The Problem with Popularity

Historical Context: As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches, a long-standing symbol of Jewish nationalism. They shouted, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” Cheering, praising, exalting…but then something happened. The cheering stopped.
The Roman soldiers knew why. They knew that it was Passover. They realized that it was traditionally a time that brought about skirmishes and violent reactions. They had not forgotten that several years earlier, Theodus of Jordan had ridden into Jerusalem with a similar greeting. They remembered how he promised to do the miracles of Elijah, and how he led a fairly large revolt. The soldiers remembered how that Theodus, along with over 400 of his followers was slain, and the head of Theodus was hung on the garrison wall. They knew Passover could bring trouble, and so they were ready. They also knew there is a problem with popularity.
Sermon Text: Luke 19: 37 – 42
Sermon Title: The Problem with Popularity
Point 1: Precludes your Purpose verse 44b, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you Popularity will preclude your purpose if you let it! Jesus didn’t. Let’s look in the text and see how he did it.
Definition: Greek word episkeptomai (epis-kept-o-ma-ee). It literally means “to relieve.” It is in fact, the same word used in Matthew 25:36, where Jesus said, “when I was sick and ye visited me.”Here is a group of people desiring relief and salvation from oppression, but failed to see their opportunity for true relief.
Jesus is not implying they didn’t know His purpose they just didn’t understand his purpose. They were looking for the kingdom of God and Jesus had already told them that the kingdom is already in their presence, Luke 17:20-21.


…Your prayer shifts from one place to another, and it becomes, “Lord, deliver me, help me, fight for me, uplift me,” instead of, “Lord, mold me, use me, grow me through these things, change me, and get glory for yourself.” GOD FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE IN ME…


Point 2: Confuse your Pathway verse 42, if you, even you, had only known this on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Definition: Look at the word know, you need to realize that it is not used in the sense of being aware of something, or to have knowledge of something. It is used in a different sense. It’s use is one that is common in Scriptures such as Matthew 7:23 when Jesus said, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”


…Jesus’ terms/pathway was clearly spelled out. In Luke 14 you would see that they involved a cross, “Take up your cross and follow Him.” The pathway involved careful consideration, “Count the cost.” The pathway involved submission…
John 10” Listen, Jesus was clear when He said, ‘I am the way, and no man comes to the Father but by Him.”

Point 3: Prize without the Price vs. 41“And As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.

…Sometimes God does give us what we want, but you better believe; He always gives us what we need and it always has a price on it...

…You see, the problem with the crowd then as it is now is the crowd failed to realize that Jesus did not come to serve them but to save them…

Conclusion: God has great prize for us in this life and eternal life, but it comes with a cost…