Matthew 21:1-11 And when they drew near to Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,… I. BY THUS RIDING THROUGH THE STREETS IN STATE CHRIST CLAIMED TO BE A KING. This claim had been kept in the background till now; but in the hour of deep humiliation He makes an open claim. He was a spiritual King, therefore He went not to the palace temporal, but to the palace spiritual; He rides to the temple. II. WHAT SORT OF A KING HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN IF HE HAD PLEASED, AND WHAT SORT OF A KING HE MIGHT BE NOW, IF HE WILLED IT If Christ chose He might make His Church rich and powerful, and religion magnificent; but He does not care for this world's glory. III. WHAT KIND OF A KING HE IS, AND WHAT KIND OF A KING HE CLAIMED TO BE. Different from other kingdoms. 1. It is a kingdom in which the disciples are courtiers. Here discipleship is the highest degree. 2. It is a kingdom m which the king's laws are none of them written upon paper; they are written upon the heart. 3. It was a kingdom in which riches were no part whatever of its glory. It was poverty's own temple. 4. It was a kingdom without armed force. 5. It was a strange kingdom because it was without any pomp. 6. He came to establish a kingdom without taxations. All its gifts are of love. 7. It was a kingdom in which all creatures were considered. 8. It was a kingdom of joy. IV. THE PRACTICAL OBJECTS OF THIS KINGDOM. 1. That the whole city was moved. Everybody had something to say about it. Some would say that "the whole thing was contemptible." Many say that the kingdom of Christ is ridiculous. They want more pomp. Others in Jerusalem were no doubt filled with curiosity. Some looked on with envy. Some were moved to rejoice. Christ is sure to make a stir. 2. That Christ went to the temple. He drives out selfishness, and purifies religion. 3. He held a grand levee, of all whom He had healed and blessed. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, |
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