Worship (Palm Sunday) – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

After Jesus had said this, he went on After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany As he approached Bethphage and Bethany As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, at the hill called the Mount of Olives, at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to he sent two of his disciples, saying to he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, them, "Go to the village ahead of you, them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a and as you enter it, you will find a and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever colt tied there, which no one has ever colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.'" it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.'" it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.'" Those who were sent ahead went and found Those who were sent ahead went and found Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. it just as he had told them. it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its As they were untying the colt, its As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying owners asked them, "Why are you untying owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it." it." it." They brought it to Jesus, threw their They brought it to Jesus, threw their They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and put Jesus on it. cloaks on the colt, and put Jesus on it. cloaks on the colt, and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their As he went along, people spread their As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near cloaks on the road. When he came near cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down to the place where the road goes down to the place where the road goes down to the Mount of Olives, the Mount of Olives, the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began the whole crowd of disciples began the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices joyfully to praise God in loud voices joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen. for all the miracles they had seen. for all the miracles they had seen. "Blessed is the king who comes in the "Blessed is the king who comes in the "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Some of the glory in the highest." Some of the glory in the highest." Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." "I "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." "I "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep tell you," he replied, "if they keep tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." The quiet, the stones will cry out." The quiet, the stones will cry out." The word of the Lord.

>> Of course, every year the >> Of course, every year the church around the world celebrates church around the world celebrates church around the world celebrates Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. from the dead. from the dead. But also for centuries around the world, But also for centuries around the world, But also for centuries around the world, the church the week before that has the church the week before that has the church the week before that has observed what's called Palm Sunday. Palm observed what's called Palm Sunday. Palm observed what's called Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is a time in which we recount the Sunday is a time in which we recount the Sunday is a time in which we recount the the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem. He Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem. He Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem. He was proclaimed just a few days before he was proclaimed just a few days before he was proclaimed just a few days before he was crucified. was crucified. was crucified. It's called Palm Sunday because even It's called Palm Sunday because even It's called Palm Sunday because even though you may notice that Luke doesn't though you may notice that Luke doesn't though you may notice that Luke doesn't mention the palms. Uh mention the palms. Uh mention the palms. Uh Matthew and Mark mention that there were Matthew and Mark mention that there were Matthew and Mark mention that there were branches, that they waved branches, John branches, that they waved branches, John branches, that they waved branches, John that they were palm branches. that they were palm branches. that they were palm branches. And uh that's why it's called Palm And uh that's why it's called Palm And uh that's why it's called Palm Sunday. Now, what does that mean? Sunday. Now, what does that mean? Sunday. Now, what does that mean? What does Palm Sunday mean? What does Palm Sunday mean? What does Palm Sunday mean? It means he's the king. It means he's the king. It means he's the king. You see, what they're saying is, blessed You see, what they're saying is, blessed You see, what they're saying is, blessed is the king. is the king. is the king. Uh the Hosannas, the palm branches, was Uh the Hosannas, the palm branches, was Uh the Hosannas, the palm branches, was the way in which a returning king, the way in which a returning king, the way in which a returning king, triumphant in battle, was triumphant in battle, was triumphant in battle, was uh greeted by his people. If If a king uh greeted by his people. If If a king uh greeted by his people. If If a king went out uh to war and was triumphant went out uh to war and was triumphant went out uh to war and was triumphant and came back to his capital city, the and came back to his capital city, the and came back to his capital city, the people came out and shouted Hosanna, and people came out and shouted Hosanna, and people came out and shouted Hosanna, and they waved branches and that sort of they waved branches and that sort of they waved branches and that sort of thing.

thing. thing. And so, what this means is that Jesus is And so, what this means is that Jesus is And so, what this means is that Jesus is king. What does that mean? king. What does that mean? king. What does that mean? Uh Uh Uh I- I- If you want to understand the book I- I- If you want to understand the book I- I- If you want to understand the book of Luke, of Luke, of Luke, you can do that partly by dividing it you can do that partly by dividing it you can do that partly by dividing it into three into three into three thirds, roughly, roughly three thirds. thirds, roughly, roughly three thirds. thirds, roughly, roughly three thirds. The first The first The first eight chapters eight chapters eight chapters target your mind target your mind target your mind and show you who Jesus is. And the next and show you who Jesus is. And the next and show you who Jesus is. And the next nine or so chapters target the will nine or so chapters target the will nine or so chapters target the will and show you what it means to follow and show you what it means to follow and show you what it means to follow him, what it means to be a disciple of him, what it means to be a disciple of him, what it means to be a disciple of his. But, these last chapters, starting his. But, these last chapters, starting his. But, these last chapters, starting right here, last seven chapters or so, right here, last seven chapters or so, right here, last seven chapters or so, they go after your heart because they're they go after your heart because they're they go after your heart because they're telling you what he came to do. telling you what he came to do. telling you what he came to do. And if you want to have an ex- And if you want to have an ex- And if you want to have an ex- existential encounter, if you want Jesus existential encounter, if you want Jesus existential encounter, if you want Jesus to actually be in your life, to actually be in your life, to actually be in your life, if you want to have If Jesus is going to if you want to have If Jesus is going to if you want to have If Jesus is going to do anything in your life, you have to do anything in your life, you have to do anything in your life, you have to know him as king. know him as king. know him as king. It's not the only thing he is. It's not the only thing he is. It's not the only thing he is. And yet, as we're going to see, he is And yet, as we're going to see, he is And yet, as we're going to see, he is that. that. that. So, what does that mean? Well, the So, what does that mean? Well, the So, what does that mean? Well, the passage will tell us at least three passage will tell us at least three passage will tell us at least three things. Let's look at the fact that the things. Let's look at the fact that the things. Let's look at the fact that the passage tells us he's the true king, passage tells us he's the true king, passage tells us he's the true king, he's the weak king, he's the weak king, he's the weak king, and he can be your king.

and he can be your king. and he can be your king. He's the true king, he's the weak king, He's the true king, he's the weak king, He's the true king, he's the weak king, and he can be your king. and he can be your king. and he can be your king. Look. Look. Look. First of all, he's the true king. In First of all, he's the true king. In First of all, he's the true king. In verse 38, when they shouted, "Blessed is verse 38, when they shouted, "Blessed is verse 38, when they shouted, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the the king who comes in the name of the the king who comes in the name of the Lord, peace in heaven, and glory in the Lord, peace in heaven, and glory in the Lord, peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." You notice that on the on the highest." You notice that on the on the highest." You notice that on the on the page it's uh indented because it's a page it's uh indented because it's a page it's uh indented because it's a quotation from the Hebrew scriptures, quotation from the Hebrew scriptures, quotation from the Hebrew scriptures, from the Old Testament. from the Old Testament. from the Old Testament. It's quoting Psalm 118:25 It's quoting Psalm 118:25 It's quoting Psalm 118:25 and 26, which is referring to the and 26, which is referring to the and 26, which is referring to the Messianic King. They're not just saying, Messianic King. They're not just saying, Messianic King. They're not just saying, "You are a king." "You are a king." "You are a king." They're saying, "You're the king." They're saying, "You're the king." They're saying, "You're the king." The Messianic King. The Messianic King. The Messianic King. Uh the Hebrew scriptures and the Uh the Hebrew scriptures and the Uh the Hebrew scriptures and the prophets were filled with prophecies prophets were filled with prophecies prophets were filled with prophecies that someday a um that someday a um that someday a um a king in the line of David, a a king in the line of David, a a king in the line of David, a descendant of King David, would show up descendant of King David, would show up descendant of King David, would show up and put everything right. and put everything right. and put everything right. And they're saying, "He's the Messianic And they're saying, "He's the Messianic And they're saying, "He's the Messianic King." Now, of course, it's King." Now, of course, it's King." Now, of course, it's extraordinarily important to understand extraordinarily important to understand extraordinarily important to understand who Jesus is in light of that Messianic who Jesus is in light of that Messianic who Jesus is in light of that Messianic hope from the Bible, the Old Testament, hope from the Bible, the Old Testament, hope from the Bible, the Old Testament, the Jewish hope of a Messiah. But, the Jewish hope of a Messiah. But, the Jewish hope of a Messiah. But, um um um at least for for for a moment, I want at least for for for a moment, I want at least for for for a moment, I want you to see it's it's not just a Jewish you to see it's it's not just a Jewish you to see it's it's not just a Jewish hope, it's a human hope.

hope, it's a human hope. hope, it's a human hope. The idea of a great Messianic hero, a The idea of a great Messianic hero, a The idea of a great Messianic hero, a king returning to put everything right. king returning to put everything right. king returning to put everything right. It it it's a it's a human hope. It lives It it it's a it's a human hope. It lives It it it's a it's a human hope. It lives in the in the legendary traditions of in the in the legendary traditions of in the in the legendary traditions of many many many cultures. many many many cultures. many many many cultures. You know, um You know, um You know, um in the in the 1400s, Sir Thomas Malory in the in the 1400s, Sir Thomas Malory in the in the 1400s, Sir Thomas Malory put together a lot of the old Arthurian, put together a lot of the old Arthurian, put together a lot of the old Arthurian, that means the all the legends about that means the all the legends about that means the all the legends about King Arthur and Camelot and the Round King Arthur and Camelot and the Round King Arthur and Camelot and the Round Table and all that, and he put them Table and all that, and he put them Table and all that, and he put them together into a together into a together into a a a book called Morte d'Arthur, The a a book called Morte d'Arthur, The a a book called Morte d'Arthur, The Death of Arthur. Death of Arthur. Death of Arthur. And one of the legends in the book says And one of the legends in the book says And one of the legends in the book says that when Arthur died, this is what they that when Arthur died, this is what they that when Arthur died, this is what they put on his tombstone. put on his tombstone. put on his tombstone. Here lies Arthur, Here lies Arthur, Here lies Arthur, Rex Quondam, Rex Quondam, Rex Quondam, Rex Futurus. Rex Futurus. Rex Futurus. King once, King once, King once, king to come. king to come. king to come. Or as uh Or as uh Or as uh T.H. White put it, he translated this in T.H. White put it, he translated this in T.H. White put it, he translated this in as the as the title to his novel, The as the as the title to his novel, The as the as the title to his novel, The Once and Future King. Once and Future King. Once and Future King. So, here's King Arthur, who's a once and So, here's King Arthur, who's a once and So, here's King Arthur, who's a once and he's going to come back someday, and he's going to come back someday, and he's going to come back someday, and he's going to put everything right. And he's going to put everything right. And he's going to put everything right. And and it's not just in the ancient legends and it's not just in the ancient legends and it's not just in the ancient legends as you know, if you know anything about as you know, if you know anything about as you know, if you know anything about fantasy fiction today or even the fantasy fiction today or even the fantasy fiction today or even the average blockbuster summer blockbuster average blockbuster summer blockbuster average blockbuster summer blockbuster is usually about some Messianic figure is usually about some Messianic figure is usually about some Messianic figure that puts everything right in a heroic that puts everything right in a heroic that puts everything right in a heroic way.

way. way. Now, this is a human hope, not just a Now, this is a human hope, not just a Now, this is a human hope, not just a Jewish hope. Jewish hope. Jewish hope. But, it hasn't always served us well. But, it hasn't always served us well. But, it hasn't always served us well. Um my grandfather was from Italy. He Um my grandfather was from Italy. He Um my grandfather was from Italy. He came across came across came across through Ellis Island, lived in Little through Ellis Island, lived in Little through Ellis Island, lived in Little Italy Italy Italy in the early 1900s, in the early 1900s, in the early 1900s, worked on the first subway. worked on the first subway. worked on the first subway. Uh and so I was when I grew up when I Uh and so I was when I grew up when I Uh and so I was when I grew up when I was a when I was a child in in the 1950s was a when I was a child in in the 1950s was a when I was a child in in the 1950s when I was a child and some of you are when I was a child and some of you are when I was a child and some of you are saying, "Gasp, you mean there's still saying, "Gasp, you mean there's still saying, "Gasp, you mean there's still some people that are alive from the some people that are alive from the some people that are alive from the 1950s?" Yes, there actually are. 1950s?" Yes, there actually are. 1950s?" Yes, there actually are. And I remember when I was with my And I remember when I was with my And I remember when I was with my Italian relatives, World War was Italian relatives, World War was Italian relatives, World War was actually relatively recent in their actually relatively recent in their actually relatively recent in their memories and what they used to always do memories and what they used to always do memories and what they used to always do is shake their heads about Mussolini. is shake their heads about Mussolini. is shake their heads about Mussolini. And what they said was the Italian the And what they said was the Italian the And what they said was the Italian the Italian society was in chaos and they Italian society was in chaos and they Italian society was in chaos and they wanted a Messiah. wanted a Messiah. wanted a Messiah. I remember my mother told me I never met I remember my mother told me I never met I remember my mother told me I never met my grandfather. My mother told me that my grandfather. My mother told me that my grandfather. My mother told me that my grandfather used to say, "Well, at my grandfather used to say, "Well, at my grandfather used to say, "Well, at least Mussolini made the trains run on least Mussolini made the trains run on least Mussolini made the trains run on time." time." time." And everybody said, "Well, anybody who And everybody said, "Well, anybody who And everybody said, "Well, anybody who could make the trains run on time, he could make the trains run on time, he could make the trains run on time, he can be king." can be king." can be king." And they gave him all this power because And they gave him all this power because And they gave him all this power because we needed somebody just get everything we needed somebody just get everything we needed somebody just get everything straight and it was a disaster.

And partly because of those disasters And partly because of those disasters and partly because the the history and and partly because the the history and and partly because the the history and the record of monarchs and kings and the record of monarchs and kings and the record of monarchs and kings and supposed Messiahs has been so supposed Messiahs has been so supposed Messiahs has been so disastrous, disastrous, disastrous, today there is a tremendous distaste for today there is a tremendous distaste for today there is a tremendous distaste for the very idea of a king. the very idea of a king. the very idea of a king. Uh in fact, and the Americans were the Uh in fact, and the Americans were the Uh in fact, and the Americans were the we were the we were the leaders in this. we were the we were the leaders in this. we were the we were the leaders in this. Uh John Guest, who was a British Uh John Guest, who was a British Uh John Guest, who was a British minister in the 1960s when he first minister in the 1960s when he first minister in the 1960s when he first moved to America, he was going to moved to America, he was going to moved to America, he was going to minister here in order to try to minister here in order to try to minister here in order to try to understand the ambiance and the culture, understand the ambiance and the culture, understand the ambiance and the culture, he went to Philadelphia in the late he went to Philadelphia in the late he went to Philadelphia in the late 1960s and he went to Independence Hall 1960s and he went to Independence Hall 1960s and he went to Independence Hall and he saw the Liberty Bell. and he saw the Liberty Bell. and he saw the Liberty Bell. And he was in a town he was in And he was in a town he was in And he was in a town he was in Germantown in a a store that sold Germantown in a a store that sold Germantown in a a store that sold Americana, sold antiques and and Americana, sold antiques and and Americana, sold antiques and and artifacts from the American artifacts from the American artifacts from the American Revolutionary War period. And he was Revolutionary War period. And he was Revolutionary War period. And he was looking at a bunch of signs and placards looking at a bunch of signs and placards looking at a bunch of signs and placards that had been used and one one of the that had been used and one one of the that had been used and one one of the things that shocked him a little bit as things that shocked him a little bit as things that shocked him a little bit as a British subject was one of the signs a British subject was one of the signs a British subject was one of the signs that was put out probably over a in a that was put out probably over a in a that was put out probably over a in a tavern or something like that in the tavern or something like that in the tavern or something like that in the Revolutionary War was the sign, "We Revolutionary War was the sign, "We Revolutionary War was the sign, "We serve no sovereign here."

serve no sovereign here." serve no sovereign here." That's the spirit of America. That's the spirit of America. That's the spirit of America. We serve no sovereign here. Nobody tells We serve no sovereign here. Nobody tells We serve no sovereign here. Nobody tells us how to live our lives. We choose how us how to live our lives. We choose how us how to live our lives. We choose how to live. We don't have anyone in to live. We don't have anyone in to live. We don't have anyone in authority over us. authority over us. authority over us. And this British minister said, "Well, And this British minister said, "Well, And this British minister said, "Well, that's that's the heart of the American that's that's the heart of the American that's that's the heart of the American psyche, isn't it? That nobody tells you psyche, isn't it? That nobody tells you psyche, isn't it? That nobody tells you what to do. You are in charge. You We what to do. You are in charge. You We what to do. You are in charge. You We don't have any kings here." don't have any kings here." don't have any kings here." And of course And of course And of course in some ways that's legitimate when you in some ways that's legitimate when you in some ways that's legitimate when you look at the history of kings and look at the history of kings and look at the history of kings and monarchs and dictators and and so-called monarchs and dictators and and so-called monarchs and dictators and and so-called Messiahs, but Messiahs, but Messiahs, but but but but the funny thing is we're still the funny thing is we're still the funny thing is we're still fascinated with kings. fascinated with kings. fascinated with kings. Those countries that still have some Those countries that still have some Those countries that still have some kind of royalty around, you know what we kind of royalty around, you know what we kind of royalty around, you know what we do with them? And we just make them the do with them? And we just make them the do with them? And we just make them the most incredible celebrities, those few most incredible celebrities, those few most incredible celebrities, those few countries that still have royalties. countries that still have royalties. countries that still have royalties. And of course we create royalty. And of course we create royalty. And of course we create royalty. And besides that all this And besides that all this And besides that all this Yeah, I mean, C.S. Lewis puts it like Yeah, I mean, C.S. Lewis puts it like Yeah, I mean, C.S. Lewis puts it like this, it's it's the front piece of your this, it's it's the front piece of your this, it's it's the front piece of your quote. He says, quote. He says, quote. He says, "Where we are forbidden to honor a king, "Where we are forbidden to honor a king, "Where we are forbidden to honor a king, we will honor millionaires, athletes, or we will honor millionaires, athletes, or we will honor millionaires, athletes, or film stars instead, even famous film stars instead, even famous film stars instead, even famous prostitutes or gangsters."

prostitutes or gangsters." prostitutes or gangsters." And by the way, stories, the stories And by the way, stories, the stories And by the way, stories, the stories that sell, the blockbuster movies, what that sell, the blockbuster movies, what that sell, the blockbuster movies, what are they always They're always about are they always They're always about are they always They're always about kings and queens and princesses. Nothing kings and queens and princesses. Nothing kings and queens and princesses. Nothing gets us more excited than that. Why is gets us more excited than that. Why is gets us more excited than that. Why is it every little five-year-old girl in in it every little five-year-old girl in in it every little five-year-old girl in in York City is all into princesses? York City is all into princesses? York City is all into princesses? I mean, what's wrong with Why I mean, what's wrong with Why I mean, what's wrong with Why princesses? What's what's What is the princesses? What's what's What is the princesses? What's what's What is the fascination with royalty? Okay, go back fascination with royalty? Okay, go back fascination with royalty? Okay, go back to that quote. C.S. Lewis says, "Where to that quote. C.S. Lewis says, "Where to that quote. C.S. Lewis says, "Where we are forbidden to honor a king, we we are forbidden to honor a king, we we are forbidden to honor a king, we will honor millionaires, athletes, or will honor millionaires, athletes, or will honor millionaires, athletes, or film stars, film stars, film stars, even famous prostitutes and gangsters." even famous prostitutes and gangsters." even famous prostitutes and gangsters." And then he says, "For spiritual nature And then he says, "For spiritual nature And then he says, "For spiritual nature will be served." Spiritual nature, like bodily nature, Spiritual nature, like bodily nature, will be served. Deny it food, and it will be served. Deny it food, and it will be served. Deny it food, and it will gobble poison. will gobble poison. will gobble poison. What does he mean? Well, when he says, What does he mean? Well, when he says, What does he mean? Well, when he says, "Deny it food, it'll gobble poison." We "Deny it food, it'll gobble poison." We "Deny it food, it'll gobble poison." We were designed to eat. We need food. And were designed to eat. We need food. And were designed to eat. We need food. And the simple fact is that people who are the simple fact is that people who are the simple fact is that people who are in starvation situations, when men and in starvation situations, when men and in starvation situations, when men and women have been in position places women have been in position places women have been in position places where they are utterly starved and they where they are utterly starved and they where they are utterly starved and they are literally starving to death, they are literally starving to death, they are literally starving to death, they are known, even though their mind tells are known, even though their mind tells are known, even though their mind tells them, "You shouldn't do this." They're them, "You shouldn't do this." They're them, "You shouldn't do this." They're known to just grab things and and eat known to just grab things and and eat known to just grab things and and eat them, even though they might be toxic to them, even though they might be toxic to them, even though they might be toxic to them. It might kill them.

them. It might kill them. them. It might kill them. Physical nature will be served. We're Physical nature will be served. We're Physical nature will be served. We're built to eat. We got to eat something. built to eat. We got to eat something. built to eat. We got to eat something. Oh, what's the spiritual nature mean? Oh, what's the spiritual nature mean? Oh, what's the spiritual nature mean? What does that What is Lewis saying? What does that What is Lewis saying? What does that What is Lewis saying? He is saying there's something in our He is saying there's something in our He is saying there's something in our spiritual nature that needs to crown spiritual nature that needs to crown spiritual nature that needs to crown kings. Now, even us Americans, Now, even us Americans, what does that mean? I think it plays what does that mean? I think it plays what does that mean? I think it plays out at two levels. Number one, out at two levels. Number one, out at two levels. Number one, you got to live for something, don't you got to live for something, don't you got to live for something, don't you? you? you? Everybody has to live for something. Everybody has to live for something. Everybody has to live for something. Something that gives you meaning in Something that gives you meaning in Something that gives you meaning in life. life. life. Something that it says, "This is why I'm Something that it says, "This is why I'm Something that it says, "This is why I'm living. This is my purpose." living. This is my purpose." living. This is my purpose." Well, whatever that thing is, I want you Well, whatever that thing is, I want you Well, whatever that thing is, I want you to know, it does not serve you. to know, it does not serve you. to know, it does not serve you. You serve it. You serve it. You serve it. You have crowned it. You have crowned it. You have crowned it. If you're living for a career, if you're If you're living for a career, if you're If you're living for a career, if you're living for a political cause, living for a political cause, living for a political cause, if you're just living if you're living if you're just living if you're living if you're just living if you're living for independence. I know people who say, for independence. I know people who say, for independence. I know people who say, "Oh, I don't live for anything. I'm "Oh, I don't live for anything. I'm "Oh, I don't live for anything. I'm completely independent." Which means completely independent." Which means completely independent." Which means you're living for your independence. And you're living for your independence. And you're living for your independence. And it means you'll go crazy if something it means you'll go crazy if something it means you'll go crazy if something makes you lack, you know, lack makes you lack, you know, lack makes you lack, you know, lack independence. independence. independence. I mean, Americans are so freaked out by I mean, Americans are so freaked out by I mean, Americans are so freaked out by the idea that we have lost control to the idea that we have lost control to the idea that we have lost control to anybody. We're not serving anyone. I'm anybody. We're not serving anyone. I'm anybody. We're not serving anyone. I'm in control of my own life.

in control of my own life. in control of my own life. Nonsense. Nonsense. Nonsense. If you're living for something, If you're living for something, If you're living for something, whatever that thing is, you don't serve whatever that thing is, you don't serve whatever that thing is, you don't serve it's not serving you. it's not serving you. it's not serving you. You are serving it. You are serving it. You are serving it. If you live for career, if you live for If you live for career, if you live for If you live for career, if you live for your children. your children. your children. If you're living for your children, they If you're living for your children, they If you're living for your children, they are masters. are masters. are masters. You can't stand it if something's going You can't stand it if something's going You can't stand it if something's going wrong in their life. You just melt down. wrong in their life. You just melt down. wrong in their life. You just melt down. Same If you're living for your Same If you're living for your Same If you're living for your independence, if you're living for some independence, if you're living for some independence, if you're living for some political cause, everything rides on it. political cause, everything rides on it. political cause, everything rides on it. You're driven by it. You're driven by it. You're driven by it. You are not in control of yourself. You are not in control of yourself. You are not in control of yourself. Becky Pippert writes this, you know, Becky Pippert writes this, you know, Becky Pippert writes this, you know, this is great passage in what She's a this is great passage in what She's a this is great passage in what She's a Christian writer in one of her books. Christian writer in one of her books. Christian writer in one of her books. She says, She says, She says, "The person who seeks power is "The person who seeks power is "The person who seeks power is controlled by power then. controlled by power then. controlled by power then. The person who seeks acceptance is The person who seeks acceptance is The person who seeks acceptance is controlled by the people he or she wants controlled by the people he or she wants controlled by the people he or she wants to please, but you do not control to please, but you do not control to please, but you do not control yourself. You're controlled by the lord yourself. You're controlled by the lord yourself. You're controlled by the lord of your life." of your life." of your life." There's not a single person in this room There's not a single person in this room There's not a single person in this room that's in control of their lives. that's in control of their lives. that's in control of their lives. Even us Americans, we serve no sovereign Even us Americans, we serve no sovereign Even us Americans, we serve no sovereign here. Oh, yes, you do. here. Oh, yes, you do. here. Oh, yes, you do. Yes, you do.

Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Spiritual nature. Spiritual nature. Spiritual nature. And see, and that What does that mean? And see, and that What does that mean? And see, and that What does that mean? Why would it be inevitable for us to at Why would it be inevitable for us to at Why would it be inevitable for us to at least psychologically or culturally least psychologically or culturally least psychologically or culturally crown kings and queens? crown kings and queens? crown kings and queens? Why do we have to crown something? Why do we have to crown something? Why do we have to crown something? Why do we have to serve something? You Why do we have to serve something? You Why do we have to serve something? You know that old Bob Dylan song? I know know that old Bob Dylan song? I know know that old Bob Dylan song? I know some of you are thinking, "Bob Dylan, some of you are thinking, "Bob Dylan, some of you are thinking, "Bob Dylan, who's that?" Bob Dylan wrote, "You got who's that?" Bob Dylan wrote, "You got who's that?" Bob Dylan wrote, "You got to serve somebody." Go watch the the to serve somebody." Go watch the the to serve somebody." Go watch the the theology of that song is actually is theology of that song is actually is theology of that song is actually is perfectly right. Saying the same thing perfectly right. Saying the same thing perfectly right. Saying the same thing I'm saying right here. Why? Here's why I think. Here's why I Why? Here's why I think. Here's why I think Lewis can say spiritual nature think Lewis can say spiritual nature think Lewis can say spiritual nature will be served. The Bible says that the will be served. The Bible says that the will be served. The Bible says that the human race remembers. At some deep human race remembers. At some deep human race remembers. At some deep level, there's a memory trace in our level, there's a memory trace in our level, there's a memory trace in our collective unconscious, maybe. collective unconscious, maybe. collective unconscious, maybe. Speculation. Maybe that's not the right Speculation. Maybe that's not the right Speculation. Maybe that's not the right word. word. word. But you see, the Bible says that the But you see, the Bible says that the But you see, the Bible says that the human race, human race, human race, before the breaking of the world before the breaking of the world before the breaking of the world stood before stood before stood before a glorious king a glorious king a glorious king a king of absolute splendor. a king of absolute splendor. a king of absolute splendor. And his justice and his power and his And his justice and his power and his And his justice and his power and his wisdom and his nobility and his wisdom and his nobility and his wisdom and his nobility and his compassion and his beauty was like the compassion and his beauty was like the compassion and his beauty was like the sun sun sun shining shining shining at full strength.

And at some level we remember that and And at some level we remember that and at some level we know we're designed to at some level we know we're designed to at some level we know we're designed to serve a king like that. But we lost him. serve a king like that. But we lost him. serve a king like that. But we lost him. You know why we lost him? The Bible You know why we lost him? The Bible You know why we lost him? The Bible tells us we decided we were going to be tells us we decided we were going to be tells us we decided we were going to be our own masters and we lost that king our own masters and we lost that king our own masters and we lost that king and we lost his presence and his glory. and we lost his presence and his glory. and we lost his presence and his glory. And when that happened everything in the And when that happened everything in the And when that happened everything in the world broke. world broke. world broke. Genesis 1, 2, and 3 tell us all about Genesis 1, 2, and 3 tell us all about Genesis 1, 2, and 3 tell us all about that. Everything in the world broke cuz that. Everything in the world broke cuz that. Everything in the world broke cuz we were designed to live in under him we were designed to live in under him we were designed to live in under him and everything broke. and everything broke. and everything broke. But as we were being turned out of the But as we were being turned out of the But as we were being turned out of the Garden of Eden Garden of Eden Garden of Eden Genesis 3 tells us there was a prophecy. Genesis 3 tells us there was a prophecy. Genesis 3 tells us there was a prophecy. It's very cryptic and here's the It's very cryptic and here's the It's very cryptic and here's the prophecy is. The prophecy is all is not prophecy is. The prophecy is all is not prophecy is. The prophecy is all is not lost because a descendant of the woman, lost because a descendant of the woman, lost because a descendant of the woman, some human being, will someday come back some human being, will someday come back some human being, will someday come back and will wrestle with the serpent. Who's and will wrestle with the serpent. Who's and will wrestle with the serpent. Who's the serpent? Well, of course the serpent the serpent? Well, of course the serpent the serpent? Well, of course the serpent was Satan who tempted Adam and Eve, but was Satan who tempted Adam and Eve, but was Satan who tempted Adam and Eve, but it means probably more than that. It it means probably more than that. It it means probably more than that. It really means that the great dragon, the really means that the great dragon, the really means that the great dragon, the great servant, evil and death, Satan, great servant, evil and death, Satan, great servant, evil and death, Satan, someone will come back someone will come back someone will come back and will struggle with him and he will and will struggle with him and he will and will struggle with him and he will be terribly wounded the prophecy says, be terribly wounded the prophecy says, be terribly wounded the prophecy says, but he will triumph.

but he will triumph. but he will triumph. The Messiah, the true king, will come The Messiah, the true king, will come The Messiah, the true king, will come back. The king will come back and he'll back. The king will come back and he'll back. The king will come back and he'll make everything right. make everything right. make everything right. And all And all And all the leaves of the Bible the leaves of the Bible the leaves of the Bible are wrestling are wrestling are wrestling with the rumor and the whispered promise with the rumor and the whispered promise with the rumor and the whispered promise that he is coming back. The true king is that he is coming back. The true king is that he is coming back. The true king is coming back. coming back. coming back. And this is him. And this is him. And this is him. This is the true king. This is the true king. This is the true king. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Blessed is the king Blessed is the king Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. who comes in the name of the Lord. who comes in the name of the Lord. Now, that's point one. He's the true Now, that's point one. He's the true Now, that's point one. He's the true king, but here's point two. Americans king, but here's point two. Americans king, but here's point two. Americans really panic at the idea really panic at the idea really panic at the idea of of of of of of talk of talking about a king, a talk of talking about a king, a talk of talking about a king, a spiritual king, Jesus Christ. You have spiritual king, Jesus Christ. You have spiritual king, Jesus Christ. You have to give yourself to him. He has to be to give yourself to him. He has to be to give yourself to him. He has to be lord of your life. He has to come into lord of your life. He has to come into lord of your life. He has to come into authority authority authority over you. We We love the idea of Jesus over you. We We love the idea of Jesus over you. We We love the idea of Jesus coming in as a warm fuzzy and meeting coming in as a warm fuzzy and meeting coming in as a warm fuzzy and meeting our needs, but the idea of a king, we our needs, but the idea of a king, we our needs, but the idea of a king, we just panic. And especially New Yorkers just panic. And especially New Yorkers just panic. And especially New Yorkers panic. There's You know why New Yorkers panic. There's You know why New Yorkers panic. There's You know why New Yorkers will not will not will not register for the conference until the register for the conference until the register for the conference until the very last 10 minutes before?

very last 10 minutes before? very last 10 minutes before? Cuz we don't want to lose control of Cuz we don't want to lose control of Cuz we don't want to lose control of that night. that night. that night. See, we want to be right to the last See, we want to be right to the last See, we want to be right to the last minute. If we got some better option, we minute. If we got some better option, we minute. If we got some better option, we don't want to close our options. We don't want to close our options. We don't want to close our options. We don't We want to be in total control. don't We want to be in total control. don't We want to be in total control. And we certainly would we would we And we certainly would we would we And we certainly would we would we wouldn't want a week before to lock wouldn't want a week before to lock wouldn't want a week before to lock ourselves into going to that conference ourselves into going to that conference ourselves into going to that conference on Friday night. I mean, what if on Friday night. I mean, what if on Friday night. I mean, what if something cooler came up? something cooler came up? something cooler came up? So, we want to be in total control. So, we want to be in total control. So, we want to be in total control. And if you if [laughter] if we And if we And if you if [laughter] if we And if we And if you if [laughter] if we And if we don't want to don't want to don't want to even register for conferences, no wonder even register for conferences, no wonder even register for conferences, no wonder we don't want to give ourselves to a new we don't want to give ourselves to a new we don't want to give ourselves to a new king. king. king. But I got two things to say to you. But I got two things to say to you. But I got two things to say to you. Number one, Number one, Number one, I got three things to say, okay? I got three things to say, okay? I got three things to say, okay? Just making them up as I go. Number one, I've already said this, you Number one, I've already said this, you are already out of control of your life. are already out of control of your life. are already out of control of your life. You're already serving something. And You're already serving something. And You're already serving something. And number two, the only way for you to number two, the only way for you to number two, the only way for you to actually change your life in an any If actually change your life in an any If actually change your life in an any If there's any area of your life that's there's any area of your life that's there's any area of your life that's troubling you, if there's any place troubling you, if there's any place troubling you, if there's any place where you got a problem, if there's any where you got a problem, if there's any where you got a problem, if there's any emotion or behavior that you're trying emotion or behavior that you're trying emotion or behavior that you're trying to change and you can't change, to change and you can't change, to change and you can't change, the only way to change that is to change the only way to change that is to change the only way to change that is to change what you serve.

See, if you if you are living, for See, if you if you are living, for example, not for what God says about you example, not for what God says about you example, not for what God says about you and his love, and his love, and his love, but what human beings say about you. If but what human beings say about you. If but what human beings say about you. If you're If your reput- If you're serving you're If your reput- If you're serving you're If your reput- If you're serving your reputation, then you're going to be your reputation, then you're going to be your reputation, then you're going to be you're going to completely melt down if you're going to completely melt down if you're going to completely melt down if if someone criticizes you. If you are if someone criticizes you. If you are if someone criticizes you. If you are living for for career, if you're living living for for career, if you're living living for for career, if you're living for this relationship, this Mr. or Ms. for this relationship, this Mr. or Ms. for this relationship, this Mr. or Ms. Right is going to put everything right. Right is going to put everything right. Right is going to put everything right. And then you lose that relationship. And then you lose that relationship. And then you lose that relationship. And now you really can't get over the And now you really can't get over the And now you really can't get over the sense that you're of your failure and sense that you're of your failure and sense that you're of your failure and you're you have certain self-hatred and you're you have certain self-hatred and you're you have certain self-hatred and you'll never meet anybody like that you'll never meet anybody like that you'll never meet anybody like that again. There is all the things that you again. There is all the things that you again. There is all the things that you I wish I could change. I'm depressed. I wish I could change. I'm depressed. I wish I could change. I'm depressed. I'm anxious. I've got a habit. I've got I'm anxious. I've got a habit. I've got I'm anxious. I've got a habit. I've got an emotion I can't control. It all comes an emotion I can't control. It all comes an emotion I can't control. It all comes from what you serve. You're serving from what you serve. You're serving from what you serve. You're serving things that oppress you. If you live for your career, it will If you live for your career, it will drive you into the ground. If you don't drive you into the ground. If you don't drive you into the ground. If you don't do well in that career, it'll punish you do well in that career, it'll punish you do well in that career, it'll punish you inside. You'll feel like a you'll feel inside. You'll feel like a you'll feel inside. You'll feel like a you'll feel like a failure. like a failure. like a failure. Right? Right? Right? See, every problem you've got comes See, every problem you've got comes See, every problem you've got comes because you're serving something. because you're serving something. because you're serving something. You've crowned something that isn't a You've crowned something that isn't a You've crowned something that isn't a true king. It's not what you were built true king. It's not what you were built true king. It's not what you were built for. It's not what you were built to to for. It's not what you were built to to for. It's not what you were built to to to serve.

to serve. to serve. And it's oppressing you. And it's oppressing you. And it's oppressing you. And so the only way for you to change And so the only way for you to change And so the only way for you to change your life is to change what you serve. your life is to change what you serve. your life is to change what you serve. And thirdly, this is the only king, And thirdly, this is the only king, And thirdly, this is the only king, Jesus Christ, who won't oppress you. Jesus Christ, who won't oppress you. Jesus Christ, who won't oppress you. Why? Cuz he's the weak king. Why? Cuz he's the weak king. Why? Cuz he's the weak king. Weak king, yeah. Weak king, yeah. Weak king, yeah. Look up here. Look up here. Look up here. The first part of every one of the The first part of every one of the The first part of every one of the uh, accounts of the Palms of Palm Sunday uh, accounts of the Palms of Palm Sunday uh, accounts of the Palms of Palm Sunday talk about getting talk about getting talk about getting his steed. You know, he rode in his steed. You know, he rode in his steed. You know, he rode in on an animal. In order to get that on an animal. In order to get that on an animal. In order to get that animal, Jesus usually tells that you animal, Jesus usually tells that you animal, Jesus usually tells that you know, we see usually in most of the know, we see usually in most of the know, we see usually in most of the accounts Jesus tells the disciples accounts Jesus tells the disciples accounts Jesus tells the disciples uh, uh, uh, go into town, see verse 30, and you will go into town, see verse 30, and you will go into town, see verse 30, and you will find a colt tied there find a colt tied there find a colt tied there which no one has ever ridden. which no one has ever ridden. which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone Untie it and bring it here. If anyone Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, "Why are you untying it?" say, asks you, "Why are you untying it?" say, asks you, "Why are you untying it?" say, "The Lord needs it." And then they "The Lord needs it." And then they "The Lord needs it." And then they brought him the colt and he got on there brought him the colt and he got on there brought him the colt and he got on there and he rides into town. Now, what is and he rides into town. Now, what is and he rides into town. Now, what is this? this? this? First of all, Jesus, First of all, Jesus, First of all, Jesus, according to the text, not just this according to the text, not just this according to the text, not just this text, but the other accounts too, this text, but the other accounts too, this text, but the other accounts too, this is a a young donkey.

is a a young donkey. is a a young donkey. It's a foal, a colt of a donkey. It's a foal, a colt of a donkey. It's a foal, a colt of a donkey. The first reason why Jesus Christ has The first reason why Jesus Christ has The first reason why Jesus Christ has chosen this particular steed to ride in chosen this particular steed to ride in chosen this particular steed to ride in on is because it was the prophecy. It's on is because it was the prophecy. It's on is because it was the prophecy. It's a prophecy from the book of Zechariah a prophecy from the book of Zechariah a prophecy from the book of Zechariah that says, "This is how the Messiah is that says, "This is how the Messiah is that says, "This is how the Messiah is going to come." We already read it here going to come." We already read it here going to come." We already read it here in earlier in the worship service. in earlier in the worship service. in earlier in the worship service. Zechariah 9:9, "Behold, your king comes Zechariah 9:9, "Behold, your king comes Zechariah 9:9, "Behold, your king comes to you, righteous to you, righteous to you, righteous and having salvation, humble and mounted and having salvation, humble and mounted and having salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, on the foal of a on a donkey, on a colt, on the foal of a on a donkey, on a colt, on the foal of a donkey." So, the first reason why Jesus donkey." So, the first reason why Jesus donkey." So, the first reason why Jesus Christ gets a little Christ gets a little Christ gets a little donkey who's never been ridden on donkey who's never been ridden on donkey who's never been ridden on See, if you've never been ridden on, it See, if you've never been ridden on, it See, if you've never been ridden on, it means it's not just it's a really young means it's not just it's a really young means it's not just it's a really young colt. colt. colt. It's never been ridden. It's never been ridden. It's never been ridden. And so, the first reason Jesus gets that And so, the first reason Jesus gets that And so, the first reason Jesus gets that is because he's fulfilling prophecy, is because he's fulfilling prophecy, is because he's fulfilling prophecy, which shows you that Jesus Christ which shows you that Jesus Christ which shows you that Jesus Christ at every spot in his life submitted at every spot in his life submitted at every spot in his life submitted himself to the scripture. himself to the scripture. himself to the scripture. At every place he could, he was always At every place he could, he was always At every place he could, he was always had his the scripture in mind, which is had his the scripture in mind, which is had his the scripture in mind, which is a whole 'nother sermon, but we're not a whole 'nother sermon, but we're not a whole 'nother sermon, but we're not going to go there.

going to go there. going to go there. But, here's the other question. Why this But, here's the other question. Why this But, here's the other question. Why this particular kind of animal? Would you particular kind of animal? Would you particular kind of animal? Would you please think about this? please think about this? please think about this? A donkey, worse than that A donkey, worse than that A donkey, worse than that the the colt of a donkey, a young the the colt of a donkey, a young the the colt of a donkey, a young donkey, worse than that, one so young donkey, worse than that, one so young donkey, worse than that, one so young that he's never been ridden on. This is that he's never been ridden on. This is that he's never been ridden on. This is not what a king not what a king not what a king rides into town on. rides into town on. rides into town on. He rides in on a war horse. He rides in on a war horse. He rides in on a war horse. This is this little little donkey and This is this little little donkey and This is this little little donkey and Jesus is up on it. Do you realize this Jesus is up on it. Do you realize this Jesus is up on it. Do you realize this is this is the kind of mount that would is this is the kind of mount that would is this is the kind of mount that would be appropriate for a child or for a be appropriate for a child or for a be appropriate for a child or for a hobbit not a returning king. not a returning king. So, you can just imagine how the So, you can just imagine how the So, you can just imagine how the disciples are responding to this. First disciples are responding to this. First disciples are responding to this. First of all, let's just picture this. First of all, let's just picture this. First of all, let's just picture this. First of all, Jesus says to the disciples, of all, Jesus says to the disciples, of all, Jesus says to the disciples, "Okay, everybody, we're going to ride "Okay, everybody, we're going to ride "Okay, everybody, we're going to ride in. I'm going to ride in to Jerusalem in. I'm going to ride in to Jerusalem in. I'm going to ride in to Jerusalem and the crowd is going to acclaim me and the crowd is going to acclaim me and the crowd is going to acclaim me king." And you know what they're all king." And you know what they're all king." And you know what they're all going to say? going to say? going to say? Here's what the disciples are going to Here's what the disciples are going to Here's what the disciples are going to say. "Yes, finally. Finally, you're say. "Yes, finally. Finally, you're say. "Yes, finally. Finally, you're doing the things the way they ought to doing the things the way they ought to doing the things the way they ought to be done. This is how you do it. This is be done. This is how you do it. This is be done. This is how you do it. This is how you get a crowd going. This is how how you get a crowd going. This is how how you get a crowd going. This is how you get public support going. Yes. And you get public support going. Yes. And you get public support going. Yes. And then Jesus says, "And this is who I'm then Jesus says, "And this is who I'm then Jesus says, "And this is who I'm riding in on."

riding in on." riding in on." And And And the disciples are saying, "You're the disciples are saying, "You're the disciples are saying, "You're you're kidding. you're kidding. you're kidding. You're kidding. You're kidding. You're kidding. You're going to make yourself look like You're going to make yourself look like You're going to make yourself look like a laughingstock. We can need to go hire a laughingstock. We can need to go hire a laughingstock. We can need to go hire an image consultant. You've lost an image consultant. You've lost an image consultant. You've lost you've lost control of the message." you've lost control of the message." you've lost control of the message." And here's what Jesus I think is saying, And here's what Jesus I think is saying, And here's what Jesus I think is saying, "No. "No. "No. I am absolutely in control of the I am absolutely in control of the I am absolutely in control of the message. I know exactly what I'm saying. message. I know exactly what I'm saying. message. I know exactly what I'm saying. I am the king. In fact, it's even you I am the king. In fact, it's even you I am the king. In fact, it's even you can see the the you can see the kind of can see the the you can see the kind of can see the the you can see the kind of two-sidedness even in Zechariah 9, two-sidedness even in Zechariah 9, two-sidedness even in Zechariah 9, "Behold, your king is coming to you, "Behold, your king is coming to you, "Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation, humble, righteous and having salvation, humble, righteous and having salvation, humble, and mounted on the foal of a donkey." and mounted on the foal of a donkey." and mounted on the foal of a donkey." What Jesus is saying is the kind of What Jesus is saying is the kind of What Jesus is saying is the kind of power I am bringing is not the power the power I am bringing is not the power the power I am bringing is not the power the world thinks a messianic king should world thinks a messianic king should world thinks a messianic king should have. have. have. In fact, if you look at all the other In fact, if you look at all the other In fact, if you look at all the other legends, you look at King Arthur or legends, you look at King Arthur or legends, you look at King Arthur or whatever all those other they're all the whatever all those other they're all the whatever all those other they're all the superheroes, they're all messianic superheroes, they're all messianic superheroes, they're all messianic figures. They all are bulging their figures. They all are bulging their figures. They all are bulging their biceps and all. Jesus Christ comes and biceps and all. Jesus Christ comes and biceps and all. Jesus Christ comes and says, "No, no, you don't understand. says, "No, no, you don't understand. says, "No, no, you don't understand. I have come not to bring judgment. I I have come not to bring judgment. I I have come not to bring judgment. I have come to bear judgment."

I had if I had come on a warhorse I had if I had come on a warhorse to crack skulls and to kill a few to crack skulls and to kill a few to crack skulls and to kill a few Romans, I would have only brought a Romans, I would have only brought a Romans, I would have only brought a limited amount of freedom for a few limited amount of freedom for a few limited amount of freedom for a few people for a few years. But I've come in people for a few years. But I've come in people for a few years. But I've come in weakness. I have come to go to the weakness. I have come to go to the weakness. I have come to go to the cross. I've come to die. I've come to cross. I've come to die. I've come to cross. I've come to die. I've come to take the divine wrath take the divine wrath take the divine wrath that the human race deserves, that human that the human race deserves, that human that the human race deserves, that human sin deserves, so that God can forgive. sin deserves, so that God can forgive. sin deserves, so that God can forgive. And so that someday he can make And so that someday he can make And so that someday he can make everything right. everything right. everything right. And we can end evil evil and death And we can end evil evil and death And we can end evil evil and death forever. forever. forever. I am the weak king. I am the weak king. I am the weak king. Because only a weak king, only a someone Because only a weak king, only a someone Because only a weak king, only a someone who goes to the cross can truly break who goes to the cross can truly break who goes to the cross can truly break the back of evil the back of evil the back of evil and truly restore the world. I am not and truly restore the world. I am not and truly restore the world. I am not like any of the other Messiahs that the like any of the other Messiahs that the like any of the other Messiahs that the legends are looking for. I'm not even legends are looking for. I'm not even legends are looking for. I'm not even like the Messiah that most of the people like the Messiah that most of the people like the Messiah that most of the people reading the Old Testament expected. reading the Old Testament expected. reading the Old Testament expected. Huh. Huh. Huh. And therefore you can trust him. You can trust this king. He's the only You can trust this king. He's the only king that you can really give your life king that you can really give your life king that you can really give your life to. to. to. It's not just that you can't trust the It's not just that you can't trust the It's not just that you can't trust the Mussolinis of the world.

Mussolinis of the world. Mussolinis of the world. You can't trust your career. You can't You can't trust your career. You can't You can't trust your career. You can't trust even your family. You can't give trust even your family. You can't give trust even your family. You can't give your life for your family. your life for your family. your life for your family. If you're just living for your family, If you're just living for your family, If you're just living for your family, your family will will not No, I don't your family will will not No, I don't your family will will not No, I don't mean the individuals in the family, but mean the individuals in the family, but mean the individuals in the family, but the the family itself will just drive the the family itself will just drive the the family itself will just drive you into the ground. It's a tyrant. you into the ground. It's a tyrant. you into the ground. It's a tyrant. He's the only one who won't oppress you. He's the only one who won't oppress you. He's the only one who won't oppress you. Why? Why? Why? Number one, Number one, Number one, because he's the He's the weak king. because he's the He's the weak king. because he's the He's the weak king. He's the redeemer. He's the redeemer. He's the redeemer. Becky Pippert puts it like this and in Becky Pippert puts it like this and in Becky Pippert puts it like this and in that essay I quoted a minute ago. She that essay I quoted a minute ago. She that essay I quoted a minute ago. She says, "Jesus is the only one in the says, "Jesus is the only one in the says, "Jesus is the only one in the universe who can control us without universe who can control us without universe who can control us without destroying us." Can I read that again? destroying us." Can I read that again? destroying us." Can I read that again? Jesus is the only one in the universe Jesus is the only one in the universe Jesus is the only one in the universe who can control us without destroying who can control us without destroying who can control us without destroying us. us. us. See, See, See, your career can't die for your sins. your career can't die for your sins. your career can't die for your sins. If you fail your career, it can't If you fail your career, it can't If you fail your career, it can't forgive you, but if you fail this king, forgive you, but if you fail this king, forgive you, but if you fail this king, he forgives you. he forgives you. he forgives you. "No one will ever love you like Jesus." "No one will ever love you like Jesus." "No one will ever love you like Jesus." She writes, "The last breath Jesus She writes, "The last breath Jesus She writes, "The last breath Jesus breathed on this planet breathed on this planet breathed on this planet was for you." was for you." was for you." So, the great and joyful paradox is that So, the great and joyful paradox is that So, the great and joyful paradox is that he makes us more ourselves he makes us more ourselves he makes us more ourselves than ever before when we give ourselves than ever before when we give ourselves than ever before when we give ourselves to him.

to him. to him. You know, so first of all, the reason he You know, so first of all, the reason he You know, so first of all, the reason he won't oppress you is he's your redeemer. won't oppress you is he's your redeemer. won't oppress you is he's your redeemer. He dies for you. He's the weak king. He dies for you. He's the weak king. He dies for you. He's the weak king. But, there's one other There's a hint But, there's one other There's a hint But, there's one other There's a hint here that I want you to see. It's also here that I want you to see. It's also here that I want you to see. It's also He's your true king who won't oppress He's your true king who won't oppress He's your true king who won't oppress you because he's your creator. you because he's your creator. you because he's your creator. You You know, You You know, You You know, I said that I said that I said that originally we were built to stand in his originally we were built to stand in his originally we were built to stand in his presence and to serve him. presence and to serve him. presence and to serve him. A fish that's outside of the water A fish that's outside of the water A fish that's outside of the water flopping around on the ground is dying. flopping around on the ground is dying. flopping around on the ground is dying. Put the fish back in the water, Put the fish back in the water, Put the fish back in the water, everything's fine. Why? Because the fish everything's fine. Why? Because the fish everything's fine. Why? Because the fish is meant to be in the water. is meant to be in the water. is meant to be in the water. All of us until we are completely submitted to the until we are completely submitted to the royal presence, royal presence, royal presence, the wisdom, the power, the justice, the the wisdom, the power, the justice, the the wisdom, the power, the justice, the compassion, the nobility, and the beauty compassion, the nobility, and the beauty compassion, the nobility, and the beauty of of of the kingship of Jesus Christ, unless we the kingship of Jesus Christ, unless we the kingship of Jesus Christ, unless we are completely are completely are completely submitted to his authority, we're like submitted to his authority, we're like submitted to his authority, we're like fish fish fish out of water out of water out of water and we're flopping around and we're and we're flopping around and we're and we're flopping around and we're dying.

dying. dying. But get back into that But get back into that But get back into that and we start to perk up because we were and we start to perk up because we were and we start to perk up because we were built for it. built for it. built for it. And it's in his presence that we start And it's in his presence that we start And it's in his presence that we start to become ourselves, what we're made to to become ourselves, what we're made to to become ourselves, what we're made to meant to be. meant to be. meant to be. And actually there's a little hint of And actually there's a little hint of And actually there's a little hint of it. it. it. Don Carson, a friend of mine, wrote a Don Carson, a friend of mine, wrote a Don Carson, a friend of mine, wrote a commentary in the book of Matthew and commentary in the book of Matthew and commentary in the book of Matthew and notes something that's very interesting. notes something that's very interesting. notes something that's very interesting. It's almost a miracle, but it actually It's almost a miracle, but it actually It's almost a miracle, but it actually tells you something. tells you something. tells you something. Those of you who know anything about Those of you who know anything about Those of you who know anything about ri- riding horses or donkeys or ri- riding horses or donkeys or ri- riding horses or donkeys or anything, anything, anything, any of you any of you know anything any of you any of you know anything any of you any of you know anything about animals, you know this. At the about animals, you know this. At the about animals, you know this. At the very first time you get a human being very first time you get a human being very first time you get a human being gets on the back of an animal that's gets on the back of an animal that's gets on the back of an animal that's never had a human rider before, the never had a human rider before, the never had a human rider before, the animal does not say, "Where do you want animal does not say, "Where do you want animal does not say, "Where do you want to go?" The animal bucks or or does something. The animal bucks or or does something. In other words, you you have to In other words, you you have to In other words, you you have to you have to train the animal. The you have to train the animal. The you have to train the animal. The animal's never just calm and moving animal's never just calm and moving animal's never just calm and moving along. And yet look, this little colt in the midst of this this little colt in the midst of this crowd, you know, yelling at it, first crowd, you know, yelling at it, first crowd, you know, yelling at it, first time having somebody on it, just walking time having somebody on it, just walking time having somebody on it, just walking along. Why?

along. Why? along. Why? Don Carson says in his commentary on Don Carson says in his commentary on Don Carson says in his commentary on Matthew, this is what he says. Matthew, this is what he says. Matthew, this is what he says. He says, "In the midst of this excited He says, "In the midst of this excited He says, "In the midst of this excited crowd, an unbroken animal remains calm crowd, an unbroken animal remains calm crowd, an unbroken animal remains calm under the hands of the one who also under the hands of the one who also under the hands of the one who also calms the sea." calms the sea." calms the sea." Thus, this event points to the peace of Thus, this event points to the peace of Thus, this event points to the peace of the consummated kingdom. the consummated kingdom. the consummated kingdom. Isaiah 11, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 11, the wolf will live with the lamb, the wolf will live with the lamb, the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling the calf and the lion and the yearling the calf and the lion and the yearling together and a little child shall lead together and a little child shall lead together and a little child shall lead them. They will neither harm nor destroy them. They will neither harm nor destroy them. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth on all my holy mountain, for the earth on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the will be filled with the knowledge of the will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord Lord Lord as the waters cover the sea. as the waters cover the sea. as the waters cover the sea. You see, You see, You see, this cult this cult this cult was was was serving its true master and everything serving its true master and everything serving its true master and everything was fine. was fine. was fine. And if you put yourself under Jesus as And if you put yourself under Jesus as And if you put yourself under Jesus as your true master, your true master, your true master, you will heal. It won't be traumatic, it you will heal. It won't be traumatic, it you will heal. It won't be traumatic, it won't be I mean, of course it'll be won't be I mean, of course it'll be won't be I mean, of course it'll be difficult because we're not used to it. difficult because we're not used to it. difficult because we're not used to it. And yet this is the this is the one king And yet this is the this is the one king And yet this is the this is the one king who won't oppress you. You can trust who won't oppress you. You can trust who won't oppress you. You can trust him. him. him. So, he's the true king, he's the So, he's the true king, he's the So, he's the true king, he's the weak king, and lastly, he can be your weak king, and lastly, he can be your weak king, and lastly, he can be your king. Now, king. Now, king. Now, what have I said so far?

what have I said so far? what have I said so far? Ah. Ah. Ah. I said that all your problems come I said that all your problems come I said that all your problems come because you've crowned and serve things because you've crowned and serve things because you've crowned and serve things that aren't your a true aren't true that aren't your a true aren't true that aren't your a true aren't true masters, they're not your true kings. masters, they're not your true kings. masters, they're not your true kings. They're not the true king. This is the They're not the true king. This is the They're not the true king. This is the only true king. If you want to change only true king. If you want to change only true king. If you want to change anything in your life, you got to change anything in your life, you got to change anything in your life, you got to change what you serve. You need to give what you serve. You need to give what you serve. You need to give yourself to him. yourself to him. yourself to him. Only when you're in his Only when you're in his Only when you're in his under his authority are you are you are under his authority are you are you are under his authority are you are you are you not a fish that's dying? So, how can you not a fish that's dying? So, how can you not a fish that's dying? So, how can we make him king? Three ways. Just to we make him king? Three ways. Just to we make him king? Three ways. Just to end there. The indications are here in end there. The indications are here in end there. The indications are here in the text. the text. the text. If you want to treat him as a king or If you want to treat him as a king or If you want to treat him as a king or until you do these three things, you're until you do these three things, you're until you do these three things, you're not treating him as a king and you're not treating him as a king and you're not treating him as a king and you're not coming in under his authority. You not coming in under his authority. You not coming in under his authority. You need to worship him, obey him, and need to worship him, obey him, and need to worship him, obey him, and expect great things from him. expect great things from him. expect great things from him. And if you don't do those three things, And if you don't do those three things, And if you don't do those three things, you're not treating him as a king. you're not treating him as a king. you're not treating him as a king. Worship him, obey him, Worship him, obey him, Worship him, obey him, expect great things from him. First of expect great things from him. First of expect great things from him. First of all, worship him. It's silly that I'm waiting to the end It's silly that I'm waiting to the end here to say this. I got to put this in a here to say this. I got to put this in a here to say this. I got to put this in a nutshell. nutshell. nutshell. To serve something is to have your To serve something is to have your To serve something is to have your imagination captured by it. William Temple said, your religion is William Temple said, your religion is what you do with your solitude."

what you do with your solitude." what you do with your solitude." Now, that is a tremendous test. That is Now, that is a tremendous test. That is Now, that is a tremendous test. That is a tremendous insight, except it's a tremendous insight, except it's a tremendous insight, except it's completely lost on you and me because completely lost on you and me because completely lost on you and me because many of us have no idea what solitude is many of us have no idea what solitude is many of us have no idea what solitude is like. For a minute, I know this is going like. For a minute, I know this is going like. For a minute, I know this is going to be hard for some of you. to be hard for some of you. to be hard for some of you. Imagine being someplace and you don't Imagine being someplace and you don't Imagine being someplace and you don't have a cell phone and you don't have have a cell phone and you don't have have a cell phone and you don't have any electronic devices and you don't any electronic devices and you don't any electronic devices and you don't have a telephone have a telephone have a telephone Imagine yourself sitting somewhere for Imagine yourself sitting somewhere for Imagine yourself sitting somewhere for say 15 minutes and there's nothing say 15 minutes and there's nothing say 15 minutes and there's nothing you've got You have nothing to read. you've got You have nothing to read. you've got You have nothing to read. You just have to be alone with your You just have to be alone with your You just have to be alone with your thoughts. I mean, for some of you, it's thoughts. I mean, for some of you, it's thoughts. I mean, for some of you, it's been years since that happened. been years since that happened. been years since that happened. Some of you can hardly imagine that. It Some of you can hardly imagine that. It Some of you can hardly imagine that. It used to be the norm for human beings used to be the norm for human beings used to be the norm for human beings that we constantly had solitude. that we constantly had solitude. that we constantly had solitude. But when William Temple said, "Your But when William Temple said, "Your But when William Temple said, "Your religion is what you do with your religion is what you do with your religion is what you do with your solitude," what he means is this: The solitude," what he means is this: The solitude," what he means is this: The thing you serve is what your mind goes thing you serve is what your mind goes thing you serve is what your mind goes to naturally, what you daydream about, to naturally, what you daydream about, to naturally, what you daydream about, what you fantasize about, what you what what you fantasize about, what you what what you fantasize about, what you what you you you uh uh uh what you spin scenarios out about, what what you spin scenarios out about, what what you spin scenarios out about, what you love thinking about. What do you you love thinking about. What do you you love thinking about. What do you think about when you have nothing else think about when you have nothing else think about when you have nothing else that you have to think when when your that you have to think when when your that you have to think when when your minds are just going to where they ought minds are just going to where they ought minds are just going to where they ought to go where they want where they can go to go where they want where they can go to go where they want where they can go because there's nothing distracting you.

because there's nothing distracting you. because there's nothing distracting you. You just go. You just go. You just go. Is it God? Is it God? Is it God? Is it Jesus? Is it his love? Is it Jesus? Is it his love? Is it Jesus? Is it his love? Do you meditate on the Psalms? Do you Do you meditate on the Psalms? Do you Do you meditate on the Psalms? Do you meditate on what he's done for you? Do meditate on what he's done for you? Do meditate on what he's done for you? Do you pray to him? you pray to him? you pray to him? See, it's one thing to say, "Well, I See, it's one thing to say, "Well, I See, it's one thing to say, "Well, I believe Jesus is my Lord and my savior." believe Jesus is my Lord and my savior." believe Jesus is my Lord and my savior." It's another thing to have your It's another thing to have your It's another thing to have your imagination captured by him. You know imagination captured by him. You know imagination captured by him. You know what that is? That's worship. Why do you what that is? That's worship. Why do you what that is? That's worship. Why do you think we use music? This isn't just a think we use music? This isn't just a think we use music? This isn't just a class. class. class. We could just give you information here. We could just give you information here. We could just give you information here. You could come in and you could take You could come in and you could take You could come in and you could take notes. notes. notes. This is Why do we use music? Why is it that I'm not just giving you a Why is it that I'm not just giving you a lecture? You know, I could give you a lecture? You know, I could give you a lecture? You know, I could give you a lecture. lecture. lecture. You know, I've got that professorial You know, I've got that professorial You know, I've got that professorial side to me. You can see that. side to me. You can see that. side to me. You can see that. I could give you a lecture, but I'm I could give you a lecture, but I'm I could give you a lecture, but I'm giving you a sermon. giving you a sermon. giving you a sermon. Why? Why? Why? Because what captures our imagination Because what captures our imagination Because what captures our imagination what thrills us, what excites us. what thrills us, what excites us. what thrills us, what excites us. What captures our What captures your What captures our What captures your What captures our What captures your sense What What What you see as sense What What What you see as sense What What What you see as beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. That's what you serve. That's what you serve. That's what you serve. That's what drives you.

That's what drives you. That's what drives you. And only through corporate worship like And only through corporate worship like And only through corporate worship like this, through reading, through prayer, this, through reading, through prayer, this, through reading, through prayer, through learning how to cultivate a through learning how to cultivate a through learning how to cultivate a heart of worship toward Jesus Christ, heart of worship toward Jesus Christ, heart of worship toward Jesus Christ, only then will you start to serve him only then will you start to serve him only then will you start to serve him instead of all these other things that instead of all these other things that instead of all these other things that are trying to to press you. are trying to to press you. are trying to to press you. So, first of all, you have to worship So, first of all, you have to worship So, first of all, you have to worship him. Secondly, him. Secondly, him. Secondly, you got to obey him. you got to obey him. you got to obey him. See, the worship is easy to see. See, the worship is easy to see. See, the worship is easy to see. The whole crowd of disciples began to The whole crowd of disciples began to The whole crowd of disciples began to joyfully praise God in loud voices. joyfully praise God in loud voices. joyfully praise God in loud voices. That's verse 37. But, the obedience is That's verse 37. But, the obedience is That's verse 37. But, the obedience is there, too. Why? there, too. Why? there, too. Why? Notice where it says in verse 31, "If Notice where it says in verse 31, "If Notice where it says in verse 31, "If anyone ask you, 'Why are you untying anyone ask you, 'Why are you untying anyone ask you, 'Why are you untying this colt?' this colt?' this colt?' Just say, 'The Lord needs it.' And Just say, 'The Lord needs it.' And Just say, 'The Lord needs it.' And that's it." that's it." that's it." So, those who were sent ahead went, So, those who were sent ahead went, So, those who were sent ahead went, found it just as they had told him. As found it just as they had told him. As found it just as they had told him. As they were untying the colt, it's under they were untying the colt, it's under they were untying the colt, it's under that asked them, "Why are you tying the that asked them, "Why are you tying the that asked them, "Why are you tying the colt?" They said, colt?" They said, colt?" They said, "Jesus needs it." Whoop. That's it. I "Jesus needs it." Whoop. That's it. I "Jesus needs it." Whoop. That's it. I don't need to know why. don't need to know why. don't need to know why. Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. Obedience is unconditional, or it's not Obedience is unconditional, or it's not Obedience is unconditional, or it's not obedience. obedience. obedience. Some of you know, I've used this Some of you know, I've used this Some of you know, I've used this illustration before. I One of my sons illustration before. I One of my sons illustration before. I One of my sons used to always say to me when he was used to always say to me when he was used to always say to me when he was little, "Dad, I'd be happy to obey you, little, "Dad, I'd be happy to obey you, little, "Dad, I'd be happy to obey you, as long as you would help me understand as long as you would help me understand as long as you would help me understand why you want me to do this."

why you want me to do this." why you want me to do this." And I used to say, And I used to say, And I used to say, "Here's the reason why you should do "Here's the reason why you should do "Here's the reason why you should do what I'm saying, cuz I'm 40 and you're what I'm saying, cuz I'm 40 and you're what I'm saying, cuz I'm 40 and you're you're 10. you're 10. you're 10. Because you couldn't possibly Because you couldn't possibly Because you couldn't possibly understand, number one, exactly all the understand, number one, exactly all the understand, number one, exactly all the reasons why you should do this. And reasons why you should do this. And reasons why you should do this. And here's number two, is if you say, 'I'll here's number two, is if you say, 'I'll here's number two, is if you say, 'I'll obey you as long as I understand why obey you as long as I understand why obey you as long as I understand why you're asking me to do this,' that's not you're asking me to do this,' that's not you're asking me to do this,' that's not obedience. That's called agreement. obedience. That's called agreement. obedience. That's called agreement. That's you assuming that you really have That's you assuming that you really have That's you assuming that you really have the right to decide whether or not the right to decide whether or not the right to decide whether or not you're going to do this or not. In other you're going to do this or not. In other you're going to do this or not. In other words, I'm not your father, I'm your words, I'm not your father, I'm your words, I'm not your father, I'm your consultant. consultant. consultant. And I'm giving you advice about how your And I'm giving you advice about how your And I'm giving you advice about how your 10-year-old life ought to go. And you'll 10-year-old life ought to go. And you'll 10-year-old life ought to go. And you'll you'll weigh it, and you know, and and you'll weigh it, and you know, and and you'll weigh it, and you know, and and figure it out, okay? figure it out, okay? figure it out, okay? Okay? Okay? Okay? It's not obedience. It's not obedience. It's not obedience. It's not a It's not granting the It's It's not a It's not granting the It's It's not a It's not granting the It's not granting that I'm as a 10-year-old I not granting that I'm as a 10-year-old I not granting that I'm as a 10-year-old I am not in a position to decide for am not in a position to decide for am not in a position to decide for myself myself myself and I have to obey. and I have to obey. and I have to obey. Now, the distance between God and you is Now, the distance between God and you is Now, the distance between God and you is infinitely greater than the distance infinitely greater than the distance infinitely greater than the distance between me and my son. between me and my son. between me and my son. And you cannot be in a position where And you cannot be in a position where And you cannot be in a position where you say, "Well, there's some things in you say, "Well, there's some things in you say, "Well, there's some things in the Bible I like and some things I the Bible I like and some things I the Bible I like and some things I don't. There's some things I know I don't. There's some things I know I don't. There's some things I know I probably should do, but I probably should do, but I probably should do, but I I I I'll get to it. I No, he's not your I I I'll get to it. I No, he's not your I I I'll get to it. I No, he's not your king unless you're willing to obey and king unless you're willing to obey and king unless you're willing to obey and you're you know, the Lord had needs has you're you know, the Lord had needs has you're you know, the Lord had needs has need of it." Period.

need of it." Period. need of it." Period. You don't have to understand why. You You don't have to understand why. You You don't have to understand why. You shouldn't understand why then he's not a shouldn't understand why then he's not a shouldn't understand why then he's not a king. king. king. And number three, you need to expect And number three, you need to expect And number three, you need to expect great things from him. great things from him. great things from him. Thou art coming to a king. Thou art coming to a king. Thou art coming to a king. Large petitions with thee bring. Large petitions with thee bring. Large petitions with thee bring. For his grace and power are such For his grace and power are such For his grace and power are such none can ever ask too much. none can ever ask too much. none can ever ask too much. If you don't expect great Listen, you're If you don't expect great Listen, you're If you don't expect great Listen, you're going to still suffer. The going to still suffer. The going to still suffer. The We're still in this world. The world is We're still in this world. The world is We're still in this world. The world is still broken. still broken. still broken. But if you don't expect terrific things But if you don't expect terrific things But if you don't expect terrific things because the person you've made Lord of because the person you've made Lord of because the person you've made Lord of your life, who loves you to the skies, your life, who loves you to the skies, your life, who loves you to the skies, who died on the cross for your sins, who who died on the cross for your sins, who who died on the cross for your sins, who wants to bless you in every way that is wants to bless you in every way that is wants to bless you in every way that is not bad for you, not bad for you, not bad for you, go to him and expect him to do great go to him and expect him to do great go to him and expect him to do great things in your life. Otherwise, you're things in your life. Otherwise, you're things in your life. Otherwise, you're not treating him as a king. One of the reasons why the Pharisees One of the reasons why the Pharisees were so afraid and why they said, were so afraid and why they said, were so afraid and why they said, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." Was "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." Was "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." Was they knew what Jesus was doing. they knew what Jesus was doing. they knew what Jesus was doing. See, if Jesus had snuck into town, See, if Jesus had snuck into town, See, if Jesus had snuck into town, that would have been one thing.

that would have been one thing. that would have been one thing. But by coming in through the front gate But by coming in through the front gate But by coming in through the front gate and having everybody declare him a king, and having everybody declare him a king, and having everybody declare him a king, he was forcing the hands of the he was forcing the hands of the he was forcing the hands of the authorities. You know what he was authorities. You know what he was authorities. You know what he was saying? He says he was saying, "Crown me saying? He says he was saying, "Crown me saying? He says he was saying, "Crown me or kill me." or kill me." or kill me." Take me as a king or reject me utterly. Take me as a king or reject me utterly. Take me as a king or reject me utterly. And he was forcing it. And of course, they rejected him. And of course, they rejected him. But see, that's what that's that's This But see, that's what that's that's This But see, that's what that's that's This is my last point and I mean it is it's is my last point and I mean it is it's is my last point and I mean it is it's 45 seconds. If you say, "Come in 45 seconds. If you say, "Come in 45 seconds. If you say, "Come in If I come to see you and you say, 'Come If I come to see you and you say, 'Come If I come to see you and you say, 'Come in Tim, but stay out Keller.'" in Tim, but stay out Keller.'" in Tim, but stay out Keller.'" That'll be hard. That'll be hard. That'll be hard. Because it's not like I've got a Tim Because it's not like I've got a Tim Because it's not like I've got a Tim side and a Keller side. You know, this side and a Keller side. You know, this side and a Keller side. You know, this is the Tim hand, here's the Keller hand. is the Tim hand, here's the Keller hand. is the Tim hand, here's the Keller hand. This is every part of me is both. This is every part of me is both. This is every part of me is both. And see, when Jesus says, "Come unto me, And see, when Jesus says, "Come unto me, And see, when Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye who are labor and are heavy all ye who are labor and are heavy all ye who are labor and are heavy laden, I will give you rest. I am meek laden, I will give you rest. I am meek laden, I will give you rest. I am meek and I'm lowly and I'm gentle of heart." and I'm lowly and I'm gentle of heart." and I'm lowly and I'm gentle of heart." And then he says, "So, take my yoke upon And then he says, "So, take my yoke upon And then he says, "So, take my yoke upon you." you." you." He What he's saying is, "I'm gentle. He What he's saying is, "I'm gentle. He What he's saying is, "I'm gentle. I'm a shepherd, I'm a shepherd, I'm a shepherd, but I'm also the king." That's the yoke.

but I'm also the king." That's the yoke. but I'm also the king." That's the yoke. And I can't help you And I can't help you And I can't help you unless you treat me as the king. unless you treat me as the king. unless you treat me as the king. Unless you bring all of me in, I can't Unless you bring all of me in, I can't Unless you bring all of me in, I can't come at all. come at all. come at all. Don't ask me to help you here and here Don't ask me to help you here and here Don't ask me to help you here and here and here. Submit your life to me. You are dying for a lack of a true king. You are dying for a lack of a true king. I am dying for lack of a true king. The I am dying for lack of a true king. The I am dying for lack of a true king. The degree to which we submit ourselves to degree to which we submit ourselves to degree to which we submit ourselves to his royal presence and his royal rule in his royal presence and his royal rule in his royal presence and his royal rule in our lives, to that degree we become our lives, to that degree we become our lives, to that degree we become ourselves. Let's pray. ourselves. Let's pray. ourselves. Let's pray. Our Father, we thank you for uh Our Father, we thank you for uh Our Father, we thank you for uh what Palm Sunday means. And oh Lord, we what Palm Sunday means. And oh Lord, we what Palm Sunday means. And oh Lord, we thank you thank you thank you for what Good Friday means and what for what Good Friday means and what for what Good Friday means and what Easter means. These next few days help Easter means. These next few days help Easter means. These next few days help us to recapitulate the gospel in our us to recapitulate the gospel in our us to recapitulate the gospel in our lives, to relive it, lives, to relive it, lives, to relive it, to rethink it. to rethink it. to rethink it. Let it capture our imagination so we can Let it capture our imagination so we can Let it capture our imagination so we can obey you unconditionally and expect obey you unconditionally and expect obey you unconditionally and expect the whole universe to be given to us the whole universe to be given to us the whole universe to be given to us because we're yours because we're yours because we're yours and you died for us.

and you died for us. and you died for us. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Gospel in Life Ministry is supported by Gospel in Life Ministry is supported by Gospel in Life Ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry, so thank you for reach of this ministry, so thank you for reach of this ministry, so thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to make a your part in it. If you'd like to make a your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift today, go to gift today, go to gift today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube [music] [music] [music] and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because for your generous support because for your generous support because the gospel really does change the gospel really does change the gospel really does change everything.