Click below for the sermon manuscript of the fourth sermon in the "Going to Jerusalem" series.
On this journey We will be walking with Jesus through those crucial hours surrounding his crucifixion and resurrection. As we go on this spiritual journey, I want us to carefully observe the individuals on the journey with Jesus. When we look carefully, we will see ourselves.
Today, we meet a man who was in Jerusalem during the Passover celebration who was going about his own business and was forced into an encounter with Jesus that changed his life.
This is Palm Sunday, the last Sunday in Lent and the Sunday before Easter. This marks the beginning of Holy Week, historically the most sacred time of year for Christians.
Palm Sunday recalls an event in the Scripture of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and being greeted by the people waving palm branches. For Christians, it is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and of our willingness to follow him.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem for the Jewish holiday of Passover. Jesus rode a young donkey into Jerusalem and was greeted by a large crowd with palm branches and people shouting,
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Laying their coats and palm branches on the ground was a symbolic way for the people to treat Jesus as their king. They hoped that Jesus would overthrow the Roman government in Jerusalem.
When a king or conquering ruler entered a city, people would create a carpet by putting their coats and branches on the ground to welcome them. Even today we might use the expression, “rolling out the red carpet” to welcome a celebrity or an important guest.
Well we know what happened later in the week some of those same people called for Jesus' execution. Then as we also know He was resurrected and we will celebrate that resurrection next week.
Scripture
Mark 15:16-27, 29-32 NIV The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
Introduction
Often when Jesus performed a miracle, He would say something like this: “Don’t tell anyone. My time has not yet come.”
But ultimately His time did come, the time for Him to go and voluntarily die on the cross. And on the day we celebrate as Palm Sunday, Jesus did something that we might call a real attention-getter: He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Now, it may seem odd to us that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what we think of as a humble creature. From our perspective, an Arabian stallion would have been more appropriate.
However, the meaning was not lost on the Romans or the Jews. It was a perfect choice. In Roman culture, a hero returning victoriously from war would ride in on a donkey as the crowd laid out palm branches before him. For the Romans, Jesus effectively was declaring Himself a king.
Also, the Jews knew that when the Messiah came, He would be riding on a donkey. Speaking through the prophet Zechariah, God said, “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9 NLT).
This was something very significant, and the people understood it. Add to this the fact that Jesus was a wanted man. There was a price on his head. The leading priests and Pharisees had said that if anyone knew where Jesus was, they should report it immediately.
Jesus was playing His hand if you will. To the Romans, He declared Himself as a conqueror. And to the Jews He was declaring Himself as the Messiah. Jesus didn’t enter Jerusalem as a helpless victim. He arrived as a powerful victor, marching bravely into battle.
Today on Palm Sunday, we continue our series "Going to Jerusalem" and as I have continued to say, when we carefully observe the individuals that we will encounter we will see ourselves.
Last week we looked at Peter, who we all agree was a strong follower of Jesus, we watched and saw him buckle under pressure because he overestimated his strengths and underestimated his weaknesses, and he suffered spiritual defeat. We know that he was restored but, had he understood that he was vulnerable to sin and temptation, he may not have denied that he knew Jesus. Our protection against the temptation that Saten throws our way through people and material things is the armor of God that is described in Ephesians 6 especially the sword of the Spirit which is God's word.
Ephesians 6:12-17 NIV For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Today we meet a man that was in Jerusalem during the Passover celebration who was minding his own business and was forced into an encounter with Jesus that changed his life.
Text:
Mark 15:21 NIV “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross”
Simon, who was just passing through the crowd, was suddenly thrust to center stage of this drama of redemption.
We are pretty sure that Simon was a Jew because the the Cyrenian Jews had their own synagogue in Jerusalem.
Acts 6:9 NIV Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen.
Simon’s presence in Jerusalem could indicate his commitment to the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
So as a Jew he would have not wanted to become entangled in the ugly proceedings of a crucifixion, something reserved for criminals and slaves. Yet he was “forced” into service by Roman soldiers. Can you imagine the shock and shame that Simon of Cyrene must have experienced?
Did Simon resist? We don't know. Even if he did, his resistance was useless because Roman authorities could exercise this selective service of carrying someone's cross on the spur of the moment
Although Simon may have recoiled in fear and disgust at the demand to carry Jesus’ cross, this experience led to a complete turnaround in his life.
Matthew 27:32-33 NIV As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).
Not only did Simon bring relief to the weak and emaciated body of Jesus, his walk to the place of crucifixion took him to the actual Source of real life.
I. A Cyrenian with character.
As our text says Simon was coming in from the country, which means that he was very likely an immigrant from North Africa who lived in the farming districts near Jerusalem. Cyrene was noted for its farming so as a farmer, Simon was accustomed to demanding work, and his body probably gave evidence of physical strength and endurance. Which may be why the soldiers chose him to carry the cross
The Scriptures say that Simon was “passing by” so he was apparently going about his own business. He didn't appear to be part of the unruly mob moving from Pilate’s palace to Calvary.
II. He was just an innocent bystander who got caught up in this drama.
A. The innocent suffer.
Whatever Simon was doing or on his way to doing was interrupted by circumstances not of his own choosing. He had someone else's burden thrust on him. He was caught in the clutches of circumstance.
Some of our failures and disappointments come because of our own selfish activities, unwise decisions, or hasty judgment. At other times though we get caught in the consequences of somebody else's actions, somebody else's sin. Simon is an example of someone who gets caught up in the widening circle of influence that individual decisions have on others. The crowd wanted Jesus dead and Simon got caught up in it just because he was in the vicinity minding his own business.
B. More than conquerors.
Simon wasn’t involved with Jesus as a follower of His at the time and he wasn’t part of the crucifixion mob. He was just passing by. Many of us have burdens we didn't choose; they just get put on us. It may be taking care of a loved one who suddenly becomes ill, or someone who lost everything in a fire or natural disaster, or someone who had a relationship crumble into nothingness and the burden of caring for or encouraging them falls on on in many cases gets laid on us.
Jesus said, He gives rest to those people who get burdens laid on them that they don't choose.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Max Cleland who served as Administrator of Veterans Affairs in the Administration of President Jimmy Carter was injured in Vietnam when a grenade exploded near him, causing the loss of both of his legs and an arm. He testimony was “There is help available from God when we need it most.” He closed many of his speeches and interviews with this prayer that was written by a soldier during the Civil War:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for— but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
With Christ we can conquer the circumstances of life
Romans 8:37-39 NIV No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
III. Converted at the cross.
Mark identified Simon as “the father of Alexander and Rufus.”
Mark 15:21 NIV A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
It is quite possible that Rufus is the person Paul mentioned in his letter to the Romans
Romans 16:13 NIV Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
That would mean that these were men known to the readers of the gospel, and they were evidently active in the fellowship of believers. If this is true, and I think that it is, this is scriptural evidence that Simon was converted and established a Christian home that nurtured two Christian boys who became leaders in the church all as a result of this encounter with Jesus when Simon was just going about minding his own business.
Did Simon and Jesus talk as the procession made its way to Calvary? How was Simon changed by his encounter with Jesus? We don't really know but I think that we can safely assume that he would have seen Jesus willingly give himself in fulfillment of a Messianic prophecy that he as a Jew would have known.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
He would have also heard Jesus pray
Luke 23:34 NIV …. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” …
Conclusion
I will conclude with this. I am talking to everyone but especially those of you who have not made the decision to accept God’s gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus.
You may be passing by today—just a person in the crowd. Maybe a jeweled cross hangs around your neck. What does that cross mean to you?
Mark 8:34 NIV Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Have you taken up the cross? The way of the cross leads to forgiveness of sin, abundant life, and the defeat of death.
Why the cross? Why didn’t God simply say, “Look, everyone, I know you have sinned against Me, but I am going to pardon you right now. It’s okay. I forgive all of you!”
God didn’t do that because it doesn’t work with His nature and character. The justice of God requires obedience and sacrifice. He could not accept us into fellowship with Himself unless we paid the penalty—or someone paid it on our behalf.
The cross demonstrates the justice of God. At the cross of Calvary, the love and justice of God met. God had to satisfy His justice. The Scriptures say, “The person who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:20 NLT), “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23 NLT), and “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22 NLT).
At the cross God was saying, “My righteous requirements must be met. But I love humanity, and there is no way they can do it on their own. So, I must help them.” Therefore, He sent Jesus to bridge the gap.
John 3:16-18 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave h
is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is why Jesus Christ is the only way to God. People like to say that all roads lead to God. Not true. There is only one path. There is only one way. If all roads lead to God, then why did Jesus go through the anguish, torture, and pain of the cross? If all roads lead to God, then why did Jesus have to die?
The primary reason Jesus came to this earth was to die for our sins.
Romans 3:25-26 NLT For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Are you crushed by life? Jesus can bring deliverance, but you need to want it. He came to free us—if we will go to Him, ask Him to forgive our sin, turn from it, and begin to follow Him.
If you have never done that, then why don’t you do it today?
The same Jesus who walked this earth and experienced the limitations of humanity loves you. The same Jesus who died on the cross, took the sin of the world upon Himself, and rose from the dead wants to forgive your sin.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to buy back that which was forfeited in the Garden of Eden.
The cross wasn’t a mistake. Jesus knew it was coming and spoke of it often. He had to go to the cross because there was no other way to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. The cross was Jesus’ goal and destination from the beginning.
Now is the time to take God’s lifeline. The Bible tells us, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NLT). Now is the time to find God’s forgiveness and His plan for your life.
Simon of Cyrene, a man passing through the crowd, found this amazing hope in the cross. So can you!
Romans 10:9-10, 13 NLT.If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, help us to see in the suffering and shortcomings of our lives a share in Your Cross; strengthen and console us in the belief that we bear all things in union with You, who have taken upon Yourself even our guilt. Empower us to carry the burdens of others and lighten their journey in heavy and painful times. Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Amen.
Sermon Audio
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