Triumphant Entry or Tragic Entry?

OUTLINE:

MAIN POINT: As Jesus enters our lives, Jesus’s disciples choose to embrace who Jesus is.

I. Conforming to How Jesus Comes to Us v1-11

II. Removing our Self-Interest, Opposed to Jesus v12-13

III. Channeling Access to the Father v14-17

Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)

Q1: What is one truth from today you need to drive deep into your heart this week?

Q2: What is one truth about Jesus you can share with people this week?

Weekly Reading:

Day 1 — Salvation Has Come

Scripture: Isaiah 62:10–12

• What does Isaiah 62 reveal about God's commitment to redeem and restore His people?

• How does the promise that God's people would be called “sought after” shape your understanding of His grace toward you?

• How does knowing that Jesus came to bring salvation change the way you respond to Him?

Day 2 — The King from Judah

Scripture: Genesis 49:8–12; 2 Kings 9:1–13

• What does Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49 reveal about the coming ruler from the tribe of Judah?

• How does Jehu's unexpected anointing as king in 2 Kings 9 help you understand the royal imagery surrounding Jesus' triumphal entry?

• How does Jesus fulfill the promise of a King whose kingdom is greater than any earthly kingdom?

Day 3 — The Humble King of Peace

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9–10

• What characteristics does Zechariah give to the coming King, and how do they challenge common expectations of a powerful ruler?

• How does verse 10 expand your understanding of the King's rule beyond Israel to the nations?

• Do you sometimes want Jesus to accomplish your plans rather than submit to His purposes? What would it look like to embrace Him as the King He has revealed Himself to be?

Day 4 — A House of Prayer

Scripture: Isaiah 56:1–8

• What does Isaiah reveal about God's desire to welcome people from all nations into His house?

• Why is it significant that God's house is to be called a house of prayer for all peoples?

• Are your priorities and activities helping others draw near to God, or are they making it more difficult?

Day 5 — A Den of Robbers

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:1–15

• What false confidence did the people of Judah place in the temple, even while continuing in disobedience?

• How did their treatment of others contradict their claim to worship God?

• Are there ways you use religious activity or church involvement to give yourself a sense of security while neglecting obedience to God?

Day 6 — The Better Son of David

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:6–10

• How did David conquer Jerusalem, and what does this account reveal about the establishment of his kingdom?

• How does Jesus' treatment of the blind and lame in Matthew 21 contrast with the account of David's conquest?

• How can you follow the example of Jesus by serving and welcoming people who are often overlooked or neglected?

Day 7 — Praise from the Mouths of Children

Scripture: Psalm 8:1–9

• What does Psalm 8 teach you about God's glory and the place of humanity in His creation?

• Why is it significant that Jesus applies Psalm 8:2 to the children praising Him in the temple?

• Are you willing to praise and follow Jesus even when others misunderstand Him or oppose Him? How can your life help others see who He truly is?