Who Is This Jesus?

In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor James asks us to consider the essential question: "Who is this Jesus?" He explains that the key difference between biblical Christianity and all other religions or cults is our concept of Jesus - who he is and what he has done.

Pastor James guides us through the account of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, focusing on how different groups reacted to Jesus based on their misconceptions about him. The crowds waved palm branches (a nationalistic symbol) and shouted "Hosanna!" believing Jesus was coming as a conquering political king who would overthrow Roman rule. The disciples were confused about the nature of Jesus's kingship until after his resurrection. The Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat to their power and way of life, fearing Roman retaliation if his popularity sparked rebellion.

These misconceptions about Jesus continue today. We might view him as a conquering king who makes our lives easier, remain confused about who he really is, or see him as a threat to our comfortable lives. Pastor James emphasizes that we cannot relate to God rightly if we have misconceptions about Jesus.

The true nature of Jesus is revealed in his humble entry on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of a humble, righteous Savior bringing peace. Jesus did not come as an earthly conqueror but as the divine Son of God who humbled himself to die for us. Pastor James reminds us that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, a suffering servant who was exalted to the highest place.

Jesus didn't come merely to be a moral example, a magnificent teacher, or to spread a message of tolerance. He didn't come to reform social structures or make us comfortable and well-liked. Instead, he came to die as a humble servant, to make a way for helpless, hopeless, sinful people to have a relationship with God. His love transforms us so that we no longer live for ourselves but for him.

Pastor James concludes by encouraging us to celebrate Jesus rightly, understanding the profound truth of who he is and what that means for us. His gospel is good news - the best news - that frees us from the slavery of thinking that the world can satisfy us and enables us to live for him and for others.

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