Prepare for Sunday morning worship by using the guide below.
Matthew 21:1-11
21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Watch the Sermon
Summary: In this final sermon of our Advent series, we will meditate on Jesus coming as King. In this passage, Jesus approaches Jerusalem during Passion Week and begins making preparations for His entry. This entrance will not be that of a typical pilgrim arriving for Passover, but the coronation ceremony of the King. He instructs His disciples to bring a donkey for Him to ride into Jerusalem, and His intention is clear; to show that He is the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, specifically Zechariah 9.
The passage ends in an uncertain and restless tone. Some are praising Jesus as the Son of David, and others in the city are confused, curious, and concerned. We are left wondering if Israel will accept and honor her Messiah, or reject Him. We are faced with the same dilemma in our own lives: will we honor Christ as Lord, or seek to be the god of our own lives? May this passage encourage us to gladly submit to the Lord of all.
Review & Apply
How does this passage challenge the idea that Jesus thought of Himself as just a good teacher?
Why do the crowds at the end of this passage call Jesus "a prophet"? What does that reveal about their understanding of Jesus and what He had come to do?
If someone looked at all of your thoughts, actions, deeds, and habits, do you think they would recognize that you are submitted to Christ as Lord? Why or why not?
Jesus would go on to be rejected and die within days of this beautiful scene. What does His death and resurrection tell us about the Kingdom that He is bringing?
How can this picture of Jesus as the King inform our worship of God? How often do we marvel that we have intimate access in prayer to the King of the Universe?
Give
If you would like to give online CLICK HERE. For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (1 Chronicles 29:10-18)
