Matthew 21:1-11 And when they drew near to Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,… I. IT PRESENTS AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE RELATION OF CHRIST TO THE RELIGIOUS FEELING OF MANKIND. We are religious beings. Our very nature is grained with sensibilities for the sacred and the Divine. This scene shows how it is affected by Christ. 1. He rouses it to activity. The multitude was deeply moved. Not merely patriotism or earthly emotion, but earnest spiritual feeling. From Jesus streamed all this awakening power. 2. He inspires it with gladness. There was holy rejoicing. There is a moral awakening which has no joy in it. The natural man is afraid of God. Jesus takes away these terrors. 3. He also encourages the expression of religious emotions and convictions. Christ would have His people speak their joys. II. AN EARNEST OF THE SAVIOUR'S GLORIOUS KINGHOOD. The symptoms of glorious consummation are visible in the scene before us. 1. We here see the world serving Him. He commands both men and beasts, and causes them to obey His will. 2. We see here the whole multitude of His disciples filled with joyous exultation. All sorrows were for the hour quite swallowed up in the abounding blessedness. 3. We here see the most unlikely prophecies touching His kinghood fulfilled to the very letter. 4. The sorrowful hopelessness of Christ's enemies when He begins to let His royal majesty forth. III. The text suggests IMPORTANT IDEAS TOUCHING CHRIST'S PERPETUAL COMING TO HIS CHURCH. 1. He comes with the illuminations of His Spirit. 2. He comes to His Church except when it is made impossible by the unbelief of men. 3. The way to enjoy Him in His Church is clearly indicated. We must welcome Him as the Son of God. IV. As JESUS ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM, SO HE STRIVETH NOW FOR ENTRANCE INTO EVERY HEART. 1. He approaches all of us as He approached the holy city. He comes to us as a King, as the promised One. 2. But for His coming to be a blessing we must do as did the happy ones in the text. 3. Great is the blessedness of those who thus receive the Lord Jesus. V. THIS ENTRY OF THE SAVIOUR INTO THE HOLY CITY CALLS UP OUR PUBLIC ENTRY INTO THE SPIRITUAL CITY, OF WHICH JERUSALEM WAS A TYPE. Christ entered to be condemned; we to be absolved: He to die; we to live. 1. Like His yours is a triumphal entry. 2. Like His, however, your entry is not full triumph yet. 3. It needs to be marked with meekness and courage. 4. It shall soon be crowned with everlasting victory. (J. A. Seiss.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, |
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