Teaching & Confrontation

Recap

Genesis 1:26–27 “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Leader: of Israel and deliverer from Egypt

Wrote: Genesis under divine inspiration

Purpose: to explain origins—creation, humanity, covenant

Insight: Genesis establishes identity before sin enters—who we were before we became who we struggle with

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Audience

Originally written to A people trying to understand: Who they are, Who God is, Why they exist

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Application: Just like Israel, many believers today are: Delivered, but still discovering identity, they’re Free, but not fully aligned with purpose

Historical Context

• Written during or after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt

• Surrounded by cultures that:

o Worshipped many gods

o Viewed humans as servants/slaves of deities

Radical Difference: Genesis teaches: Humans are not slaves of God—they are made in His image

Background

Occurs at the beginning of Holy Week

During , when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims

Passover

Heightened expectation for a deliverer (Messiah)

Bible Study: Matthew 21:1–11

Theme: “The King Who Comes — Understanding Jesus on His Terms”

1. Passage Overview

Scripture Focus

Matthew 21:1–11

2. Author, Audience, Context

Author

(Levi), former tax collector turned disciple. Matthew

Audience

Primarily Jewish Christians

Emphasis on Jesus as the promised Messiah

Frequent fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy

Historical Context

Occurs at the beginning of Holy Week

During , when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims Passover

Heightened expectation for a deliverer (Messiah)

3. Timeline Placement

This event is traditionally known as Palm Sunday

It marks:

Jesus’ public presentation as King

The beginning of events leading to the cross

4. Key Verses & Observations

A. Jesus’ Intentional Entry (v.1–3)

Jesus sends disciples to get a donkey

This was planned, not spontaneous

Insight: Jesus is in full control of the moment

B. Fulfillment of Prophecy (v.4–5)

Cross-reference:

Zechariah 9:9 → The King comes “gentle and riding on a donkey”

Meaning:

Not a war horse (symbol of conquest)

A donkey = peace, humility, and righteousness

C. The Crowd’s Response (v.6–9)

Key Word:

(Hebrew: ) = “Save us now” Hosanna Hoshia-na

The crowd:

Spread cloaks (symbol of honor)

Waved branches (symbol of victory)

Shouted Messianic praise

Critical Insight: They wanted deliverance from Rome, not deliverance from sin

D. The City’s Reaction (v.10–11)

“All the city was stirred” (Greek: ) = shaken, agitated seió

Jesus didn’t just enter quietly—He disrupted everything

5. Key Themes

1. The Nature of Jesus’ Kingship

He is King—but not the kind people expected

He rules through humility, not domination

2. Misplaced Expectations

The crowd praised Him on Sunday…

But many would reject Him by Friday

Praise is not the same as surrender

3. Fulfilled Prophecy Confirms Identity

Jesus deliberately fulfills Scripture

This affirms His legitimacy as Messiah

4. Public Declaration of Identity

This is one of the few times Jesus allows open Messianic praise

6. Cross-References

Prophecy fulfilled Zechariah 9:9

“Blessed is He who comes…” Psalm 118:25–26

Cloaks laid before a king 2 Kings 9:13

Parallel account John 12:12–16

7. Greek Word Study (Focused Insight)

Not just praise—it is a Hosanna (ὡσαννά) cry for rescue

The crowd did not both worshiping and pleading

Observation

What details stand out about how Jesus entered Jerusalem?

What did the crowd say and do?

Interpretation

Why did Jesus choose a donkey instead of a horse?

What did the people expect Jesus to do for them?

Reflection

Have you ever had expectations of God that didn’t match His plan?

Is your worship based on who Jesus is—or what you want Him to do?

Application

In what areas of your life do you need to ? fully submit to Jesus as King

How can you move from ? temporary praise / lasting obedience

9. Practical Application

Trust Jesus’ mission, even when it looks different than you hoped Surrender your expectations

Is it conditional or committed? Examine your worship

Not just in moments of excitement, but in consistent obedience Honor the King daily

11. Closing Reflection

Jesus entered Jerusalem not to take a throne—but to carry a cross. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” struggled to accept a suffering Savior.

The central question remains:

Will you accept Jesus as He truly is—or only as you want Him to be?