God. He waited faithfully for God's promises and God honored Abraham's faith blessing him abundantly making him the father of nations. Then we have Joseph at the end
16:00 - 16:30 of Genesis. He appeared foolish as well clinging on to dreams of greatness while suffering unjustly in prison. But he trusted in the promisekeeping God even when everything looks hopeless. In God's perfect timing, everything was fulfilled and Joseph become the second man in charge. Our God, King Jesus is a promisekeeping God. All the prophecies in the Old Testament,
16:30 - 17:00 he fulfilled them one by one. See, we are fickle people. In fact, even the cruise illustration, it came about like this. I was thinking of a what's the best way to tell the church that I will not keep my pro promise. Right? So I in my family check group I told I asked uh my three girls, my wife and my two girls, right? Uh when did daddy last uh uh break his promises. Please share with
17:00 - 17:30 me. I thought maybe one or two. Uh all three reply with an avalanche of suggestions. We are fickleminded people. Okay, we change our mind all the time. We cannot keep to our word. But God on the other hand, if he promise you something, if God promise you something, it could be healing. It could be a breakthrough in your family. It could be in your career,
17:30 - 18:00 in your ministry, in your relationships. Trust. Trust that God will see it through. Amen. Can you turn to your neighbor? Don't give up. Cling on to the promiseke keeping God. He kept. He will keep his promise. Just wait. Just wait. One last testimony before I move to the next point. When I became a youth pastor years ago, I was I
18:00 - 18:30 started with only 12 youth. Someone released a prophecy that I will have 50 youth. I thought it was next week. It took 10 years. 10 years when I handed over then it was 50 years. But I did not give up. I did not give up. We just trust in that promise keeping God. Coming to Easter, how will we welcome King Jesus? Let the story of Palm Sunday
18:30 - 19:00 strengthen your faith in our promisekeeping God. 200 years before the first Palm Sunday. Okay, the f the Palm Sunday we were referring to was the first one. Jesus coming. That was the first one. So 200 years before the first Palm Sunday, there was another person entering into Jerusalem with also the palm branches welcome. His name is Judas Mcabeas. We love AI. AI help me with this. Looks good, right? Yeah. Judas Mcabas was a prominent
19:00 - 19:30 Jewish leader. is a military commander. He led a revolt against the Seucid Empire in the 2nd century BC. At that time, Jerusalem was oppressed by the Seucid Empire by this evil king. This evil king, remember his name. If you have a son or grandson, never name him this. Okay? This evil king is called Antiocus. Repeat. Antiocus. Antiocus. The fourth Epiphanies. Okay. One more
19:30 - 20:00 time. This evil king. Antiocus. The fourth Epiphanies. So never never name your son Antiocus. Bad name. Lousy lousy name. This evil king this evil king Antiocus is notorious in doing one thing. He oppressed the Jewish people to follow the Greek culture. Why? Because he did one thing. It will shock the whole Jews. He forced the Jews to eat pork. Wow. This is horrendous. Next picture you will see
20:00 - 20:30 this. The worst he did was this. He desecrate the Jerusalem temple in 167 BC. What he do? He put the statue of Zeus. Okay. No, the Greek god in the holy of holies. Can you imagine this? A statue of Zeus in the holy of holies. Then he take a pig. He take a barbie. You know, he bring it on the altar in the Jewish temple. Then he sacrifice the pig to Zeus. How bad and evil is that?
20:30 - 21:00 This AI picture I regenerate about 10 times. I think is the closest, but in fact it's not even near it is horrendous. He desecrated the entire temple. He insulted the Jews. I think he insulted Yahweh most of all. This whole thing led to the McMillian revolt. There's this guy called Judas, not the Judas is Judas is very common name. This is Judah's Makabas. Judah's Mccabas and his
21:00 - 21:30 followers bravely fought and revolt and rebel against the powerful Saluci empire because they are driven by the zeal of God. They desecrate my temple going to kill them. So and he purified the temple after winning the whole thing. 164 BC many people died fierce battles. Judah Makabia successfully recaptured Jerusalem and he cleansed the temple. This victorious moment was celebrated by the Jewish waving palm branches,
21:30 - 22:00 praising God, and marking Judah's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This was 200 years ago before the first Palm Sunday. And 200 years later, Jesus was getting the same Judas Mcabas treatment. The crowd was expecting what? The crowd was expecting Jesus to be the next Judah's Meccabas. That was what
22:00 - 22:30 they were intending him to be. Who was the who was in control during Jesus time? It wasn't the Greeks. It was the Romans. They were expecting Jesus to be like Judas to kick out the Romans to kick out their political enemy. At that point of history, the people wanted Jesus to be their victorious king. But Jesus was not riding a war stallion. Jesus was riding a donkey. What kind of
22:30 - 23:00 king does Jesus want? What kind of king is our king Jesus? Jesus did not come to Jerusalem to be enthrolled like Judah's Mabas. Jesus came to Jerusalem to begin his journey to the cross. He did not seek victory over any political enemy. He could have, but he did not. He humbly sat on the donkey,
23:00 - 23:30 entered Jerusalem gates, leading one whole week of mocking, scorning, shaming, and beating, ultimately sacrificing his life on the cross. Jesus came to Jerusalem to seek the victory over the greatest enemy of mankind, the accuser, the devil. Jesus came to Jerusalem to defeat the devil. This is the power of Palm
23:30 - 24:00 Sunday. We pause a while and we think and we reflect. How will we welcome our King Jesus? Everyone wants Jesus to ride into the city to be the kind of king that we want him to be. Of course, we come to Jesus with urgent prayers, asking for healing. Yes. Asking for provision. Yes, I pray that many times. Asking for breakthroughs. All true, all real, all very heartfight, heartfelt cries to God.
24:00 - 24:30 But will we still trust Jesus when the answers to our prayers came differently from what we expect? Do we truly want Jesus for who Jesus is? A simple question to test our hearts is this. If Jesus is not in heaven, do we still want heaven?
24:30 - 25:00 Do we love and want Jesus because for our own needs, for our own wants, for our own desires? Because even pastors, we are guilty of this. Pastors, so many of us, myself included, we sometimes go to Jesus because of one thing. We are seeking him because we are seeking him for church growth. We are not, we are seeking him not for him himself. We are not wanting Jesus for who Jesus is. Don't get me wrong. I believe and
25:00 - 25:30 sincerely believe that Jesus wants and he intends to answer all of our prayers. He wants to heal the sick. All of us, he want to see Reverend uh he want to see Pastor Daniel throwing the crutches down and then just walk and run. He want to see the employment of all of us who lost our jobs. He wants to see the deliverance of all who are oppressed. But it is not like Jesus wanting us to be pure. Not Jesus is waiting for us to
25:30 - 26:00 get our life in order. Then he reach out his healing hands. It's not about us. It's never about us. It's all about Jesus. Jesus came to save the lost. Jesus came for the sick. Jesus came for us. But at the same time, Jesus must answer this in his own way, not in our ways. He is sovereign. He is in control. The people wanted a king, but the true king is going to be enthroned
26:00 - 26:30 on the pagan cross. The people wanted to be rescued from evil and oppression. But Jesus was going to rescue them from the evil of all evils. Jesus wanted to say yes to the people's deepest desires. Sometimes we don't even know. Jesus will sometime have to say no or say wait on our surface our very conscious express desires. Jesus is the king who know us best. So that's the
26:30 - 27:00 thing with prayer. So when we invite Jesus to help when we pray to Jesus Jesus will do a more thorough job than what we ask for. Jesus goes to the root of our problem. He cares and loves us too much. He want to heal us thoroughly not surfacely. Jesus doesn't just treat our surface symptom like cough or flu. He will ignore our complaint of our symptoms. He goes deep to cure the
27:00 - 27:30 inflammation of our soul, the infection of our soul. Jesus goes deep to deal with our sin. How do us prepare for Easter? How do us prepare our hearts to welcome our king? We need to deal with our sin. When the problem of sin is healed, everything will fall into place. Jesus is the king who knows what is best for us. Jesus is the king who comes to
27:30 - 28:00 accomplish something greater than we can imagine. He does not promise instant comfort. Sometimes he doesn't. But what he promises is eternal salvation. He doesn't sometimes give us what we want, but he will give us exactly what we need. Salvation for our souls. Again, how will we welcome King Jesus? Will we welcome Jesus on our own
28:00 - 28:30 terms or will we surrender to Jesus terms? Will we only wave our palm branches only when life feels victorious? Will we still follow him faithfully even if it leads to suffering? Will we embrace a king who calls us to carry our own cross? Or do we seek a very comfortable king who only serve our immediate needs? Palm Sunday invites all of us, each one
28:30 - 29:00 of us to open our hearts and to surrender our expectations. There were two procession into Jerusalem. That first Palm Sunday during the Passover week of the first Palm Sunday, two two kings actually entered into Jerusalem from the west. What wasn't recorded for us in scripture? Pontest Pilate. Once Pilate also came into Jerusalem. He was dressed in expensive clothes in royalty. He came
29:00 - 29:30 in with horses with chariots and army in shining armor. Why was he there? Pilate and the whole Roman army march into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passover week because they got one mission that make sure that the Jews do not rebel because why? insurrection was in the air because it's Passover. The Jews were remembering God's deliverance of them as Hebrews from the slavery in Egypt. So
29:30 - 30:00 they were want they really wanted Passover to repeat again to kick out the Romans. That's why the Pontis Pilot was there with his army. Of course from the east completely the opposite a very commoner procession. Jesus in ordinary robes riding on a young donkey. Two kingdoms are in are clashing here. Caesar versus Christ. Caesar's kingdom is based on dominion and ruthless power.
30:00 - 30:30 Violence. Christ is not. This is the kingdom that Jesus rejected. Violence, dominions, and power. Jesus refused this kingdom when he was being tempted in the wilderness. The kingdom of God is based on justice, mercy, and love. Pilate and his Roman army, they were coming into Jerusalem to bring
30:30 - 31:00 peace. This were the old days of peacekeepers. Maybe this is how the UN peacekeeper got their ideas from. But the one who truly bring peace is Jesus. King Jesus, the king of peace, is the one who will ultimately dismantle the weaponry of war. Recently, I heard of this pastoral situation. Okay? When pastors when we gather, we share things. Okay? For mutual learning and encouragement. But
31:00 - 31:30 this this don't is not happening in CS. It will never happen in CS. Okay? This story goes like this real is a real one. It's still ongoing. This couple wants to get married in the church but this couple didn't have many friends in the church so no one's to help them and weddings are always on Saturday and they did not book the church early enough it means what not enough rooms to support their wedding of course as normal couple angry very unhappy they find fault with
31:30 - 32:00 the church staff they find fault with their cell leaders as usual very normal this thing happen uh the couple will threaten to leave church but what Shocking was this the first time we heard this. The couple demands that the church return refund them their tithes and offerings. Never hear before, right? So also shocked me. Similarly, um the church staff, the cell leaders, many others in the church when they heard about this, they were
32:00 - 32:30 all very unhappy. All very unhappy. Many leaders then approached the pastor my friend to request for firepower to score the couple to set the couple back in place and maybe some even asked just get a couple to leave church. My friend was suffering. I don't know how this situation turned out eventually is still happening. But I wondered I really wondered I really wondered if everyone
32:30 - 33:00 everyone couple cell leaders everyone the church staff everyone will approach this situation peacefully lovingly uh enough of all these uh reciprocal thing you do this 100% I do this another 100% never end violence begins violence how would the kingdom of god look like? Okay. How would the kingdom of God look
33:00 - 33:30 like if everyone learns from Jesus? Our King Jesus come in peace to dismantle war, to dismantle violence. I want to invite the worship team to come up and get ready. We're going to end the sermon real soon. By Jesus going willingly to the cross, Jesus showed the world a new kind of power. And I think that the world has
33:30 - 34:00 not learned power that is expressed through vulnerability, surrender rather than cohesion and control. Being a pastor for many years, being a leader in the marketplace and also in the church, I learned one thing that leaders always like to have control. Uh high control leads to rebellion. Power that is expressed
34:00 - 34:30 through vulnerability and surrender. Instead of taking up weapons, Jesus laid down his life. Instead of retaliating, reciprocal, Jesus forgave. Instead of dividing, Jesus r consult. Through Jesus example, Jesus really revealed that violence can never
34:30 - 35:00 truly defeat violence. It it is an endless cycle. The only way, the only way to break this cycle of violence, the only way perhaps to break this cycle of reciprocal is through grace and selfgiving love. The world has yet to learn this. This is how King Jesus dismantled war and violence in Jerusalem long ago and every
35:00 - 35:30 day now in our everyday conflicts. This is how King Jesus will do it. Not by forceful dominions, by changing our hearts. Our hearts one by one through the power of his love. Luke 19:38 we read this together. 1 23 saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." The Jewish crowd
35:30 - 36:00 will shouting praises to God as they see Jesus coming into Jerusalem. How will we welcome our King Jesus? Do we exclaim with joy acknowledging Jesus lordship in our lives? Who is Jesus to you? Last two verse and we will end. 39 and 40. Read this together. 1 2 3. And some of the Pharisee in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples."
36:00 - 36:30 He answered, "I tell you, if this were silent, the very stones will cry out." Why would the Pharisee told Jesus to scold the cheering crowd? Maybe one perhaps they were embarrassed. The Pharisee were embarrassed by the wow ecstatic praise of the crowd because they don't want to praise G Jesus. They were embarrassed. Maybe maybe benefit of doubt they were trying to warn Jesus of the danger. Huh? Jesus don't attract the
36:30 - 37:00 attention of Pilate and the Roman they may come and attack us maybe. But the same can be applied to us. Are we silent out of fear or shame when we should be proclaiming Jesus Christ boldly? How will we how will we welcome our King Jesus? Jesus said if we keep silence about God, the stones will cry out. How
37:00 - 37:30 will we welcome King Jesus? Church, are we stand? Church, can I propose to you in this intense week of preparation, we need to be bold to praise our God, to share the good news of Jesus. And we want to welcome our King Jesus. We want to prepare our hearts as we enter into Holy Week. We want to welcome our King who conquers sin, death, and Satan. Amen. Amen. We want to welcome our King
37:30 - 38:00 who reigns in humility and love. Amen. Amen. We want to welcome our king who transform our hearts, heals our brokenness and give us everlasting life through the sacrifice on the cross. Amen. Amen. Let us sing. I'm going to sing this song in response and welcome King Jesus to heal us, transform us, and use us for his kingdom. So, great is the Lord.
38:00 - 38:30 Praise the Lord God Almighty. Praise the Lord on high. [Music] Straight of his rope builds the temple and we cry our highest praise. We sing
38:30 - 39:00 glory glory to the risen king. Glory to the son. Glorious son. Lift up your heads. Lift up your hands. Open the doors. Let
39:00 - 39:30 the king of glory come in and forever be our God. We welcome you Lord. Thank you Jesus. Let's sing. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord God
39:30 - 40:00 Almighty. Holy is the Lord high. So we bow before you. Let all the earth bow before you and crown you Lord of all. We sing glory, glory, glory to the
40:00 - 40:30 risen king. Glory to the sun. Glorious son. Lift up your hands. Open the doors. Let the king of glory come in and forever be. How God.
40:30 - 41:00 Lift up your heads. Open the doors. Let the king of glory come in. And forever our God. Forever and forever. Our God is [Music]
41:00 - 41:30 forever God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hosana. Hosana. Hosana in the highest. And truly blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Heavenly Father, we want to pray for all of us right now. Lord, as we commit oursel Aresh to wholeheartedly follow our King Jesus. Lord, strengthen our faith as we
41:30 - 42:00 wait upon your promises, trusting that Lord that your timing and your ways are always perfect. Lord, will you teach us to embrace your way of peace, humility, and sacrificial love in our homes, in our church, and in our communities. Lord, will you empower us by your Holy Spirit, Lord, to live boldly for Jesus, unashamed of the
42:00 - 42:30 gospel, unafraid of what others may say in the powerful name of Jesus. Church, we raise our hands and receive the blessings that come from God the Almighty. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. And may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you his shalom peace. And the blessing of God the Almighty, the
42:30 - 43:00 Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you and your loved ones now and forever more. Amen. Amen. Let's praise God. At the service draw to chrome.