Into The Wilderness Sermon- Mark 1:9-15
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Luke 19- Palm Sunday
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? Luke 19:29-33
The event we are looking at today is known as “Palm Sunday” , the day when The Lord, The Messiah, rolled through Jerusalem fulfilling prophecy, setting up the events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus. The celebration would end very quickly, as the same people shouting “Hosanna” will be the same people a few days later yelling “Crucify Him” as Israel rejects their Messiah because he’s not what they wanted in their own minds
The first prophecy we see fulfilled is Jesus rode in Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the Messianic prophecy of Zechariah 9, why is this significant? Because Christ came in Peace because He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Christ came to save the sinners and give them eternal life. This isn’t what Israel wanted, as they wanted a ruthless military warrior that would wipe out the Roman Empire and reestablish the glory of Israel
And they said, The Lord hath need of him.And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Luke 19:34-37
The crowds were rejoicing at the coming of their King, they laid down Palm branches (hence the name Palm Sunday) and they laid down their robes or coats in reverence to the Messiah. Everyone was praising God, but it would only last for a short time. The religious leaders and the Romans got nervous, who is this new King that everyone was shouting about? On this day Jesus became a threat to the religious and political establishments
Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:38-40
Hosanna, Blessed be the King the comes in the name of The Lord, this was the battle cry and this was the fulfillment of another Messianic prophecy Psalm 118. This was confirmation, that Jesus is The Christ. But the religious leaders, who should have known who Jesus is better than anyone, rebuked Jesus and told him to shut these people up. Christ replied “Even the stones would cry out” why? Because Jesus is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth (John 1) Not only is Jesus the Messiah, He is God in the flesh, here on Earth, to save his own creation
Palm Sunday is an event of past, present , and future ramifications. One day The Lord will return again and we will be waving our Palm Branches , shouting Hosanna (Revelation 7) Amen!
Matthew 4- Jesus In The Wilderness
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Matthew 4:1-6
The first thing we want to notice here, is the parallel similarities between Jesus being in the wilderness for 40 days and Moses leading the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. The number 40 in the Bible is typically symbolic for a time of testing or trial. However a common theme we see throughout Jesus ministry is Christ is the greater Moses. While Moses led the Israelties from slavery, Jesus freed us from slavery of sin and death. While Moses parted the Red Sea, Jesus walked on water, while Moses struck the rock in the wilderness for water, Jesus is the Living Water. All these things in the Old Testament are a foreshadow of Christ to come
Now we see a battle between Jesus and Satan, good vs evil, we have to remember Jesus was not only fully God but also fully human (Philippians 2) Satan knew this and decided to try and take advantage by tempting his flesh. Satan challenges Jesus to demonstrate his deity by turning the stones into bread. Jesus makes the statement “Man can’t live on bread alone” We could write a sermon just on this statement, but the point is there’s more to life than just our physical needs. We have to feed our souls with the bread of life, the living word of God.
Then Satan challenged Jesus deity again by saying if you are the Son of God then let the angels save you. (Psalm 91) Notice how Satan will quote the Word of God to use against Jesus. Don’t be tricked, many false prophets and false teachers will try to use the Word of God to deceive you also! (Matthew 7)
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Matthew 4:7-11
Satan tried to use his final temptation, “Worship me and I’ll give you the world” isn’t this the same blasphemous message Satan is still using today to get people to worship him? As Jesus said “Worship The Lord your God only” This is the Shema from the Old Testament, and should still be our motto for Christianity, Worship The Lord your God only and not anything of this world. As Jesus also said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul” (Mark 8:36)
Jesus defeated Satan that day in the wilderness, even though he was fully human and was vulnerable from fasting , he still overcame Satan. Jesus eventually finished his work at the cross (John 19:30) and defeated Satan, sin , and death forever Amen!
Luke 4- Through The Wilderness
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.Luke 4:1-7
When you think about Jesus’s forty days in the wilderness, you can’t help but see the parallel or comparison to the Exodus of the Israelites. Here we see Jesus led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, in the Exodus the Israelites were led into the wilderness by Moses. We also see the symbolic number of 40, the number 40 in the Bible typically means a time of testing or trial. We see this with Jesus 40 days in the wilderness and the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness.
Here we see 3 main temptations by Satan, as you read through these are broken down into 3 categories , temptation of the flesh, temptation of pride, and the temptation of lust. What is amazing to remember is that even though Jesus is fully God , he was also fully human (Philippians 2) therefore Jesus overcame these temptations while in the human flesh. This is something that is impossible for all of us to do, as we have all fallen short of the glory of God.
The first temptation , Satan tempts Jesus with food, the temptation of the flesh. Remember Jesus was fasting 40 days and nights, he was extremely hungry. Satan challenged him, “if you’re really the Son of God, then turn these stones into bread” As tempting as that sounded , Jesus knew he must resist Satan and do the will of God instead. Jesus put our Heavenly Fathers purpose ahead of his own, this is total obedience to God
Secondly Satan, deceivingly says “He will give Jesus all the power in the world, if he worships him” Now lets fact check, can Satan really give Jesus all the power and kingdoms in the world? I doubt it, also did Satan forget Jesus is the Son of God? Alot of times I think we give Satan more credit than he deserves!
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Luke 4:8-12
Now this second temptation was of pride, but notice Jesus always answers Satan with the Word of God, remember the Word of God is called a sword (Hebrews 4) use it to rebuke the devil. Again Satan doesn’t realize Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, all nations, kingdoms, and people belong to Him!
The third temptation, Satan actually tried to quote scripture but twists it to fit his agenda, does that sound familiar? We still see alot of “devils” doing this today! Again Jesus rebukes Satan with the Word of God, You should not tempt the Lord your God! On that day, Satan probably knew he was already defeated and Jesus is the Son of God! Amen!
Mark 11- Palm Sunday
And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. Mark 11:1-4
One of the greatest times of the year and events is Palm Sunday, why? Because this is not only a historical event fulfilling prophecy but also a futuristic event we see in Revelation. This is also the day we kick off “Holy Week” the week when Jesus pays the penalty for our sins and then rises and defeats sin and death forever, Amen!
Now the first thing we notice is Jesus rode through Jerusalem on a donkey, this was significant for a few reasons. First it was the fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold by Zechariah 9:9, the Messiah would be riding on a donkey. Secondly it was a sign of Peace!
Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) While Israel expects their Messiah to be a military warrior to wage war on the Romans. Jesus didn’t come to defeat Rome, Jesus came to defeat Satan , defeat Sin and Death forever, so we may be reconciled back to God
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. Mark 11:5-8
The streets of Jerusalem were packed with everyone laying down and waving Palm Branches, which is where we get the title of Palm Sunday. The Palm Branch was symbolic of Victory and Eternal Life. Also people were laying down their coats in reverence to Christ acknowledging that Jesus is their King!
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:9-11
The term Hosanna is derived from Psalm 118, yet another fulfillment of prophecy. However the term means “Deliver Us” Israel was crying out for Christ to deliver them, which he did , but not in the way they expected him to. Jesus delivered the world by going to the cross and rising on the 3rd Day
In only a few days, the same crowd that was shouting Hosanna would soon be shouting Crucify Him! This is the kick off of Holy Week and Jesus will go to the cross willingly to be the ransom for our sins Amen!
Jesus Is Risen Part 1
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. Luke 24:1-2
Right now it seems the world is at a standstill, sports are cancelled, concerts are cancelled, even some jobs are now cancelled, however one thing that will never be cancelled is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On that Sunday morning, when the women went to the tomb to pay their respects to Jesus body, they made an earth shattering discovery, the stone was rolled away!
When they made this discovery, they then tried to process what this meant. Was Jesus body stolen? No Jesus rose from the dead defeating sin and death forever! This has changed human history forever as know we have the living hope of Christ because of what he did for us!
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? Luke 24:3-5
When the woman discovered the tomb empty, their worst fears set in. Did they steal the body of Jesus? But suddenly it says , two angels stood before them and asked them an interesting question. Why do you seek the living among the dead? Even in todays world , we seem to always be looking for answers with the dead, but we worship a God of the living and the resurrection is proof of that!
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. Luke 24:6-7
Some of the greatest words were spoken here “Jesus Is Risen”, Regardless of what is going on in your life, including this Pandemic, Jesus is Risen! He has already defeated sin and death, you don’t have to live in fear any longer
Another thing to notice here is the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ was no accident, Jesus fortold this to his disciples before these events ever happened but they just didn’t understand the revelation at that time.
Take heart knowing Jesus has overcome the world, Jesus has overcome the grave! Because of this we are delivered from sin and death through Christ ! Amen!
Holy Week-Wednesday- The Anointing
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:1-3
Jesus came back to the town of Bethany , the same place where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha and Mary decided to throw a feast for Jesus, obviously in honor of who He is and what He did for their family.
What happened next, was actually prophetic and Mary probably didn’t even realize it. Mary took a pound of ointment (perfume) and used it to wash Jesus’ feet. Not only did she wash his feet, but she used her own hair to clean them. The love and sacrifice she demonstrated to Jesus , was pure genuine faith
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6
Now to ruin this beautiful moment was Judas Iscariot, as we know he is the one who sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus has called Judas “The Son of Perdition” (John 17:12) and it was better he was never born (Matthew 26:24)
Judas made it seem he cared about providing money to the poor, when He was stealing all the disciples money for the treasury. This demonstrated the true heart of Judas, He was a fraud, pretending to be a disciple. We see this alot today in modern day Christianity, alot of wolves in sheeps clothing
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. John 12:7-8
Jesus rebuked Judas in front of everyone, this must have been a real embarrassment for Judas. During this time period and culture, women were looked down upon compared to men. So for Jesus to stick up for Mary over Judas was probably a shot to Judas ego
Secondly Jesus reveals a prophecy, that Mary was anointing him for his death. I think it’s very fitting this happened right before Passover, as Jesus is our Passover Lamb. This moment revealed multiple things and was remembered forever as Jesus said it would be
We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are not becoming a Judas, don’t be a fake disciple of Christ, all our deeds are filthy rags compared to Christ, remain humble in Jesus name Amen!
Holy Week- Tuesday -The Fig Tree
He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening. Mark 11:14
As we continue our “Quest To The Cross” our next stop is “The Fig Tree” Here Jesus was hungry , looking for something fruitful, and found a barren tree that produced no fruit. He immediately rebuked the tree and commanded that it will never produce fruit again, the tree withered and died immediately.
A few things we can observe from this, first notice again this is not the watered down Jesus that is portrayed by most. The power that Christ posses , even when he speaks, the tree withers and dies immediately. Just as when demons listen to his commands or he calm the waves of the sea. Jesus has full authority on Heaven and Earth.
Second “The Fig Tree” is symbolic to our spiritual lives. As Jesus said “Good trees produce good fruit , bad trees produce bad fruit, by our fruit we will be recognized (Matthew 7) So will Jesus say to us Good work faithful servant or depart from me you worker of lawlessness?
And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Mark 11:22
As the disciples noticed “The Fig Tree” withered Jesus said to them “Have faith in God” We can take this multiple ways, as they were amazed at Jesus power and authority over Heaven and Earth. Jesus instructed them faith can move mountains!
Do we have the faith to continue to be a fruitful disciple or will we wither away from lack of faith? Put your faith in God in Jesus name Amen!
Mark 8- The Passion of The Christ
And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. Mark 8:31-33
The hour is coming for Christ to go to the cross and pay the penalty for our sins and give us eternal life. Jesus prophesied about his death and resurrection multiple times throughout his ministry. Still the disciples often didn’t understand what Jesus was saying to them. They didn’t understand the Christ was also the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world
Peter didn’t understand this either, and actually rebuked Jesus! Imagine that rebuking The Lord, Jesus in turn called Peter Satan and told him to get out of his way. What was going on here? Peter didn’t understand God’s plan for salvation, so instead of him trusting in The Lord, he devised his own plan, does that sound familiar? Often we don’t understand the ways of The Lord so we make our own way.
But its important to understand that Jesus is the only one who could deliver us from our sin, nobody else could go to that cross and pay the debt for our transgressions. This is the gospel message
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:34-37
Jesus has some heavy lessons here for us, if you really want to be a Christian “Deny yourself, Carry your cross, and follow Jesus” How many Christians are really doing this? When modern day Christianity seems to be more “Self-Centered” than “Christ-Centered” its time to repent and turn to The Lord, carry your cross meaning suffer and endure, and have faith in Jesus Christ
Many people want to be rich and famous, what does that profit you when your soul is going to Hell? The pleasures and traps of this world are temporary and won’t bring you salvation, only Christ can give you salvation, follow him with all your heart, mind, and soul
Is there anything worth selling your soul for? Temporarily you might think so, but eternity is a long time to be wrong, Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again for you! Amen!
Mark 8- The Sign From Heaven
And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. Mark 8:10-11
I want a sign from God! This is what most of the world decrees, they claim if only God would send them a sign, then they would believe, is that really true? From a naturalist perspective we see signs and wonders all around us on a daily basis, the universe, the sun, the moon, the stars, these are all realities that can’t be explained without God, however they are not good enough
People want miracles, they want cures, they want revelation! Can you honestly say in your lifetime, you have never seen a miracle? Have you never experienced or witnessed anything that was beyond the naturalistic explanation? Of course you have, however we like to dismiss these events, further testing God
If someone did witness a miracle, would that automatically convert them to Christianity? Probably not, when you look at the ocean or stand on a giant mountain, does that lead you to repentance of your sin and then have faith in Christ? Of course not, so why are you using signs and wonders as an excuse to reject God? I heard a popular atheist say “Even if he witnessed God parting the Red Sea in Jesus name, he would still not believe” Case and point, salvation is not about signs and wonders
And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side. Mark 8:12-13
The religious leaders were doing the same thing back in Jesus day, they really didn’t care if he was the Messiah or if he was the Son of God, they were playing games, challenging him to show them a sign. Jesus knew their deceitfulness and hardness of hearts, and he rejected them. Jesus said “There will be no sign given to this generation” why? Because they were not sincerely seeking God
Now we know there were many healings and miracles performed by Christ during his ministry, most importantly his resurrection, so why would they need more signs and wonders? Because the truth is they didn’t really care about God , they cared more about feeding their egos and justifying themselves
Romans 1 tells us that God has provided enough evidence with his creation, that we are without excuse! Don’t let signs and wonders be your crutch because it won’t save you from Hell, seek Christ with all your heart, knock on the door and he will answer you Amen!
Unashamed of Jesus 