PALM SUNDAY - Come Celebrate the Week that Changed the World!
CONQUERING KING - Matthew 21:1-46
The people desired a Messiah who would conquer Rome (Mt. 21:9) but rejected a Messiah who had come to “conquer” them (Mt. 21:23, 45-46). What sort of desires do people have of God that might cause them to reject Jesus?
Matthew 21:9. As Jesus entered Jerusalem many of the people cried, “Hosanna,” a Hebrew expression meaning "Save!" How would you explain to a friend outside the church what Jesus came to save us from? How have you personally experienced Jesus’ saving power in your own life?
Matthew 21:12-13. What sort of practices in the Church today do you think hinder non-Christians from coming to Christ?
Matthew 21:18-19. Jesus cursed a fig tree which looked beautiful and healthy from a distance but bore no fruit. If Jesus were to come and examine your life for the fruit you have borne for him, what absence might be especially notable? What could you do to better respond to His grace in this area of your life? How could this small group or your church family, help you in this area?
Matthew 21:23-32. Jesus’ authority is challenged by the Pharisees because they do not like, or want to submit to, His words. In what ways do people today challenge Jesus’ authority? How might you know whether their objections are genuine or if they simply do not like, or want to submit to, Jesus’ words?
Matt. 21:33-46. Jesus warns the kingdom will be taken from those who look good on the outside yet produce no spiritual fruit (21:18-19). Fruit is an indication of the type of the tree (Mt. 7:17; 12:33) and those who are the LORD’s are indicated not by looking good, nationality, or social status but by the fruit of faith (Matt. 3:8-10; Jn. 8:39; cf. Gal. 3:7,29; Rom. 9:6-8). What do you think the fruit produced by faith looks like in the life of a believer today?
The final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry is described as “the week that changed the world”? How has it changed your life?
SUNDAY SCHOOL & COFFEE: 9:30 a.m.
WORSHIP SERVICE 10:45 a.m. (NURSERY PROVIDED)
Join us for our monthly Fellowship Luncheon immediately after service!
236-2195
