Still - Part 1 - Next Steps

Message Summary

Rescue Mission. On the first Palm Sunday, most people thought Jesus was coming to the capital city to become their earthly king, to kick out the Romans and run out the Pharisees. They expected something else. On the other hand, the Pharisees and other religious leaders wanted to silence Him, they wanted to kill Him. But Jesus knew He was coming to give His life for us. Palm Sunday is about the beginning of a rescue mission. It’s about fulfilling prophecy leading up to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, to die on the cross and pay for our sins and so rescue us from a broken world, broken hearts, and bad choices. The plans had been made; the orders had been given. The only thing left to do was the deed itself. And now, Palm Sunday offers each one of us the opportunity to reflect on our own lives and on the rescue mission that Christ came to do on our behalf.

1) List some reasons why it is so hard for people to trust in God, and rather trust in their own ability, their own means, and their own plans?

2) Discuss ways that people react to desperate or life-threatening situations.

Consider This

“For the Son of Man [Jesus] came to seek and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus didn’t come to validate our broken and corrupt ways. He came to save us from them, now and for eternity.

1) In Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph to name his son Jesus, which means “The LORD saves,” and that, “he will save his people from their sins.”
a. What does it mean to sin? (Romans 3:10-12)

b. How has every person sinned (Romans 3:23)?

2) What is the result of sin? See Genesis 2:16, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23.

3) What is the difference between physical death and spiritual death? What are the implications?

4) Why can’t a person save him or herself?

5) Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What did Jesus accomplish on the Cross? How is that gift accessed?

6) Most of the Israelites had a false expectation about Jesus on that first Palm Sunday. Discuss some false expectations about God that you struggle with today. How do you deal with unmet expectations?

7) Read Psalm 110:1-3, Isaiah 53:2-6 and Zech. 9:9.

a. Why do you think the Jewish leaders missed Messiah as a suffering servant and expected only a conquering king?

b. How can we avoid false expectations about God today?

8) When Abraham was 75, God promised him a son. And yet Isaac wasn’t born for another 25 years! Read Hebrews 11:11-19 and discuss how Abraham’s example can help us deal with our own prayer requests yet unmet?

9) Consider the two principles of prayer given in Mark 11:24 and 1 John 5:14-15 and discuss how they can work together.

Moving Forward

This week, reflect on the mission that Jesus came to fulfill. Reflect on the fact that he came to save you when you made that wrong turn. And as you reflect, rejoice that his mission has been a successful one.

1) Read Isaiah 53:1-6. List and consider the humiliation and suffering that God took upon himself.

2) According to Isaiah 53:1-6, what did Jesus bear for us and why? What do we get out of the transaction?

3) Read Ephesians 3:14 again. List the blessings that believers have as a result of Jesus’ rescue mission. Pick one for each day and specifically give God thanks.

4) Throughout his ministry, including his Triumphal Entry, Jesus humbly depended upon friends for food and lodging (Matt 8:20, 21:1-2). Depending upon God first often leads to asking for/receiving help from others. How can you develop a dependent rather than independent attitude this week?