Today we see our political leaders attempt to cultivate their own image, and here Christ gives us this image of his leadership - God on a donkey. What do we do with that? Jesus is exposing the stark difference between the king we want and the king we need. How might he so change our hearts that the king we need becomes the king we joyfully serve? Let's look at the so-called 'triumphal entry' of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Discussion Questions:
What celebrities or leaders were your favorite when you were a teenager or as a young adult? Did you have any posters, bumper stickers or t-shirts that portrayed your vibe in some superficial way? Do you sneer at People Magazine or buy it? Be honest and have some fun with this one.
Without diving into the politics, what sort of leaders do Americans seek? Why is that what we laud or pursue? What kind of leader are we looking for? Why are we so hard on our leaders?
What does 'hosanna' mean? What are they looking for? What would bring them out to cheer for Jesus like this? What draws a parade like this in LA? What does that reveal about our city's desires? What events bring us this sort of hope and joy?
Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Why would God choose an image like this? Riding a donkey was not considered unroyal, but it was reserved for peacetime. So what is Jesus conveying? Read Psalm 45:4-5 and Revelation 19:11-16. How different are these images and why does it matter?
Read John 12:16. John does not hide that they didn't get it at first. How might that be a comfort to us? If these details seemed little at the time, but later became big, can you think of an example of God using things in your life that seemed little at the time, only to realize later how significant these events actually were?
Read Luke 9:23-25. If Jesus purposefully moved toward us with such weakness, what does he call us to do toward LA? If that is admitting our weakness, which should encourage us, why does that seem harder? How does the cross ironically reveal Jesus' ferocious strength and love for his children? How can you lead in the same manner this week?
What did you need to hear in the sermon or in this discussion?
