Small Group Notes Palm Sunday 2025
April 14, 2025

Palm Sunday 2025

The King Has Come!

Opening Prayer:

Starting this term, we want to emphasize prayer more in our groups and in our church. Please take time to pray as a group. Pray for our church, for the kingdom, for one another, and for anything else that God lays on your heart. Also, ask God to open hearts and minds to His Word and guide your discussion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy by entering Jerusalem on a donkey, declaring Himself as the Messiah.
  • The crowds initially welcomed Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna,” but later called for His crucifixion.
  • Jesus came to build a spiritual kingdom, not just for political liberation.
  • Even amidst celebration, Jesus wept over Jerusalem because many missed the true meaning of His coming.
  • Our primary mission as Christians is to advance God’s kingdom, not focus solely on earthly concerns.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What stands out to you most about the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry? Why?

  2. The sermon mentioned how quickly the crowds turned from praising Jesus to calling for His crucifixion. How do you see this fickleness in our world today? In your own life?

  3. How does understanding Jesus’ mission as spiritual rather than political change your perspective on His ministry?

  4. Pastor Joel emphasized that Jesus is more concerned with building God’s kingdom than with specific political issues. How can we balance being good citizens with prioritizing God’s kingdom?

  5. Jesus wept over Jerusalem even as the crowds cheered. How can we develop a heart that grieves for those who don’t know Christ, even in the midst of our own celebrations?

  6. The sermon touched on the idea of viewing our possessions as belonging to God. How might this perspective change the way we handle our resources?

  7. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the “humble king of peace”? How does this impact your relationship with Him?

Practical Applications:

  1. This week, practice viewing your possessions as belonging to God. How might this change your decisions or actions?

  2. Identify one way you can prioritize advancing God’s kingdom in your daily life this week.

  3. Spend time in prayer, asking God to give you His heart for those who don’t yet know Him.

  4. Reflect on areas where you might be missing God’s work in your life, like the crowds in Jerusalem. Ask for spiritual discernment.

  5. Consider inviting a friend or neighbor to Easter service next week as a way of sharing the good news of Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Thank God for the gift of Jesus and ask for help in applying the lessons from Palm Sunday to our lives. Pray for open hearts to receive and share the gospel message.