Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday, the city was stirred and asked "Who is this Jesus?" The crowd that welcomed him as king would, days later; shout "crucify him.” As we begin Holy Week, we reflect on our reply—he is the King, but One who continues to surprise us. Jesus invites us to see that humility and love will triumph over power and force.

Scripture passage: Matthew 21:1-11

Respond together:

• The Jews expected a military ruler who would overthrow the oppressive Romans and establish of a political kingdom. 

  What are some expectations that people commonly have of Jesus today, and how do they compare to the expectations that people had of him during his ministry? 

  In what ways do we, like the crowds on Palm Sunday, have a tendency to turn away from Jesus when things don’t go according to our plan?

• The triumphal entry of Pilate and Jesus could not be any more opposite. How does Jesus' humble and sacrificial love challenge our own understanding of power and authority?

  In what ways can we follow Jesus' example of self-giving love and service to others in our own lives?

• The New Testament instructs us to not conform to the pattern of the world. 

  With multiple voices garnering our attention, which King do we choose to follow? The way of Pilate and the world or the way of Jesus?

Our songs together:

• Hosanna - Hillsong

• Living Hope - Phil Wickham

• Only a Holy God - CityAlight

• More Like Jesus - Passion