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The King Has Come: A Triumphant Entry

Bible Passage: Lk 19:28–40

Summary: In this passage, we witness Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy as He rides on a colt. This moment declares His identity as the Messiah and brings both praise from the crowd and opposition from the Pharisees.

Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize the importance of celebrating Jesus as King in our lives. It encourages us to worship authentically and declare His lordship, reminding us that, much like the crowd, we can be vocal about our faith but also need to check our hearts for true devotion.

Teaching: This passage teaches about the nature of Jesus as the Messiah and the importance of acknowledging Him as King. It challenges believers to reflect on how they respond to Jesus’ authority in their lives and the implications of their worship.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as a humble King highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Zechariah 9:9) and serves as a pivotal moment in salvation history. It foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice and the kind of kingship He embodies - one of humility and service rather than earthly power.

Big Idea: Jesus, the King of peace, invites us to recognize His sovereignty and respond in worship, even amidst the challenges of opposition and doubt.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the Old Testament prophecies related to Jesus' entry, particularly Zechariah 9:9. You might also look at different interpretations of the crowd's reaction and the Pharisees' opposition. Logos can assist with research on how this passage fits into the larger narrative of Luke and its theological implications regarding Jesus' kingship.

1. Preparation Precedes Praise

Lk 19:28-34

You could discuss how Jesus' instructing His disciples to fetch a colt fulfills prophecy, highlighting His authority and foreknowledge. This obedience of preparation also suggests the necessity for readiness in our lives to recognize and honor Jesus' kingship. Emphasize the importance of preparing our hearts and lives to welcome and serve Him truly.

2. Proclaiming the Promised King

Lk 19:35-38

Perhaps you can explore the scene of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and how the crowd's praises relate to acknowledging Him as King. It suggests a heart posture of worship and declares Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. Encourage others to continue proclaiming His greatness, especially as we face a world that often opposes such declaration.

3. Permission Amidst Opposition

Lk 19:39-40

Maybe emphasize how the Pharisees' objection to the praise of Jesus invites reflection on our own responses to His authority. Suggest that acknowledging Jesus as King often meets with societal resistance, yet the assurance of His truth remains. Challenge listeners to stand firm in declaring His lordship despite opposition.

The King Has Come: A Triumphant Entry

Palm Sunday & Confirmation Sunday Luke 19:28–40; Isaiah 50:4–9

Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

What a joy-filled day this is. It’s Palm Sunday—the beginning of Holy Week, the day when we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem not with military fanfare, but with the power of humility, the strength of peace, and the love of a servant-King.

It’s also the day we celebrate four young women—[insert names here if desired]—who are confirming their faith, publicly saying, “Yes, I believe.” “Yes, I follow.” “Yes, Jesus is King of my life.” Could there be a more perfect Sunday to make that declaration?

In the Gospels, Jesus calls the disciples to follow Him. Picture it: four fishermen, unsure but willing, drop their nets and follow Him. Today, our four young women stand here, nets dropped, to declare they will follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Just as those first disciples took a leap of faith, so do these young women today. It shows us that faith is not just a belief; it’s a following, a commitment, just like theirs!

1. Preparation Precedes Praise

Luke 19:28-34

Jesus sent two disciples ahead with simple instructions: Go into the village… find a colt… untie it… bring it to me. Strange instructions, right? And yet they follow without question.

This is how the triumph begins—not with fanfare, but with faithful obedience. Jesus is preparing to be welcomed, but He begins by preparing His disciples.

As we celebrate your confirmation today, girls, and as we wave our palm branches in praise, we’re reminded that real celebration often begins in quiet obedience. There’s something holy about being willing to go when Jesus says “go,” even if we don’t fully understand the plan.

Our journey with Christ isn’t always about big, loud moments. Sometimes it’s about the daily decision to follow Him in simple faithfulness, to do what He asks even when the road ahead isn’t fully visible.

Imagine a seed buried in the ground. All the work occurs in silence—roots growing, water soaking in—before the bud breaks through the soil in a vibrant blossom. Just as with our faith, it can feel like nothing is happening, but God is nurturing us quietly until the moment of joyful bloom arrives.

2. Proclaiming the Promised King

Luke 19:35-38

The colt is brought, and Jesus rides into the city. Cloaks are laid on the road. People shout, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”

This isn’t just a parade. This is worship. This is the crowd proclaiming that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy, the one Zechariah described: “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.”

Today we echo their proclamation. We don’t wave palm branches just to reenact history—we wave them because we believe it’s still true: Jesus is King. And we welcome Him again into our hearts and our lives.

To our confirmands: today you stand with that same crowd, declaring to this congregation and to the world, “I believe in Jesus. I trust Him. I worship Him.”

Your voices matter. Never think you're too young or too quiet to make a difference. In fact, in a noisy world, voices like yours—full of sincerity, hope, and grace—are exactly what we need.

In a world filled with loud opinions, there was a small church in a busy town square. One Sunday, a shy young boy got up and shared how he had been praying for his classmates. After he spoke, many other young people began to share their own stories. The moment was powerful: a simple voice sparked a wave of faith, revealing how each person's story contributes to the overall message. Just like that boy, your sincerity can create ripples of change around you.

When David was chosen to be king, he was just a young shepherd boy—overlooked by many. Yet, it was his trust in God that made him a giant to his people. Similarly, today’s confirmands stand in faith, reminding us that our youth can lead to powerful testimonies. Never underestimate the impact of a sincere heart. Just like David, you can face the giants in this world with faith and courage.

3. Permission Amidst Opposition

Luke 19:39-40

Not everyone celebrated. The Pharisees weren’t pleased. “Tell your disciples to be quiet,” they said. But Jesus replied, “If they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”

There will always be voices in this world that say, “Keep your faith to yourself.” But Jesus reminds us that worship can’t be silenced. When hearts are truly transformed, praise overflows—whether from people or from creation itself.

To our girls being confirmed: there may be times when people question your faith, or challenge your convictions. But remember the words of Isaiah: “The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced… I know I shall not be put to shame.”

That’s a promise you can hold onto. You are not alone. Jesus stands with you. This church stands with you. And the King you proclaim today is not only worthy of praise—He’s with you always, even in moments of doubt or opposition.

A Word to the Church

Friends, let Palm Sunday remind us that Jesus doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances to come into our lives. He comes in humility, riding a colt, entering hearts that are willing to say, “Yes, Lord, I welcome you.”

Let us not only celebrate Him with palm branches but with lives of praise, hearts of compassion, and faith that endures.

Let us encourage these young women, not just today but every day. Let’s be the kind of church that helps them walk in their calling, helps them know that their King is not only triumphant, but tender.

Closing

Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cries of “Hosanna!” But He continued to the cross to say “I love you.” He is the King—yes—but not a King who conquers by force. He conquers by love, by sacrifice, by the power of the resurrection.

So let’s celebrate the King who comes to save. Let’s cheer for Jesus with our lives. And let’s walk with these four young women as they begin a beautiful journey of faith.

The King has come. He comes still. And He is worthy of all our praise.

Hosanna in the highest. Amen.