Sermon on 10 April 2022 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Today is Palm Sunday, the day that our Lord Jesus Christ triumphantly entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44). Jesus rode on a small donkey, and the people were cheering. The coming week is holy week, leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, and His resurrection.
Message
On Monday, Jesus cleansed the temple, driving the merchants away (Luke 19:46). On Tuesday, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:5-36). On Wednesday, Jesus and His disciples rested in anticipation for the Passover Meal. On Thursday, the Passover, the Institution of the Last Supper, the Holy Communion or Eucharist, took place (Luke 22:19-20). The Passover, by tradition comprised 3 pieces of bread. Jesus gave the bread new meaning – representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Passover, from Exodus 12, involved the sacrifice of the lamb at twilight. This sacrifice was now undertaken by Jesus Christ. On Friday, the trial, crucifixion, death and burial took place (Luke 22, 23). On Sunday, Jesus rose and conquered death (Luke 24).
After Jesus rose again, He appeared to many. Yet, some still doubted. Jesus told His disciples to meet Him in Galilee.
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. – Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission is also found in Mark 16:15. We are to make disciples, baptise and teach. This mission is given to all of us – to share the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). We want everyone to come into the knowledge of the truth. We have to focus on winning souls for Christ.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” – Matthew 28:10
1. Have a soul winner’s heart
It is all about our hearts if we want to win souls. Have a strong and faithful willing heart.
2. Focus on making a difference
The ‘why’ you need is to make a difference. You need to seek and to save.
3. Focus on one at a time
The father waited a long time for that one prodigal son to return. The woman searched the entire house for that one coin. Focus on one at a time. Often, we focus on the life on earth now, and do not think much about eternal life.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? – Mark 8:36
4. Focus on seeking and saving
What is your one-sentence statement for your life? For Jesus, it was to seek and to save.
for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” - Luke 19:10
Let us follow the heartbeat of Christ. Jesus structured His life around seeking and reaching people with the gospel (Mark 2:17).
When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” – Mark 2:17
The mark of a disciple is to love one another, and to follow the commandments. Love is the fuel to carry out the Great Commission. What caused Jesus to hang on the cross? Love. If you find it hard to fulfil the Great Commission, check your love for God. Luke 22:61 tells us about Peter’s denial of Jesus, but verse 62 tells us about His repentance. God used Peter to save souls (Acts).
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. – Luke 22:61-62
Closing
Will you obey His leadership? Evangelism is not an option. It is our mission.
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