Please read this inspiring sermon where I discuss Palm Sunday and the importance of it. Bishop Clarence McClain
The Courageous King: A Message for Our Time
Bishop Dr. Clarence McClain L.I.F.E CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES
THE COURAGEOUS KING: A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME
04/13/2025
LCFM
The Courageous King: A Message for Our Time
Palm Sunday Matthew 21:1–11
And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of
Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, (2) Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you,
and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto
me. (3) And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and
straightway he will send them. (4) All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken
by the prophet, saying, (5) Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,
meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. (6) And the disciples went, and did
as Jesus commanded them, (7) And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes,
and they set him thereon. (8) And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others
cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. (9) And the multitudes that went
before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh
in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (10) And when he was come into Jerusalem, all
the city was moved, saying, Who is this? (11) And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet
of Nazareth of Galilee.
Today, we gather on Palm Sunday , a day that launches us into Holy Week—a
journey that leads to the cross and the resurrection. It’s a day filled with praise ,
celebration , and symbolism . The streets of Jerusalem were packed. People shouted
“Hosanna!” , waved palm branches, and laid their cloaks on the ground. It looked like a
victory parade.
But underneath this celebration was something deeper—something unexpected. Jesus
wasn't entering the city like other kings. He wasn't on a war horse, armed and armored.
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THE COURAGEOUS KING: A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME
He came riding on a donkey , a symbol of Peace and Humility . And in doing so, Jesus
showed us a different kind of courage—a Quiet, Holy, Redemptive Courage . Jesus was
boldly saying that His kingdom is not of this world . His power doesn’t come from
violence or force. It comes from humility, truth, and sacrificial love.
However, the church today is not where our kingdom mind is today. Our king is in
the division of countries through tariffs and discontent. It is the firearms of destruction. It
is in racial and judicial discord.
Church, We Need a Different Kind of King
If there was ever a time the world needed a different kind of king, it’s now.
We live in a world that celebrates power , performance , and popularity . Leaders rise by
pushing others down. Truth is often twisted for personal gain. Social media decides who
deserves praise, and fear tends to guide more hearts than faith.
But then comes Jesus—riding not on a warhorse but on a donkey. Not shouting
orders but offering peace and not coming to conquer with a sword but to save with His
scars.
This Palm Sunday, we don’t just remember a moment in history—we remember a
movement of courage that still speaks to our broken humanity. Jesus shows us what real
strength looks like. His courage wasn't loud, but it was life-changing .
A Street Parade Full of Hype, But Not Heart
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THE COURAGEOUS KING: A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd went wild. People waved palm branches and
shouted “Hosanna!” —a cry that means “Save us now!”
But here’s what we often miss: many of those people were cheering for a king they
thought would fix their circumstances , not their souls . They wanted a military hero, not
a Messiah who would mess with their hearts. They wanted deliverance from Rome , not
redemption from sin .
Sound familiar?
We’re still calling out “Hosanna” today—but too often, we want Jesus to fix our comfort
before He transforms our character. We want Him to bless our plans before we surrender
to His purpose.
The courage of Jesus wasn’t just entering the city—it was knowing that the cheers would
turn to jeers, and He came anyway. He rode straight into betrayal, injustice, and suffering
for the sake of love .
Courage in the Face of the Crowd
Jesus didn’t bend to the crowd’s expectations. He didn’t water down the truth to keep
people comfortable. He came to call out injustice, expose hypocrisy, lift the hurting, and
offer salvation to everyone—including His enemies.
That’s real courage.
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THE COURAGEOUS KING: A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME
It takes courage today, too, to live like Jesus in a world that praises ego over humility,
speed over stillness, and self over sacrifice. When everything around us is built on being
louder, faster, and stronger, Jesus invites us to be gentle, honest, and faithful .
He calls us not to chase popularity but to have purpose. Not to seek applause but
obedience.
Jesus Enters Our Cities Today
Jesus is still entering our streets today—not with banners or armies, but through ordinary
people who follow Him boldly .
He enters when we forgive the unforgivable.
He enters when we choose integrity over influence.
He enters when we serve without being seen.
He enters when we love people who can’t love us back.
That’s how His kingdom keeps coming— not through systems of power but through
acts of surrender.
The King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey now rides into our workplaces, schools,
neighborhoods, and hearts . He’s not asking for our admiration—He’s asking for our
allegiance.
The King Who Still Saves
This same Jesus—the Courageous King—still saves today.
He saves us from the weight of performance.
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THE COURAGEOUS KING: A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME
He saves us from our shame and guilt.
He saves us from the pressure to prove ourselves.
He saves us from ourselves.
And here's the miracle: He still chooses us. Knowing our inconsistencies, our betrayals,
our doubts—He still rides toward us.
That’s what grace looks like. It’s not earned. It’s offered. All we have to do is receive it.
Our Response – Live Like the King
So, what do we do with this King?
We don’t just wave palm branches. We don’t just sing songs. We live like Him .
And to help us remember, here are three simple, rhythmic ways to live out the courage of
Christ in a modern world:
Walk Humble, Love Loud, Stand Firm
• Walk Humble – In a world full of pride, we walk in the peace and confidence that
comes from knowing who we are in Christ.
• Love Loud – We let love be louder than hate, fear, and division—just like Jesus
did.
• Stand Firm – We don’t waver when culture shifts. We anchor our lives in truth,
grace, and the unshakable love of our King.
This Palm Sunday, don’t just celebrate what Jesus did— join Him in doing it .
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THE COURAGEOUS KING: A MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME
Be a voice of peace in the chaos.
Be a presence of courage in the crowd.
Be the hands and feet of the King who came not to be served.
But to serve.
Hosanna in the highest. The King is here. Let’s live like it.
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