Palm Sunday: What Will You Shout?
April 16, 2025

Palm Sunday: Who Will You Shout For?

Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:29–34; Matthew 21:1–11; Matthew 27:1–26
Speaker: Pastor Jordan Bolt
Date: 4/13/2025

Main Point:
Jesus’ triumphal entry was not just a moment of praise — it was a declaration of purpose, fulfillment, and sacrifice. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” would soon cry “Crucify Him!”
What will your voice declare?

1. Exciting Entries Stir the Soul

  • From WWE intros to stadium crowds, we’re moved by dramatic arrivals
  • Jesus’ entry was intentional and fulfilling prophecy
  • Matthew 21:8-9 shows a crowd laying cloaks and branches for Jesus

Reflection:
What excites you about Jesus’ arrival in your life?

2. The Cry of the Blind Men (Matthew 20:29–34)

  • They cried out “Son of David” – a clear messianic title
  • The crowd told them to be quiet, but they shouted louder
  • Jesus did not silence them – the time had come for public praise

Insight:
Jesus often told people to stay quiet after miracles. This time, He didn’t. Why? Because His timing had arrived.

3. Jesus’ Timing Was Always Perfect

  • He didn’t seek fame. His mission was to preach the Gospel
  • He had to enter Jerusalem during Passover to fulfill prophecy

Cross references:
1. John 2:4 – “My hour has not yet come.”
2. Luke 9:51 – “He set his face toward Jerusalem.”

Question:
Are you trusting God’s perfect timing in your life?

4. The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1–11)

  • Jesus rides a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9
  • He chooses a visible path — from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem
  • The crowd honors Him as King: cloaks on the road, branches cut and waved

Word Study – Hosanna:
From Psalm 118:25
Means: “Save us, we pray” or “Please deliver us”
A cry of desperation and hope

5. From “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him” (Matthew 27:1–26)

  • Within days, the crowd is persuaded to choose Barabbas
  • Barabbas means “son of a father”
  • Jesus, the true Son of the Father, takes Barabbas’ place

Point:
We are Barabbas. We deserved the punishment. Jesus took our place.

Reflection Questions:
Who are you shouting for today — Jesus or Barabbas?
Have you accepted that you are Barabbas — the one Jesus died for?
Are you willing to cry out, “Hosanna! Save me!” and follow the King who saves?

Closing Thought:
Jesus entered to shouts of praise and left to cries for death — not because He failed, but because He fulfilled.
This Holy Week, reflect: Who will you be shouting for?