The King Has Come: Recognizing Our True Leader

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 10:9-27, Matthew 21:1-11

Summary: Both passages describe the inauguration of kingship: Saul's unexpected rise to leadership and Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as the awaited King. These events highlight the nature of God's kingship and the response of the people to the chosen leader.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to evaluate their understanding of leadership and authority in their lives. It reminds them to recognize Jesus as their true King, who brings a kingdom that is not of this world, and to reflect on how they respond to His leading in their daily lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God sovereignly chooses leaders according to His purpose, fulfilling His promises through unexpected channels. It also emphasizes that true leadership from God requires humility and serves to bring redemption to people.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the Bible, Jesus embodies the ultimate King, fulfilling the prophecies and expectations set by the lineage of kings like Saul. His entry into Jerusalem signals not only His kingship but also His sacrificial role, establishing His reign through love and humility rather than political power.

Big Idea: We are called to recognize and submit to Jesus as our true King, who ushers in a new kingdom built on love, redemption, and humility rather than the ways of this world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider examining the cultural and historical context of kingship in ancient Israel versus the expectations of kingship during Jesus' time. Look for commentaries in Logos that discuss the theological implications of both passages, especially concerning the nature of God's sovereignty in human leadership. You may also explore the significance of crowds in biblical passages and their response to authority.

1. Saul's Surprising Selection

1 Samuel 10:9-16

Perhaps we could explore how Saul's transformation upon receiving the Spirit of the Lord demonstrates God's unexpected choices in leadership. Just as God changed Saul's heart, He can work within us to transform our understanding of true leadership. This section suggests starting with recognizing our own hearts' transformation through Christ as our King.

2. Public Proclamation, Mixed Reception

1 Samuel 10:17-27

You could highlight the contrast between human expectations and divine appointments by discussing Saul's public proclamation as king. His hesitance and the people's mixed reactions mirror our own responses to God's chosen leaders. We can reflect on accepting Christ's kingship, even when it contradicts worldly standards.

3. Humble Entry, Prophetic Fulfillment

Matthew 21:1-5Jesus’ intentional entry into Jerusalem as fulfillment of prophecy emphasizes His divine kingship. We could draw parallels between the humble way Jesus enters and our need to welcome Him into our lives as the true King. This humility challenges our perceptions of power and leadership in our spiritual journey.

4. Crowd's Call: King's Commendation

Matthew 21:6-11

By examining the crowd’s reaction to Jesus’ entrance, we might reflect on varying responses to His authority—some recognized His sovereignty, while others did not. It prompts us to assess our acceptance of His kingship and our readiness to submit our lives to His transformative rule.

Here’s a full sermon outline that’s clear, preachable, and built to move a congregation from recognizing false kings to embracing the true King. It follows a classic flow: Hook → Text → Contrast → Application → Gospel → Response.

SERMON OUTLINE: “The King We Want vs. The King We Need”

1 Samuel 10–11 & Matthew 21:1–11

I. Introduction — Two Parades, Two Kings

Israel gathers to crown Saul: tall, impressive, everything a king “should” be.

Jerusalem gathers to welcome Jesus: humble, riding a donkey, everything a king “shouldn’t” be.

Both moments ask the same question: What kind of king are you looking for?

II. Saul: The King We Want

A. Chosen by Human Desire (1 Sam. 8–10)

Israel demands a king “like the nations.”

Saul fits the part: tall, strong, charismatic.

His kingship begins with , not divine initiative.public approval

Key Insight: We often choose leaders based on appearance, charisma, or the promise of quick fixes.

B. Crowned with Ceremony and Power (1 Sam. 10:17–24)

Tribes assembled.

Lots cast.

Saul stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The people shout, “Long live the king!”

Symbol: A kingdom built on human strength.

C. A Kingdom Marked by Fear and Fragility

Saul’s insecurity leads to jealousy, disobedience, and spiritual collapse.

His leadership reveals the danger of kingship rooted in .image over character

Transition: Saul shows what happens when we crown the wrong king.

III. Jesus: The King We Need

A. Chosen by God, Not the Crowd (Matt. 21:1–5)

Jesus enters Jerusalem fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.

He is not elected, selected, or demanded.

His kingship is rooted in , not popularity.identity

Key Insight: Jesus doesn’t become King because we approve Him; He is King because God sent Him.

B. Crowned with Humility (Matt. 21:6–9)

No war horse.

No armor.

No political agenda.

A donkey, a symbol of peace.

The crowd shouts “Hosanna!” but misunderstands His mission.

Symbol: A kingdom built on self-giving love.

C. A Kingdom Marked by Healing, Justice, and Sacrifice

Jesus cleanses the temple, heals the blind, welcomes children.

His coronation leads not to a throne but to a cross.

His crown is made of thorns.

His victory comes through suffering.

Transition: Jesus shows what happens when God crowns the right King.

IV. The Great Contrast: Two Kings, Two Kingdoms

SaulJesusChosen by peopleSent by GodLooks powerfulLooks weakProtects himselfGives HimselfLeads by fearLeads by loveKingdom collapsesKingdom endures forever

Big Idea: Saul is the king we think we want. Jesus is the King we desperately need.

V. Application — Who Is King in Your Life?

A. We Still Choose “Sauls” Today

The illusion of control

The pursuit of image

The desire for quick solutions

The temptation to trust human strength

Ask: What false kings have you crowned?

B. Jesus Still Arrives on a Donkey

He comes gently, not forcefully.

He comes offering peace, not domination.

He comes inviting surrender, not applause.

Ask: Will you welcome Him as He is, not as you want Him to be?

C. The True King Calls for a Response

Not just admiration

Not just celebration

Surrender

Palm Sunday is not about waving branches; it’s about laying down our crowns.

VI. Gospel Moment — The King Who Saves

Saul could not save Israel from themselves.

Jesus saves us from sin, death, and the kingdoms we build.

His cross is His coronation.

His resurrection is His enthronement.

His Spirit is His reign in us.

The King we need has already come — and He is coming again.

VII. Conclusion — Which Parade Are You In?

Saul’s parade leads to disappointment.

Jesus’ parade leads to salvation.

One ends in fear.

One ends in freedom.

Palm Sunday invites you to choose your King.

If you want, I can also create:

A 3-point youth sermon

A small-group discussion guide

A one-page handout

A Palm Sunday liturgy or call to worship

Just tell me what you need next.