Heart Prep:
All four Gospels highlight the joyful celebration as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Crowds waved palm branches and hailed Jesus as king, yet they misunderstood His true purpose: He came not as a conquering hero but as a Suffering Servant, willingly going to the cross to provide salvation for the lost. Christ demonstrated His deep love by giving them what they truly needed—spiritual redemption rather than political deliverance. Even today, the power of Christ’s death and resurrection is greater than earthly powers and strife and our sin.
Message:
Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a donkey. This was to fulfill the prophecy: “See, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey.” A large crowd joyfully welcomed Him as their King, laying palm branches and clothes before Him. They said, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees, angered by the people’s praises, confronted Jesus and asked Jesus to silence the crowd. Jesus responded that if the crowd would be silent, the stones would cry out. Despite this joyful moment, Jesus wept over Jerusalem, deeply saddened because the city did not truly recognize Him as their Savior.
Main Point:
“The people welcomed Jesus as King, but they did not recognize Him as their Savior. Jesus calls all people to trust in Him as Savior and Lord. When we do, we will be saved from sin and death.”
Discussion:
What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and trusting in Him as Savior?
The people of Jerusalem knew about Jesus and all the miracles He performed throughout His ministry, but they didn’t know Him for who He truly was: the Savior of the world. We can know all about Jesus, go to church, and even read the Bible, but still not have a saving relationship with Jesus. When we trust in Jesus as Savior, we are saved from sin and made right with God. (Option: Read John 1:10-13.)
How can we make Jesus the King of our lives?
Once we have trusted in Jesus as Savior, we must surrender to His lordship in our life. This means we follow where He leads and are obedient to what He says. We no longer desire to be in control of our life, but we trust God to show us how to live to bring Him glory. (Option: Read Gal. 2:20.)
Why is it important for believers to share Jesus with others?
The consequence of sin is eternal punishment. Jesus preached the good news and called people to repent. When we follow Him, we also are called to share the gospel. The only way for people to be saved is by trusting in Jesus. If we don’t share the gospel with them, how will they hear? (Option: Read Rom. 10:14-15.)
