Who is this? Matthew 21:1-11

3/31/2023

 

Union Gospel,  

Text: Matthew 21:1-11,  

V.10: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

Topic: Who is this?

 

Our text today depicts the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which was a significant event leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. As we reflect on this passage, the question posed by the crowds is particularly poignant: "Who is this?" In this moment, the people of Jerusalem were witnessing the arrival of a man who had stirred up controversy, performed miracles, and preached a message of love and redemption. They were curious about this man who had gained such a following and commanded such attention. Especially when he is confronting the Religious Leaderships: Pharisees and Sadducees. He is brining Grace to complete the Laws and Religious Leaderships took that He preaching messages aimed at destroying or replacing the Law. Thus, this climatic entry heighten the question that Jesus has been trying to clarify as the people asked in verse 10 “Who is this?”

 

Let us do something here: two volunteer comes up and ask of them to go down to the car dealership on East Lancaster and get the 1971 Red Mustang. Tell them that God need them. (demonstration of our faith)  

 

Jesus entry to Jerusalem is full of contradictions not only because people was asking about Jesus identity. But the entire situation: This the 10^th. day of the month of Nisan and on the 10^th day, the Jews people has identified the lamb that will be slaughter for the Feast of the Passover

 

Contradictions:

People said that he is the Messiah, he is the sacrificial Lamp, Teacher, Rabi, Good man, Savior of Israel, Moral person, Son of Carpenter, Healer, Miracle worker, Nazarene, Friend of the oppressed, the crowd praised him “Hosana” means save us. What they are talking about is to overthrow the Roman you become our King. Anther contradiction: he came on a mule as a Humble King (Zachariah 9). If he came to overthrow the Romans, he would have rode in on an horse.

 

On our text today, he is being identified as Son of David, Who comes in the name of the Lord, and in verse 10: who is this? But as we consider this question, "Who is this?", it's essential to recognize that it's not just a historical question. It's a question that each of us must answer for ourselves today. Who is Jesus to you and I?

 

As we reflect on the question, "Who is this?", let us remember that our answer matters. Our answer determines how we live our lives, how we treat our relationship, and how we view the world around us.

 

Sometimes we defined Jesus based on our Situation – when we are in a bad Situation, maybe Jesus does not love us. This leads us to the misunderstanding of who Jesus is. We cannot define Jesus through out situation. We need to define our situation through Jesus. When we are in a difficult situation, we must ask: Jesus how can your Name be glorified through this situation?

 

For some, He may be little more than a historical figure, a man who lived and died a long time ago. For others, He may be a source of inspiration or a moral teacher. But for those who have experienced the power of His love and Grace, He is so much more.

1.    Jesus is a savior, a redeemer, and the one whom offer Salvation.

2.    He is the one who has forgiven our sins and given us hope for eternal life.

3.    He is the one who walks beside us in our struggles and lifts us up in our times of need.

4.    He is the one who has changed our lives and given us a new purpose.

 

It is critical that we not only understand the identity of Jesus but to live it. We cannot have a personal relationship with someone that We do NOT know! We want and think that Jesus is our Savior all day long but UNTIL we become that person, Saved Person, we do not really know Who Jesus is!

 

Our definition of Jesus can only be validated NOT by who we think Jesus is but whom we are in Jesus:

 

We become NOT who we think we are but What we are! We can think all day long that we are rich but ONLY when we start being that person, we are!

 

Hence, we can claim we know Jesus, do good works, and know the scripture but ONLY when we are SAVED that we truly know Jesus.  

 

So let us embrace Him, follow Him, and share His love with those around us. Let us answer the question, "Who is this?", with conviction and faith. And let us live our lives in a way that honors His sacrifice and brings glory to His name. Are we willing to follow Jesus through this week of passion starting with the triumph entry as the King, to the Cross and to His resurrection? Who is Jesus to you today?  He is the Son of God, and our Resurrected Savior. He is our King in this life and eternal life

 

Closing Prayer:

 

Gracious and loving God, we come to you today with hearts full of gratitude and wonder at the majesty of your son, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the scripture today, we are reminded of the questions that were asked on that day, "Who is this?"

 

Lord, we too ask this question with humility and awe, seeking to deepen our understanding of your son's identity and his purpose for our lives. Help us to see Jesus as the humble king who came to save us, riding on a donkey, not a horse, as a sign of his humility and willingness to serve.

 

We pray that you would give us the courage to proclaim Jesus as Lord in our lives, just as the crowds did on that day, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" May we never tire of exalting Your name, and may we always remember that You are the one who has the power to save us and transform us.

 

We pray for those who have yet to encounter Your son, Jesus Christ. May they too ask the question, "Who is this?" and may they be drawn to seek You with all their hearts. And for those who are already followers of Jesus, may we never lose our sense of wonder and awe at Your love and mercy.

 

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.