DNOW 2023 Small Group 2- The Triumphal Entry

So far we have learned this weekend about who Jesus is(the eternal Son of God, Messiah, Savior, etc.) and we have learned what it means to follow Him. We will now continue in our journey through Mark looking at what is commonly referred to as the Triumphal Entry.

Mark 11:1-11

This is taking place about 1 week before the resurrection and is now celebrated by what we call Palm Sunday.

Here we have a crowd gathering because they had just witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus and perform other miracles.

Read Zech 9:9 What is the significance of Jesus riding into town on a colt?

What were some of the things that the crowds did to honor Jesus as He was coming into the city?

What were the words that the people used to to describe Jesus? Read Luke 19:34-38, Matt 21:8-11 Were there any other descriptions that you see used?

The crowd believed that Jesus was going to bring in the eternal kingdom promised to King David in the Old Testament. They believed that the kingdom would be a military victory that would free them from the Romans. Is this the type of kingdom Jesus brought?

Jesus’s kingdom was not bought by military power but by His death and resurrection securing our salvation and right standing with God. Jesus came to redeem us and build His kingdom by changing the hearts of men and women and restoring their relationship with God. Thus the people rejected Him.

The Jews believed in a different kingdom than the one Jesus was bringing, and thus it impacted how they received Him.All of this is because they didn’t understand why they needed Him. What is mankind’s greatest need?

What are the expectations you place on Jesus?

Do your expectations for a relationship with Jesus match what He promises or are you trying to make Him fit your wants?

Wrap-up point: The kingdom of God Jesus was bringing into the world was not one of military victory. It instead was a victory purchased by His sacrificial death, restoring our relationship with God and transforming people by the power of the Gospel. Because of this some of the very same people who declared Jesus as Messiah as He came into Jerusalem would be among the crowd proclaiming to crucify Him.