A Shouting Stone

Palm Sunday Sermon

Luke 19:28-40

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it'" 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34 They said, "The Lord needs it." 35 Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." 40He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

Introduction

Palm Sunday is a day rich in symbolism and significance. As we reflect on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, our scripture today, taken from Luke 19:28-40, provides us with a profound vision of glorification and the compelling force of the Holy Spirit. As we delve into this passage, we are reminded of how God’s glory is revealed and how the Holy Spirit moves among us, compelling the faithful to bear witness.

Luke 19:28-40 - The Triumphal Entry

In Luke 19:28-40, we witness the moment Jesus draws near to the majestic city of Jerusalem with a sense of purpose. He instructs His disciples to retrieve a colt, one that has never felt the weight of human presence. This choice is rich with cultural symbolism, signaling the dawn of a new kingship. As Jesus gracefully rides into the heart of the city, the air buzzes with excitement. Crowds gather, their joy palpable, as they spread their cloaks upon the dusty path, creating a vibrant tapestry for the King to tread. They erupt into joyous exclamations, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"—their voices harmonizing in a symphony of praise.

Yet, not all are swept away by this buoyant tide of celebration. The Pharisees, their expressions twisted in indignation, implore Jesus to silence His high-spirited followers. But with unshakeable resolve, Jesus responds, " I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” His words resonate like a thunderclap, emphasizing to them, to the reader, and to us who hear the story that the glory of God is too grand to be contained or muted.

This passage encapsulates the very essence of glorification. Jesus stands as the pivotal point of divine revelation, welcomed not only by the joyous shouts of humanity but by the entire cosmos. The imagery of stones crying out serves as a powerful reminder that God's glory transcends all limitations. When the faithful acknowledge and proclaim the magnificence of the Divine, they are propelled by the Holy Spirit—a force so compelling that even the quietest, inanimate objects cannot help but bear witness. When we shout Hallelujah, creation itself bears witness! The celebration of God’s majesty reverberates through everything, illuminating the profound connection between the divine and the earthly.

The Glorification of God

The glorification of God stands as a fundamental theme on Palm Sunday, marking a significant moment in the Christian faith. As Jesus makes His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, He is met with acclaim as the messianic king—a long-awaited figure of hope and deliverance for the people. The enthusiastic shouts of the crowd—“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”—are more than simple expressions; they serve as a powerful declaration of faith, signifying their recognition of God’s sovereign authority over their lives and hope in the unfolding events.

In the Old Testament, Psalm 118:26 resonates deeply within this context: "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" This phrase captures a moment of divine acknowledgment and is echoed by the masses in the Gospel of Luke, reinforcing not only their recognition of Jesus’ identity but also the principle of glorifying God through communal worship.

Within the Reformed tradition, the concept of glorification transcends mere outward displays of praise; it is fundamentally tied to an inner transformation of the heart. Theologian John Calvin, in his profound work "Institutes of the Christian Religion," articulates the notion that authentic worship emerges from a heart that is humbled before God. This humbling acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and abundant grace leads to a genuine relationship with the Divine.

When the Holy Spirit resides within believers, it inspires a profound shift that drives them to glorify God through not only their words but the entirety of their lives. Worship becomes a holistic expression that combines daily actions, decisions, and interactions, ultimately reflecting the transformative impact of God's grace in their lives. Worship does not stop when the blessing is given, and the post-lude is played at the end of the hour. Worship continues in every aspect of our existence. Thus, the essence of glorifying God is lived out in ways that align with the core values of humility, service, and authentic worship—truly embodying the spirit of Palm Sunday beyond a mere celebratory moment.

Compelled by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s role in compelling the faithful to glorify God is evident throughout the Bible. In Acts 2, we see the Spirit descending upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in tongues and proclaim the gospel boldly. Peter, filled with the Spirit, addresses the crowd, leading to the conversion of about three thousand souls that day.

Similarly, in the Old Testament, we find the Spirit moving mightily. In Ezekiel 37:1-10, the prophet witnesses a vision showing a valley full of dry bones. The Lord asks if they can live and commands Ezekiel to prophesy to them. As he prophesied, the bones come together, covered with flesh but without breath. Then, the Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath (The Ruach- the same Hebrew word used when God breathed life into Adam. It is literally translated as the Holy Spirit.), bringing life into the bones and turning them into a vast multitude of living beings. This vivid illustration demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which can bring life to the lifeless and compel all creation to glorify God.

The compelling force of the Holy Spirit is not just a historical phenomenon; it is an ever-present reality. As believers, we are called to be vessels through which the Spirit manifests God's glory. In "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer, the author highlights how the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds, awakens our hearts, and strengthens our will to live in accordance with God's purposes. (Packer) It is through the Spirit that we are equipped to shout praises even when confronted with adversity.

Biblical Examples and Illustrations

Throughout scripture, we find numerous examples of individuals compelled by the Holy Spirit to glorify God. In 2 Samuel 6:14, David dances before the Lord with all his might, undeterred by the disdain of others. His unabashed worship is a testament to how the Spirit moves us—encouraging us to celebrate God's presence joyfully.

Paul, in his epistles, frequently speaks of the Spirit's work in his ministry. In Romans 8:14, he writes, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." Paul’s missionary journeys, filled with trials and triumphs, display a life led by the Spirit devoted to glorifying God.

In our lives, we encounter moments where the Holy Spirit compels us to act in faith. C.S. Lewis, in "Mere Christianity," describes the Spirit’s influence as a persistent nudge, guiding us towards truth and righteousness. Whether through acts of kindness, moments of worship, or standing firm in our convictions, the Spirit empowers us to be witnesses to God's glory. (Lewis)

Conclusion

As we reflect on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, let us be reminded of the call to glorify God in all we do. The Holy Spirit compels us, just as it compelled the crowd to shout praises and the stones to cry out. Our glorification of God is not limited by circumstance; it is an expression that transcends time, space, and even the barriers of the physical world.

Beloved, on this Palm Sunday, may we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely within us. Let us be bold in our worship, steadfast in our faith, and unwavering in our witness. For if we remain silent, the stones themselves will shout. God’s glory is, indeed, boundless and ever-present, and we are privileged to be part of His divine story.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Works Cited

Interlinear Bible. 29 Nov. 2024. <https://biblehub.com/interlinear>.

Lewis, C. S. "Mere Christianity." Horizon Ridge Publishing, n.d. Kindle Epub P.32-34.

Merriam-Webster. 2024. <https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com>.

NIV Study Bible. Grand rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

"NRSVue." NRSVue Holy Bible with Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2022.

Packer, J. I. "Knowing God." Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 1973. Kindle Epub p.236.

Powery, Emerson B., et al., The Westminster Study Bible. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024.