Sermon: Jesus the King
Bible Passage: Zechariah 9:9-10; Mark 11:1-11

I. Zechariah prophecies that the King of Judea would emerge soon (Zech 9:9-10)

1. He will be righteous
2. He will bring salvation to His people
3. He will be “humble”
4. He will ride a donkey, a colt (not a warrior, but a peaceful kingdom)

II. The King (mentioned in Zech 9:9-10) will be characterized by peace

1. He will put an end to the war: no chariots, war horses, and bows
2. He would establish peaceful relationship with rest of the world
3. His reign will expand beyond Judean geographical boundary

III. Jesus offers Himself as the King of Judea and Jerusalem as a fulfillment of Zech 9:9-10

1. In the previous passage, Jesus was addressed as “Son of David” (10:47)
2. He calls Himself “Lord” (11:3)
3. He rides a donkey, that was never ridden before (11:7-8; Zech 9:9)
4. He is humble, not a military combatant (cf. 14:48-49; Matt 12:18-21)
5. He brings the message of the salvation to the people (cf. Luke 4:18-19) [the kingdom God offers through Jesus is internal in character]

IV. The people of Jerusalem and Judea did not grasp Jesus’ offer

1. Some people sang “Hosanna” (“save us” cf. Psalm 118:25-26)
2. Jesus equates them to the fig tree that dried and withered instantly (cf. Mark 11:11ff)
3. Even today, many followers of Jesus do not grasp who He is [they sing and follow Jesus for wrong reasons]

Take Away:

How do you respond to Jesus’ offer to be the King? Accept Jesus as your King!

1. Serve Him with obedience (11:2-3a)
2. Honor Him by not withholding (11:3b)
3. Allow Him to have all authority over you (11:7c)
4. Accepts what He offers to you and not what you want of Him (11:9-10)