02 Apr
2023

Jesus the Teacher

Passage: Matthew 21:1-11

See, you king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What ideas or images come to your mind when considering what it means to have a king? We don’t have a literal king in our country, but what are sources of authority and reigning values in our culture today that serve as “king” in people’s lives?

Read Matthew 21:1-11. Jesus fulfills the promise from the prophets of a king coming – standing on the Mount of Olives, riding on a donkey, and welcomed with cloaks, branches, and singing. He is the King of kings God’s people had been waiting for. In verse 10, the city is stirred and asking, “who is this?” What does it mean in our lives today to answer Jesus is King?

In Colossians 3:4, the apostle Paul described Christ, “who is your life,” a phrase that captures the kingship of Jesus. When Christ is king, when He is our life, then everything else in life fits into its rightful place. When good things become ultimate things (“our life”) then they are idols that cannot bear the weight of our lives. What longings do you have in this season that threaten to become your life? How can these longings fit under the kingship of Jesus?

Zechariah 9:9 prophesied, “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, one a colt, the foal of a donkey.” This is our hero, our rescuer, our life. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” How does this description shape your understanding of Jesus as king; Jesus as your king?

PRAYER

Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?

Mighty God, we look for salvation and security in many different places. We confess we’re tempted to seek out a pumped-up Savior of power who would flex rippling muscles. Prepare our hearts to welcome our humble servant-King, Jesus, finding in him all we need for our salvation. Amen. (Heidleberg Catechism 30)