Originally preached March 29, 2026.

scripture

Matthew 21:1–11

series

King, Priest, & Lord

summary

On Palm Sunday, Jesus arrives at the outskirts of Jerusalem—the moment toward which his entire ministry has been building. Rather than entering the city quietly, he deliberately arranges to ride in on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of a humble king coming in peace. His entry draws three very different responses: his disciples obey simply and quietly; a large crowd shouts and celebrates, yet reveals it barely knows him; and the city itself is shaken, asking, “Who is this?” The same three responses people had to Jesus then are the same three ways people respond to him today. The question Matthew is asking every reader is the same one he asked on that first Palm Sunday—how will you respond to the King?

for reflection:

Which of the three responses to Jesus in Matthew 21:1–11 (quiet obedience, enthusiastic but shallow familiarity, or uncertainty) most closely reflects your own posture right now? Why?
The crowd celebrated Jesus but didn’t fully know him. In what ways might you be tempted to celebrate Jesus outwardly while keeping him at a distance inwardly?
If Jesus truly enters as the humble King who fulfills prophecy and brings peace, what would it look like for you to respond to him with deeper trust and obedience this week?