Sermon: The King Who is Worthy
Scripture Text: Zechariah 9:9-12 and Matthew 21:1-11
Quotes for Reflection
C.S. Lewis, A Word About Praising
The world rings with praise — lovers praising their mistresses [Romeo praising Juliet and vice versa], readers their favourite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favourite game — praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, historical personages, children, flowers, mountains, rare stamps, rare beetles, even sometimes politicians or scholars. . . . Except where intolerably adverse circumstances interfere, praise almost seems to be inner health made audible. . . . I had not noticed either that just as men spontaneously praise whatever they value, so they spontaneously urge us to join them in praising it: “Isn’t she lovely? Wasn’t it glorious? Don’t you think that magnificent?” The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about.
R.T. France, Matthew
When Jesus chose this oracle to enact as he approached the city, he was thus claiming to be the Messiah, but not the sort of Messiah much popular patriotism might have hoped for. Zechariah’s vision prepares the reader well for a kingship which will be established without violence and indeed through submitting to the will of his enemies, so that his ultimate triumph will come only when he is “vindicated and saved” from death by the power of God.
Tim Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
God will either give us what we ask or give us what we would have asked if we knew everything he knows.
Application Questions
1. What is something you’ve recently praised? What do you notice about the general dynamics of praise that could change your relationship with God?
2. How might your personal agenda be keeping you from seeing the goodness of God? As we begin Holy Week, confess this to him and ask him to set you free.
3. How has the praise of God put your soul at rest? What’s one aspect of worship where you’ve found this to be true, and how can that shape your formation moving forward?