A King Like No Other
Rusty Wirt   -   April 13, 2025

Sermon 7: A King Like No Other

Main Passages: Mark 11:1-10, 15-18, Zech. 9:9-10, 2 Kings 23:1-8

 

Main Thought: Jesus consistently made efforts to tone down people’s excitement around his miracles. And he regularly demurred to the crowds as they projected a vision of King David 2.0 onto Jesus’ identity. But like the crowd on that day, our perceptions of Jesus are not totally accurate. We desire a King, but Jesus is unlike any other king. And the unfolding events of this week would clarify why. His authority is above all nations, tribes and tongues.

 

Consider:

Have you ever had someone misunderstand who you really are? Or have you ever had someone misjudge you?

 

False Versions of Jesus

  • Bodyguard Jesus (He will always keep bad things from happening to me)
  • Genie in a bottle Jesus (He will immediately grant my wishes)
  • Boyfriend Jesus (He will always be where I can sense Him or see Him)
  • Fix our politics Jesus (He will bring about a political revolution that revolves around my political opinions)

 

Into the Text

  1. Jesus’ Kingship was one meant to bring peace (Mark 11:4-10).
    1. This event fulfilled an ancient prophecy (Zechariah 9:9-10)
      1. Riding a colt was a sign of a leader bringing peace
      2. Notice the details in verse 10
        1.  “Take away the chariots”: an end to the main vehicle of war.
        2. “Take away . . . the war-horses”: no need for horses used in war.
        3. “The battle bow will be broken”: no need for bows or arrows for fighting.
        4. “He will proclaim peace to the nations”: His message will be one of reconciliation.
        5. “His rule shall be from sea to sea”: the King will control extended territory with no enemies of concern.
        6. Jesus is aligning his reign with that of peace.
  2. So Jesus is a King, but not like any other King.
    1. For there is:
      1. No political victory
      2. No vanquished nation
      3. No spoils of battle
      4. No heroes of war
      5. This is no ordinary King
      6. But there is a battle
  3.   Jesus as King initiates a battle in His own house. (Mark 11:15:18)
    1. Moving this to the Temple area was move a recent move by Caiaphas the High Priest, but originally these transactions were located on the Mount of Olives
    2. Jesus is creating sacred space for prayer “all nations”
    3. Jesus is doing what Kings do- they are responsible for cleansing the Temple
      1. 2 Kings  23:1-7
      2. Here good king Josiah purges the temple of two false gods
        1. Baal and Ashurah
        2. God’s kingdom will have power when God’s people submit to God’s word

 

 

So the one battle that King Jesus brings is to His own house.

The real battle for the real king is here in His own house.

Valuing Money over the Mission

Seeking the approval of men rather than the approval of God

 

Application:

Evaluate your perception of Jesus.

Do you see Jesus as a

  • David 2.0
    • Knocking down physical enemies
    • Chopping off the heads of challengers
    • Leading armies into victorious battle
  • Mark 11
    • Riding on small colt
    • Challenging the religious elite
    • Disrupting sinful systems
    • Accepting God’s will even if it means suffering