JESUS BRINGS JOY
Luke 19: 28-40

Introduction:     This begins the “Passion Week” the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem bringing joy (v.37). Happiness hinges on happings, but joy comes from Jesus. Joy is not only permissible but the Lord Jesus encourages it. There are several things about God that ought to fill us with joy. I’m filled with joy this morning because of:

I.          THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD (VV.28-34)

            A.        God’s Determination (v.28)

(Lk.9:51) To pay man’s debt of sin.

            B.         God’s Dependability (vv.29-34)

Jesus didn’t ride into Jerusalem on a stallion, or on a camel, but on a colt that He borrowed (Zach.9:9). Jesus, riding into the city on the back of donkey’s colt, confirmed and fulfilled Scripture that was written hundreds of years before. That tells me that God Always Keeps His Word. (Illus: if you’re going through a trial or walking through a valley then stake your soul on a promise in this Book because God always keeps His Word!)

We ought to rejoice because of the faithfulness of God!

II.         THE OPPORTUNITY OF GOD (VV.35-37a)

Look at the opportunity God gave that little donkey. No man had ever sat on the back of that donkey – if anything or anyone is going to used by God it has to be exclusively God’s (sanctified = set apart for the exclusive use of God). (Illus: just another donkey, but God had ordained that he would bear our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That was his purpose).

            A.        To Lift Up Our Lord (v35)

What a privilege it is to serve the Lord. And when we’re serving the Lord we don’t get all the attention, He gets all the attention. It’s just a privilege and an opportunity to be able to lift Him up. That’s all that donkey did, but he did more than most Baptist do. That donkey was faithful to lift up Jesus Christ. He did what God called him to do. And if God can use a donkey God can use you! If a donkey can be available for the exclusive use of God, you ought to be available for the exclusive use of God!

            B.         To Lift Up Our Voice (vv.36-37)

It’s a privilege and an opportunity to lift our voice in praise to God.

III.       THE SALVATION OF GOD (VV.37b-40)

If a conquering king came riding into town on a stallion he was coming for war, but if he came on a donkey he was coming in peace. Donkeys are also used to bear burdens. When Jesus came riding into town that day He was saying, “My Kingdome is different.” “I’m not coming to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved!” (Illus: one day He’s coming on a white stallion as judge, but today He is bringing grace and whosoever will may come to Him and be saved). If you want to meet Christ meet Him today in grace. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

            A.        Is An Effective Work (v.37b)

“Mighty works” These people begin to shout because of salvation. Salvation is a might work.

            B.         Is An Elated Work (vv.38-40)

This excitement upset the religious crowd (exound).

Conclusion:       We’ll have revival when the people that love God get as excited about the things of God and as vocal about their love for God as the lethargic and dead are about putting a lid on life; dethroning Christ, and trying to kick the life out of the church. When the people of God rise up and say, “Hosanna, blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord,” then God will move in. Yes, they put Christ on a cross, but the bible says that when He said “it is finished” and gave up the ghost that, not only did God rend the veil in the temple but that the rocks cracked open (Matt.27:51). So full of joy were they that they could not contain it – they exploded with joy!