Luke 19.28-38 NLT

After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”

So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”

And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

Life Group Questions:

Key Scripture Passages:
- Romans 6:3-4
- Acts 2:38-39
- Galatians 3:26-27
- Matthew 28:19-20
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Discussion Questions:

Get to Know You
Can you think of a moment in your life when you made a public commitment or celebrated a fresh start—like a graduation, wedding vow, or even moving to a new city? What was it, and how did that outward step change the way you saw yourself afterward?

1) What does baptism symbolize according to Romans 6:3-4? How does this imagery of dying and rising with Christ impact your understanding of baptism?

2) In Acts 2:38-39, Peter links baptism with repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit. How do you see these elements working together in a believer’s life?
Peter presents three parts of one experience, not three unrelated events.
Repentance is the inner pivot—turning from self‑rule toward Christ in faith. Baptism is the outward, public expression of that inward change, dramatizing death to the old life and resurrection to the new. When those two meet, God keeps His promise to give the Holy Spirit, who moves in, seals the believer, and supplies power to live the new life. Take away any element and the picture is incomplete: repentance without baptism hides the change, baptism without repentance is empty ritual, and either one without the Spirit lacks the power to persevere. Together they form a single doorway into forgiven, Spirit‑empowered life with Jesus.

3) Galatians 3:26-27 talks about “putting on Christ” through baptism. What do you think this means practically in a Christian’s daily life?
Paul borrows the image of changing clothes. Baptism is the moment you step into a new outfit—Christ Himself. Practically, that means you start each day remembering that your primary identity is “in Christ,” not in your job title, family role, successes, or failures. You consciously choose attitudes and actions that match the One you are wearing: compassion instead of indifference, humility instead of pride, purity instead of compromise. Because every believer is clothed in the same Christ, you treat others—regardless of background, race, or gender—as equal siblings under the same garment. And since clothing is visible, your words, choices, and relationships become a living display of Jesus to the people around you.

4) Baptism identifies us as being part of a community of believers. What does it mean to be a part of the body or community of Christ? Can you be part of a community and not be present? Why or why not?
Baptism doesn’t just unite you to Christ; it also grafts you into His people. To belong to “the body of Christ” is to accept mutual dependence: your gifts, perspective, and story are meant to strengthen others, and theirs are meant to strengthen you. It’s where shared worship, mission, encouragement, correction, and care happen.
Because of that design, real presence matters. The New Testament assumes believers gather regularly—whether in a sanctuary, a living room, or, when circumstances demand, a live stream. Short seasons of absence (illness, deployment, crisis) are understandable, and technology can help us stay connected, but long term disengagement starves both the individual and the community. Baptism says, “I’m in with these people.” Consistently showing up—listening, serving, confessing, celebrating—turns that declaration into a lived reality and lets the watching world see what God’s family looks like.

Key Takeaways:
1. Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
2. It’s connected to repentance, faith, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
3. Baptism is part of our identity in Christ and marks us as His disciples.
4. It represents a new beginning and transformation in our lives.

Practical Applications:
1. If you haven’t been baptized, prayerfully consider taking this step of faith.
2. If you have been baptized, reflect on how you’re living out your baptismal commitment.
3. Look for opportunities to share your baptism story with others.
4. Support and encourage new believers in their journey towards baptism.