Palm Sunday

This week we look what is known as Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will explore the meaning of this event in light of the week to follow, and gain insights into both John 15 and Psalm 1 as we conclude our series “The Tree and the Vine.” (John 11, 12, 15 & Psalm 1)

Sermon Outline

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” (John 12:13a)

Jesus Orchestrates a Miracle (John 11)

• Jesus sets it up
• Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb
• Two reactions by the people

Jesus Orchestrates a Worship Parade (John 12)

• Jesus acts out prophecies
• Jesus allows the crowd to worship Him
• Two reactions by the people

It’s All About Jesus

• “The New is in the Old Concealed; the Old is in the New Revealed”
  • Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 22:16-18
  • Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jonah
  • Psalm 1
• Jesus is the Savior for the whole world (John 3:16)
• Let us remember all these things as we walk with Jesus this Holy Week!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What was the biggest happy crowd you’ve ever been a part of?
2. When have you been part of a crowd in which the people were definitely “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”? (See Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:36-38)
3. Jesus said in John 11:4 that Lazarus’s sickness was for the glory of God. What do you think he meant?
4. John quotes Zechariah 9:9 in his telling of the Palm Sunday event. How does the next verse (Zechariah 9:10) clarify Jesus’ mission even further?
5. Ponder Caiaphas’s words in John 11:49-50. How does John see these words as prophetic even though Caiaphas had no idea he was being so? Think in terms of “substitution- ary atonement’.
6. Think about how incredible it is that Jesus doesn’t call his followers servants, but friends (John 15:15) because lets them in on the timeless truths from the Father. How does Jesus reveal the truth about himself in the Palm Sunday event?
7. What will you do during this Holy Week to remain in Jesus and have his words remain in you? (See John 15:7)