Palm Sunday: The Return of the King

Brian Behrends, Creative Pastor

Matthew 21:1–11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
     This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
              “Say to Daughter Zion,
                     ‘See, your king comes to you,
             gentle and riding on a donkey,
                     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
         The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
              “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
             “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
              “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
     When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
     The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

3 Lessons from a Donkey

1. God keeps his promises.

“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

2. God partners with people.

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19

3. Jesus is King.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him… John 12:13

Small Group Questions

1. What’s something you really wanted until you realized how much it would cost?
2. Why do you think the crowd was so excited when Jesus arrived? What did they think they were going to get from him?
3. When was the last time Jesus asked you to do something that didn’t make sense? What makes those moments difficult and how can you learn to say yes?
4. Why do you think it’s so hard to admit we need saving?
5. What is God inviting you to lay down today?
6. What area of your life right now needs a “Hosanna” prayer? How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?