Palms, Coats and Hosannas

Matthew 21:5 -- 11

Introduction

1.      This is "coat" Sunday - three Gospels mention coats, while one mentions palm branches

2.      This is a time to reflect on the death of Jesus and what that death means to each one of us a

3.      Jesus knew that he was making his last trip to Jerusalem  

Discussion

1.      The road to Jerusalem -planned from eternity

a.       the first night in Bethlehem – Lk 2:1-14  

b.      at age 12 in Jerusalem – Lk 2:41-51  

c.       the baptism at the Jordan River - Mk 1:9-11  

d.      the excitement of Jesus miracles  

e.       the excitement of the crowds who flocked to hear Jesus speak – Lk 5:1  

2.      The road to Golgotha – determined by Jesus

a.       the cleansing of the Temple – Lk 19:45-48  

b.      the parable of the vineyard – Mt 21:33-46  

c.       the "hypocrites" sermon – Mt 23:1-36  

d.      the betrayal by Judas – Mt 26:14-16; 47-50  

3.      The cross – God’s answer to sin

a.       the Passover lamb – 1 Cor 5:7  

b.      the suffering servant of Isaiah – Is 53  

c.       the atoning sacrifice for our sins – 1 John 2:2 - every attempt we make to trivialize sin leaves us facing the cross  

Conclusion

1.       we are often embarrassed by someone doing something for us

2.      the ultimate embarrassment is that someone should die for us

3.      why did Jesus die for us?  -- because he loved us

4.      we are baptized because we accept what has been done for us

5.      we are baptized because we accept the need for Jesus to have died for us