This is the Palm Sunday sermon I preached in Armenia a year later.
(Read Matthew 21:10-17)
Sometimes when we witness to people, they ask us questions like, “If Christ saved the world, then why is there still so much evil? If Christ came to bring peace, why is there no peace?”
But I would like us to think now about Christ himself, entering Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, knowing what lay before him – the rejection and the suffering, the cruel death on a cross; think of Christ doing this for the world, out of love and obedience to the Father in heaven. Certainly, Jesus could have asked some questions, too! He could have asked, “If I’m bringing them peace, why do they hate me? If I’m their savior, why will they kill me?” Did Jesus ask himself these questions? I doubt it. I believe he didn’t need to, because he already knew the answers.
People are very quick to ask questions. Often the questions aren’t really questions but accusations, or a strategy, or a manipulation. The last thing the person asking wants or expects is an answer. What’s more, they certainly don’t want anyone, least of all God Himself, to ask them a question in return.
In Matthew 21:16, some people ask Jesus a question: “Do you hear what those children are saying?” What was it these people were trying to determine? Whether Jesus’ hearing was good? No, of course not. Did they even expect a thoughtful response? I don’t think so. What they expected was for Jesus to shut those children up! And many apologize for having let things get so out of control. But instead, Jesus asked them a question, which started, “Haven’t you read...?” Think about that: “Haven’t you read...?” Jesus pointed them to God’s word. It’s the same thing with those around us today who ask, “So where is this salvation, huh? What exactly is this ‘peace’?” We can answer as Jesus did: “Haven’t you read...?”, and direct them to the word of God.
For example, have you never read where Jesus says (John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Here, Jesus points out a special peace – real, essential peace, the peace that comes from a restored relationship with God. Can the world give such peace? Absolutely not. Not even when there is outward, visible peace – for instance, when nations stop warring with each other – not even then can the world place real peace in our hearts. Jesus came, in the first place, to grant this most necessary peace to those who willingly receive it. And to do that, Jesus knew very well what price he had to pay.
And so, he willingly say on that donkey and rode through the city, freely offering his life as a ransom for you and me. He came to bring peace, but he knew that rejection must come first. He came to save, but he knew that a terrible death must come first. He was ready to pay that price, without question. This is his love towards you and me.
The truth is, God has brought peace. God is bringing peace. And God will bring peace. But not peace as this world understands it.
We know very well the prophecy of Zechariah which Jesus fulfilled in his triumphal entry (read Zech. 9:9). But now, let’s read the next two verses (read Zech. 9:10,11). Do you think that Jesus, who knew very well the prophecy in 9:9, also knew about the next two verses? I do. I think we hear the words of Zechariah on the lips of Jesus when he says, “This is the blood of the covenant, shed for you.” And Zechariah says, “Because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.” The prophet also says, “He will proclaim peace to the nations.” Will God finally bring peace to the world – peace of a visible, external, universal kind? Yes, He will. And “his rule will extend from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” But on that day it will be too late for those who do not receive his peace now. His peace is salvation. His peace is life. People say, “Where is this peace?” We ask in reply, “Yes, where is it? Is it in your heart, or isn’t it? If not, then it is no surprise you can’t see it anywhere else.” We say in reply, “Look at Jesus, meek and lowly, riding into Jerusalem, a king riding on a donkey, not with a crown or royal robe, not with a sword in his hand, but with only an overflowing heart of love for you. He rides into Jerusalem to be a sacrifice. He wants to come into your soul as Friend and Savior. Then you will know peace.”
God has brought peace. Do you know this peace? He is bringing peace; to those who don’t know Him He offers salvation, eternal life, forgiveness of sins in the blood of His precious Son – peace. And, God will bring peace. In His time, He will restore all things, coming as king to reign forever. Then we will be able to shout together with the prophet Isaiah (Is. 62:10-11): Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations. The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “‘Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’”
