Come on In

                                   Luke 17 – 19:27

Introduction: As Jesus and his disciples left Jericho and made their way to Jerusalem for Passover, they traveled along the border between Samaria and Galille (Luke 17:11).

On His way to Passover….several notable activities are noted:

1. Healing of Ten Lepers – 17:11-19 – Only one out of the ten return to thank Him.

‘Has no one returned to give God glory except this foreigner?’

2. Those looking for ‘God’s Kingdom’ – 17:20-37

In Luke’s narration is was a Pharisee – Jewish group, either collectively or as individuals mentioned 98x in NT. Pharisee = ‘separate’ or ‘detached’.

• Common people?
• Priests and clerics (with whom they disagreed)?
• Gentiles or Jews who embraced Hellenistic culture?
• Politiacl groups?
• All of the above?

They were waiting / looking for a ‘status’ within a new world order, established by a Messiah that would put them ‘on the top of the list.’

3. Persistent Woman (Parable) – 18:1-8 –  That one who kept on asking, seeking and insiting on mercy/help.

4. Self-Righteous – 18:9-14 – Those who trusted on their own ‘piety’ and ‘goodness.’

5. Little Children – 18:15-17 – All welcomed, appreciated and admired.

6. The Rich Ruler – 18:18-30 – Too high a price to pay because of his accumulations and call to follow.7. A Blind Beggar – 35-42 – ‘Have mercy.’ ‘Be quiet, (he was told)’. No way…he called even louder…’have mercy.’

Application: this one might be the most impressive on my list. He had only kind heard things….hadn’t even seen or been present…but he wanted in!

8. Zacchaeus – 19:1-10 – Tax Collector – Probalby despised and an unlikely recipient.

9. Ten Servants (Parable) – 19:11-27 – The faithful whom Jesus entrusts and who multiply that which was given.

The group stopped in Bethany, stayed for a couple of days, and dined with Lazurus, Mary, Martha, who had prepared a dinner for them, in Jesus’ honor (John 12:1-3).

As thousands gathered in Jerusalm for Passover, news of Jesus’ ministry, especially of Him raising Lazarus from the dead, began to spread.

The narrative (which is found in all four gospels), sets a mood of festivity and triumph…a parade of sorts.

Transition: As Jesus gets close to Jerusalem (the crowds have already gathered and are waiting…..JESUS WEEPS!

Question: Why and for whom did Jesus weep?

⁴¹ But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. ⁴² “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. ⁴⁴ They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.^[a]”

Matthew 7:13-14, ‘You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell^[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it’.

For those who recognize God’s visitation…

1. The Way of Peace

• The one leper who returned to give thanks.
• The persistent one who cries over and over for help and mercy.
• The little children (the innocent, dependent)
• The blind beggars
• Unlikely who reach unatanable heights to find the answer.
• Faithful servants

Jesus’ triumphant entry revelas and establishes a ‘Way of Peace!’

For those who did not / do not recognize God when God visits them…

• Those looking for a temporal ‘kingdom’ and elitest, exclusive standing.
• Those who trust in their own goodness.
• Those who have too much to loose.

Jesus’ triumphal entry was another lost opportunity for victory, success and salvation.

Conclusion: So who truly benefits from ‘Palm Sunday?’ Those who say, ‘Jesus, Come On In!’

I will seek you, thank you, depend on you and follow you!

COME ON IN!