Luciano Pavarotti once explained that when he was a boy, his father (a baker) introduced him to the wonders of song. This famous tenor shared the account of his early beginnings and how his father encouraged him to develop his voice. A professional tenor in his hometown (Modena, Italy) took Pavarotti on as a voice student. Pavarotti eventually enrolled in a teacher’s college and after graduation he asked his father, “Shall I be a teacher or a singer?' His father’s answer was profound and practical. He told Pavarotti that if you try to sit on two chairs, you will fall between them. The conclusion this father gave is summed up in this phrase, “For life, you must choose one chair.”
Pavarotti decided to choose one chair. It took him seven years of study before he made his first professional appearance. It took him another seven years before singing with the Metropolitan Opera. Pavarotti concluded this story of how he got his start with these words, “Commitment, that's the key. Choose one chair." Guideposts.
The struggle the church often has today is the desire to choose multiple chairs. We must choose Jesus and commit to Him above all else.
Get Ready for Jesus (21:1-6)
Jesus gives instructions (21:1-3). The disciples are given clear instructions to prepare for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus told them to get the donkey that’s tied up and tell the one who asks that the Lord needs the donkey.
There was a time when our kiddos were much younger, and we found it necessary to ask them to repeat the instructions they were just given. We wanted to be sure that they were listening and that they heard the details correctly. Afterall, people will usually neglect instructions they did not know about!
The disciples heard and acted on Jesus’ instructions to prepare for His arrival. What about us today? Do we know Jesus’ instructions so we can prepare for His arrival? How well do we know His instructions for us today? Let’s consider 7 of those instructions:
1. Love Him with all your heart (Matt. 22:37-40)
2. Love your neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40)
3. Glorify God (Matt. 6:33: I Cor. 10:31)
4. Make God & His will your target (Col. 3:1)
5. Be baptized & identify with a local church (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:42)
6. Give tithes and offerings (Mal. 3:8-10)
7. Learn, Live, Go (Mk. 16:15; II Tim. 2:15; 3:14)
The disciples were getting ready for Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and they understood His instructions. Today, the church is getting ready for Jesus’ return in the sky. Do you know His instructions?
Jesus fulfilled His word (21:4-5). Zechariah prophesied of this event (Zech. 9:9). The King of the Jews – the King of kings – enters Jerusalem! The Romans had oppressed the Jews for too long a time. Jesus was believed to be the immediate answer, an earthly king.
The truth is, Jesus was and still is the best answer! The King of heaven is also the Savior of the world! We often believe the answer to our problems is relief from what is pressing us.
We want Jesus to change our struggles, but even more so, Jesus wants to change us!
We want relief in the here and now, but even more so, Jesus promises relief for all eternity.
Choose Obedience for Jesus
Jesus commanded, and the disciples obeyed…just as they were commanded (21:6)
Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the group happened to meet Lord Hailsham, then lord chancellor, wearing all the regalia of his office. Hailsham recognized Marten among the group and cried, "Neil!" Not daring to question or disobey the "command," the entire band of visitors promptly fell to their knees! (Source: Today in the Word, July 30, 1993)
"The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master."
—Warren W. Wiersbe, The Integrity Crisis, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, p. 22.
Getting ready for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem required the disciples to obey. Obedience is the same for the adult as it is for a child. Obedience is obedience when it is done willingly, cheerfully, respectfully, and ASAP.
Why do we as adults sometimes change the meaning of obedience for ourselves…and yet, expecting something different from the younger generation? The disciples obeyed as commanded. A godly disciple of Jesus Christ will do the same today.
We will be good stewards of the talents, treasures, and time God has given us to manage for Him.
We will preach the gospel to every creature.
We will forgive others.
We will yield control and be filled with the Spirit.
We will endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).
We will love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use us and persecute us.
Choose Praise for Jesus (21:7-11)
When the people thought that Jesus was come to deliver them as their earthly king, they shouted great praise in the streets. Joy filled their hearts to believe they would soon be free from their Roman bondage. These were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David,” but a few days later others were shouting “Crucify Him!”
Jesus was very much worthy of such praise, but not for the reasons the people of the time believed. Jesus had something much greater in store for all the peoples of all time! Even in their rebellion and hurtful words in the week to come, Jesus came to deliver all from the power, penalty, and eventually the presence of our sin!
This is worthy of praise! This is worthy of shouting “Worthy is the lamb that was slain!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
Get ready for Jesus and KNOW His instructions. Know His instructions and choose to OBEY Him. Obey Jesus and give Him PRAISE!