Palm Sunday 2022
April 10, 2022

Expect the Unexpected

Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

Palm Sunday 2022 | Mick Veach | Lead Pastor | first aired on 04.10.2022

I. Introduction

Read Scripture
21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.

He is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!”

10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

—Matthew 21:1-11

A. Jesus’ ministry lasted three and half years and He was in close relationship with 12 men and their families yet they still did not fully understand him

B. Today, we do the same thing. We do not fully understand Jesus’ teachings and his purpose for our lives

C. Palm Sunday is a day that demonstrates Jesus passion to finish the mission so that relationship with the Father can be restored

D. Yet, we miss this message and act of love over and over again with our own expectations

E. The danger of engaging Jesus with your own expectation is disappointment, disillusionment and losing your faith

F. Jerusalem crowd had their expectation of Jesus

  1. Hosanna—Saves Now, a physical Kingdom
  2. Cry Crucify Him on Friday—unmet expectations

G. Many of us today, need to know the love of Jesus in a new and refreshing way

  • What would be the result of experiencing the authentic love of Christ in our life?

H. There are three expectations that we must change in relationship with Jesus

II. 3 Unrealistic Expectations of Jesus

A. Expecting

Reveal Answer
Reveal Answer
to Win

  1. Luke 9:46—An argument among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest
  2. Mark 10:35-45—James and John request to sit at Jesus right and left side
  3. Question—How do you respond when you do not win the way you expected in life?
  4. Mark 14:35-36—Jesus was our example of following the will of the Father as he prayed in the garden
  5. Today, we have preached and taught that if we do certain things that somehow God is obliged to our desires
  6. 2 Cor 4:8-10—Paul shows us that we do WIN but not how we expect it.
  7. If you have unmet expectations, please bring those to Jesus and allow Him to help you navigate through it

Key Point—We win but not how we expect it, we win with his presence, purpose and promises at all times.

B. Expecting to live free from

Reveal Answer
and
Reveal Answer

  1. Understanding the message of Jesus is critical to how we live in a life of pain and suffering
  2. This kingdom of this world opposes the Kingdom of God
  3. Galatians 6:8 — We reap what we sow
  4. Jesus’ work on the cross has given us the ability to overcome these struggles and pains
  5. Matthew 7:24-27—Decide where you put your foundation and when the suffering comes, you will stand

Key Point—Pain is real but Jesus had provided the answer to suffering that we experience

C. Expecting Relationships to be

Reveal Answer
Reveal Answer

  1. We must first realize that our primary conflict is separation from God
  2. Jesus did the unexpected
  3. Luke 22:7-23–Jesus communicated with his disciples that something new was coming

  4. The sacrificial system had spiritual significance and pointed to an unexpected hope—Jesus

    a. Sin had to be dealt with
    b. Complete surrender to God’s will and purpose
    c. Fellowship was established between the worshipper, the priest and God

  5. Prior to this event (His death) access to God was limited and that via a high priest—that was about to change

  6. His death opened this door and everyone knew something in history was changing
  7. A new order has been set in place a perfect relationship with God is possible

  8. The result of having an unexpected forgiven relationship with Jesus

    a. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — a new creation for everyone who believes
    b. John 16:5-16 — The Holy Spirit is our comforter and counselor
    c. A strength to move forward with God
    d. Assurance that we will not be alone

  9. Authentic Relationships with others becomes possible

Key Point—Jesus restored our relationship with God

III. Call to Action:

  • Read Matthew 21-28 this week

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