Author: Pastor Howie

On this Palm Sunday, we think back to the time Jesus rode into Jerusalem in what is described as His triumphal entry. As He rode along with crowds going before Him and following, what did the people really think about who Jesus was when they called Him the Son of David and declared that He had come from the Lord. In this message we will consider from verse 9 that His is a worthy name, His is a welcoming name, and His is a wonderful name. The crowd may have known who Jesus was in their head, but they had no understanding of Him in their heart. He was not the Savior they were looking for, but He was the Savior they needed. Who is Jesus to you?

Are there things in your life that you want to hold on to, to keep control of for yourself? It really comes down to an issue of trust. Deep down we don’t want to surrender those to God, because we aren’t sure we can trust Him or they are things we don’t want to relinquish to Him. In the message by Pastor Jim, the challenge is to surrender all to the Lord.

In a culture that loves its food, fasting for spiritual matters isn’t often talked about. But Jesus gives us reason to fast and is supported throughout Scripture that it has a place as an important spiritual discipline for the Christian. In our passage, Jesus once again challenges our motive behind why we fast. Is it a self-centered reason to be seen by men? Or is it a spiritual reason to draw closer to God? He knows and He rewards accordingly.

Why do we pray? Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter and asks us to consider our motive for why we pray. If it’s to be seen by men and appear pious, then we have our reward. To ensure we have the proper motive in prayer, Jesus gives us a model for what prayer should look like. If we want to truly get a clear picture of our motive, see what you pray for when no one else is around.

In our passage today, we are asked to consider the motivation behind why we do what we do, whether it’s giving to someone with a monetary need, helping someone in the neighborhood or providing to meet some other tangible need, Jesus asks us to check our motive. Why are we doing what we’re doing? He says if it’s to be seen by others, then our reward from the applause of men is all we will get. But if our motivation is to bring glory to God, He will reward us. Who would you rather get your approval from? What’s your motivation? Are you doing it out of pride or humility? Your motivation will determine your reward.

We will either influence others or others will influence us. Jesus says we are to influence the culture around us by being salt and light. We are to have a positive influence on those around for the gospel in a way that points people to God. Is your salt tasteless? Is your light dim?

Persecution is something Jesus said we would experience. If the world hated Him, it would hate for our association with Him. Persecution may come in the form of insults, injury, or injustice. But while Jesus says there will be persecution. Our passage gives us a path through persecution. Be joyful. Be glad. Be loving. Be prayerful. Be perfect. Our response in persecution should follow that of Christ. By that we become an example to those who are the persecutors pointing them to the Savior. Persecution is only temporary. Our reward is eternal. Let’s show people the way to Christ by how we respond when persecuted for righteousness.

There is a lot of talk about peace in the world, but the world can’t bring world peace. That can only come through God. And until we have peace with God, we will not have peace with others. God sent His Son, Jesus, that we might have peace with Him. That happens when, by faith, we trust in Christ as Savior. If we want lasting peace with others, we need to have lasting peace with God. Then we are called on to be at peace with others. We are told to do whatever it takes to make peace. That doesn’t mean we compromise the truth of the Scriptures. It does mean that we pursue peace, peace that God gives us to give to others.

Do you want to see God? Jesus says only the pure in heart will see Him. Explore with us how that is possible.

What does it mean to be merciful? Our culture seems to be lacking in it. Scripture provides us with so many excellent examples. Being merciful begins with an understanding of how God has been merciful to us. Then we are to go and extend mercy to others.