palm branches

What would you do different if you knew you would be dead in less than a week? Would you change anything at all? Would you try and right your wrongs? Would you tell your friends and family how much you love them and what they mean to you more often? Would you go live life to the fullest and try to pull off as much as you can on your bucket list? Matthew 21 is the turning point for the disciples and the crowds, not Jesus. Jesus knew this time was coming; He has always known his purpose ever since he was a young boy. And even though he knows he is about to die a horrific, painful death, Jesus continues to do what he has been doing, meeting other peoples’ needs.

Are you more concerned about what other people think of you or about what God thinks about you?

Jesus had a passion for the temple, because it was the place where people could worship God. In this chapter we will see how he responds to those who are blocking people from worshiping God. The question to ponder is how answered prayer and forgiveness go together.

The triumphal entry of Jesus raises the questions why are you following Jesus and what are your expectations from the King?

(John 7)(Beth Ariel High Holy Days 2018) Sukkot aka The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the indwelling presence of God with His people, Israel. It also looks forward to the future Messianic Kingdom.

A 21st Century Reflection on the Triumphal Entry by Dwight Burkholder - April 9, 2017

Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. However, Jesus’ entry into the city where he would die was not itself an event of pure celebration. Some cheered, but some feared and others jeered. So why do we celebrate? Perhaps it is because Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem signaled the ultimate triumph – it signaled a future day when there will be no more tears.

Sam shared from Matthew 21 on Christ's "Triumphal Entry" this palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday is the day in which the church remembers Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to throngs of people and their shouts of acclamation. Less than a week after this event Jesus would be unjustly arrested, mocked, whipped, beaten, and crucified. Many of the same people who excitedly chanted Hosanna, Hosanna (meaning, salvation is here) as he entered into Jerusalem would chant Crucify him, crucify him just days later. What changed? Actually, nothing. The people had a preconceived notion of who they wanted Jesus to be. When he didn’t fit this notion, they turned on him without hesitation. This sermon shows that the way in which we view Jesus – even today – determines how we act towards him. It contrasts the crowd of people who wanted to squeeze Jesus into their box with a man named Zacchaeus who wanted to see who Jesus was. Once Zacchaeus discovered who Jesus was, who he really was, he was willing to change his whole life to please him . Once you see understand who Jesus really is, it will make you willing to offer him your entire life.

(Matthew 21:1-11)
Messiah's entrance into Jerusalem as Israel's King is meant to ignite Israel's faith in God through exhibiting faith in Him; Messiah is "inspected" as the Passover Lamb of God and is found to be without spot or blemish, therefore qualifying Him to give His life as a ransom for many.