The third in a series of 4 sermons
Series Theme
At Lent we prepare for remembering the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross and our focus easily falls on the agony He suffered there for us to pay the eternal debt of our sin that we would be reconciled to God.
This sermon views the cross from God’s perspective and here we focus on the depth of God’s love. so vast it is beyond all measure, as He GAVE His only Son.
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Luke 19:28–44 (NIV84)
28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,
30“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”
32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.
33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.
36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it
42and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Text
Mark 14:32–36 (NIV84)
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
