Jesus Christ

The King

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?

The King (Matthew 21:1-11)
Aaron Halstead

for reflection:

  1. 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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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?

Our Priest

Originally preached April 3, 2026.

scripture

Hebrews 4:14–16

series

King, Priest, & Lord

summary

On Good Friday, this message from Hebrews 4:14–16 centers on Jesus as our great High Priest who makes it possible for us to hold fast to faith and approach God with confidence. Because Jesus fully understands our weakness and was tempted as we are yet without sin, we can pray boldly, knowing he is never distant or condemning. Instead, he is merciful and ready to help us in our time of need, inviting us to run to him for grace rather than carry our sin and struggle alone.

Our Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Aaron Halstead

for reflection:

  1. When you feel tempted or burdened by sin, do you tend to hold back from God or draw near to him with confidence? And what usually leads to that response?

  2. How does the truth that Jesus understands your weakness and temptation change the way you think about prayer in moments of struggle?

  3. In what specific area of your life do you most need to stop “carrying the weight yourself” and instead actively run to Jesus for mercy and help?

The Lord of All

Originally preached April 5, 2026.

scripture

Acts 10:34–43

series

King, Priest, & Lord

summary

Acts 10 is a turning point in the history of the early church. The gospel, which had spread almost exclusively among Jewish people, is now crossing into Gentile territory for the first time. The Apostle Peter has received a vision and been called to the home of Cornelius, a Roman military officer, in the coastal city of Caesarea. Standing before a household of non-Jews, Peter delivers a compact but comprehensive account of the gospel. His message can be seen as organized around three declarations: a message of unity, a message of resurrection, and a message of forgiveness. Together they present the risen Jesus not merely as a religious figure for one nation or culture, but as the Lord of All, the one in whom every barrier falls, death is defeated, and sins are forgiven.

The Lord of All
Aaron Halstead

for reflection:

  1. How does Peter’s declaration that Jesus is “Lord of All” in Acts 10 challenge the way we think about cultural, social, or personal barriers within the church?

  2. Why is the resurrection of Jesus essential to the hope and message of the gospel, and how should it shape the way we live today?

  3. Peter proclaims that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.” What keeps people from fully trusting and resting in that forgiveness, and how can the church reflect the unity and welcome of the gospel more clearly?