This week Greg explores the familiar passage of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem from Matthew 21. He begins by sharing a personal story about receiving gifts as a child, drawing a parallel to how we often receive gifts from God that may not be what we want but are exactly what we need.

Key Themes:

Expectations vs. Reality:

• The Jewish people expected a Messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression and restore Israel to its former glory. However, Jesus came to offer a much greater gift—freedom from sin. This highlights the difference between the king they wanted and the king they needed.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:

• Jesus' entry on a donkey fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, signaling His identity as the Messiah. This act was a declaration of peace and humility, contrasting with the Roman expectation of a conquering hero on a warhorse.

The Nature of Jesus' Kingdom:

• Jesus was not establishing a political kingdom but was ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven. His mission was to conquer sin, not Rome, and to offer eternal salvation rather than temporary political freedom.

The Crowd's Misunderstanding:

• The crowd's cries of "Hosanna" reflected their desire for immediate salvation from their circumstances. However, their understanding was limited, and they quickly turned on Jesus when He did not meet their expectations.

Personal Reflection:

• Greg challenges us to consider where they might be seeking Jesus as the king they want rather than the king they need. He encourages a reorientation of our lives around Jesus' lordship, trusting in His greater plan even when it doesn't align with our desires.

Small Group Questions:

Reflect on Expectations:

• Have you ever received a gift from God that wasn't what you wanted but turned out to be what you needed? How did you come to realize its true value?

Understanding Prophecy:

• How does understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament enhance your view of Jesus as the Messiah?

Kingdom Perspective:

• In what ways do you find yourself seeking a "king" who will solve your immediate problems rather than trusting in Jesus' eternal plan? How can you shift your focus to align with His kingdom purposes?

Responding to Disappointment:

• How do you typically respond when God doesn't meet your expectations? What steps can you take to trust in His goodness and sovereignty during those times?

Personal Application:

• What does it mean for Jesus to be both Savior and Lord in your life? Are there areas where you struggle to submit to His lordship? How can you begin to address those areas?

Living the Gospel:

• Greg mentioned that the gospel brings freedom, peace, and joy. How have you experienced these in your life? Are there areas where you feel you have embraced a "different gospel" that doesn't reflect these truths?

Community and Accountability:

• How can your small group support each other in recognizing and embracing Jesus as the king you need, rather than the king you want? What practical steps can you take together to grow in this understanding?

This sermon invites us to reflect deeply on our expectations of Jesus and challenges us to embrace Him as the King we truly need, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives.