This weekend Greg dives into Matthew 21, focusing on the authority of Jesus and our response to it. He begins with a recount of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event that marks the beginning of Holy Week. As Jesus enters the city, the people recognize Him as the Messiah, crying out "Hosanna," which means "save us." However, Jesus' first act as the new king is to cleanse the temple, overturning tables and driving out those who were misusing the sacred space. This act symbolizes the need for spiritual cleansing and challenges us to consider what "tables" in our lives need to be overturned.

Greg then transitions to the story of the Pharisees questioning Jesus' authority. They ask Him by what authority He performs His actions, not out of a desire to worship, but to challenge and maintain their own control. Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist's authority, exposing their unwillingness to acknowledge the truth. This interaction highlights the Pharisees' desire to control God and their inability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah because He did not fit their expectations.

This message emphasizes the importance of surrendering to Jesus' authority. Greg shares personal stories about his own struggles with authority and control, illustrating how these issues can hinder our relationship with God. He challenges us to consider whether we are truly living under Jesus' lordship or merely adding Him to their lives without genuine surrender.

Greg also discusses the concept of communal passion, urging the church to collectively pursue God's kingdom in a way that transforms the community. He warns against the temptation to control or limit God's movement to fit our comfort zones, encouraging believers to embrace the fullness of God's plans, even when they are counterintuitive or uncomfortable.

The sermon concludes with an invitation to bow to Jesus' authority, recognizing Him as the way, the truth, and the life. Greg reminds us that following Jesus is not just a prayer we pray but a life we live, and he calls for a communal passion that can lead to a sustained move of God.

Small Group Questions:

Reflect on Authority: How do you typically respond to authority in your life? Can you relate to Greg's personal stories about authority issues? How do these experiences shape your relationship with Jesus?

Tables in Your Life: What "tables" in your life might Jesus need to overturn? Are there areas where you are resisting His authority or holding onto control?

Understanding Jesus' Authority: Why do you think the Pharisees struggled to recognize Jesus' authority? How can we avoid making the same mistake in our own lives?

Communal Passion: What does "communal passion" mean to you? How can our small group cultivate a collective passion for God's kingdom that impacts our community?

Surrender and Trust: What does it mean to you to fully surrender to Jesus' authority? Are there specific areas in your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plans?

Living the Life: Greg mentioned that following Jesus is a life we live, not just a prayer we pray. How does this perspective challenge or encourage you in your faith journey?

Invitation to Change: Is there a specific area in your life where you feel God is inviting you to change or surrender? How can the group support you in this process?

Awakening and Revival: What would a sustained move of God look like in your life and community? How can we as a group pray and work towards this vision?