Hosanna, Son of David

The sermon begins by pointing out that approximately one-third of all four Gospels is devoted to the events of the final week of Christ's life, from the Sunday of His entry into Jerusalem to the Sunday of His resurrection from the dead. This entry into the city fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah written 600 years earlier, particularly the prophecy of a king riding a donkey into the city of Zion.

The first section discusses the appointed time of the King's arrival, emphasizing that God determines the timing of His plans with perfect precision—neither early nor late. The sermon references Habakkuk 2:3 to demonstrate that what God reveals will certainly happen at the appointed time. The timing of Christ's entry into Jerusalem was specifically prophesied in Daniel 9:24-25 approximately 600 years before the event. From the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (445 BC) to the appearance of the anointed king is 69 weeks or 483 years according to the Jewish calendar (360 days per year), and this time corresponds precisely to late March or early April, 32 AD. The sermon warns that we often try to remind God about the timing and manner of executing our plans, but God is the One who determines all things.

The second section discusses the manner of the King's coming, contrasting Jesus with worldly kings. Whereas Simon Maccabee 200 years earlier rode a horse into the city as a symbol of victory and military power, Christ rode a young donkey, symbolizing humility and gentleness. The sermon explains that Christ does not conquer people through swords and violence but through love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. He abandoned heaven to be born in a lowly manger, took the form of a servant, and washed His disciples' feet. The donkey He rode was not His own but borrowed, symbolizing that He possessed nothing of value except His own life and body to sacrifice for humanity. The sermon emphasizes Christ's consistency in both word and deed. After entering the city, He entered the temple and drove out the merchants, declaring it His house. On Thursday evening He washed His disciples' feet, then was arrested, tried unjustly, tortured, and crucified between two thieves, dying to redeem humanity.

The third section discusses the people the King chose, emphasizing that whether among thousands of people or just two thieves on the cross, all people fall into two categories: those who accept or reject Christ. The sermon acknowledges that the people on Sunday hoped for a king to free them from Roman rule, but Christ was primarily concerned with freeing them from the slavery of sin and eternal death. Jerusalem was most crowded during Passover, with the population swelling from 20-30 thousand to 150,000 people, and Christ chose this time because He desired to save all people. However, not everyone who hears and sees believes. The sermon mentions the case of one thief who repented on the cross and was saved, while the other continued to mock Christ. Believers do not believe merely because they chose Christ but because Christ Himself chose them, and this is worthy of thanksgiving. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that it is impossible to accept Jesus only as Savior while rejecting Him as Lord of one's life, for He has the right to be Lord and Master of every area of the believer's life, from emotions to finances, from plans to dreams.