Seeing The Signs
Matthew 21:1-11 (ESV)
The Triumphal Entry
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
Compare Matthew 21:8-9 t Zechariah 9. What observations do you note?
What do you note about the crowds reaction to Jesus's entry into Jerusalem?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message?
Why do you think Jesus choose a donkey to enter Jerusalem on?
The crowd shouts “Hosanna” (meaning “save us”) but later demands Jesus’ crucifixion. What does this shift suggest about their expectations of the Messiah versus Jesus’ actual mission?
How does Jesus’ humility (Philippians 2:6-7) coexist with His bold claims about His identity (e.g., “I am the way, the truth, and the life”)?
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
Are there times in your life where you are tempted to force outcomes instead of waiting for God’s timing? How can you practice trust this week?
Jesus’ entry forced people to choose to crown Him or crucify Him. What areas of your life still feel like a “third option” (partial surrender)? What would it look like to give Jesus total allegiance there?
The Laodiceans’ prosperity made them lukewarm (Revelation 3:17). How does comfort or self-sufficiency tempt you to treat Jesus as a “king of convenience”? What small step could disrupt that complacency?
The crowd’s “Hosanna” turned to “Crucify Him” when Jesus didn’t meet their expectations. When has God’s plan conflicted with your desires? How can you lean into His design instead of resisting it?