Palm Sunday: The Misunderstood Entry
Speaker: Pastor Josh Jansen
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 12:12-19
History tells of the triumphant entry of Simon the Maccabee dressed in a fine robe following his victory, riding on a white horse adorned with garlands of flowers and carrying the banner of Israel. Likewise, Julius Caesar entered by a chariot pulled by four majestic horses as he was dressed in his finest military regalia carrying the trophies of his conquest. In both cases people crowded the streets, cheering, waving palm branches, and singing praises to God for their deliverance from their oppressors.
During Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowds also cheered with excitement, waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna,” blessing Him as King of Israel as they believed Him to be the long-awaited messiah who had come to deliver them from the oppressive culture of Roman rule. Yet they failed to notice that He rode upon a donkey, a symbol of peace, rather than a horse which is a symbol of war. They waved palms as a symbol of triumph and victory but did not understand what He could give victory over or what He had come to do. They thought Him to be a political savior to liberate them against the culture but did not understand He had come for the culture. His triumphant entry was misunderstood then and is still today misunderstood by some.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. It was said that the misunderstood entry still happens today. In what ways do people misunderstand Jesus’ entry into the world?
3. In what ways do people misunderstand the church?
4. In what ways does the church misunderstand their relevance to Jesus’ coming?
5. It was said that culture is not the enemy, but that it is our mission. What does that mean to you?
6. Read Luke 19:28-44. What did Jesus mean when He said the stones would cry out if the people kept quiet?
7. What is the significance of Jesus riding on a donkey instead of a horse?
8. Read Ecclesiastes 3:11. What does it mean that God has set eternity in the hearts of men?
9. The Jews wanted Jesus to free them from their circumstances, but it was said that Jesus is not as concerned with freeing us from our circumstances as He is freeing our souls. What does this mean to you?