Palm Sunday

READ TOGETHER:

John 12:12-19

DISCUSS:

• When you think of a hero, what image comes to mind?
• Who did the crowds believe Jesus was? What were they expecting Jesus to do? What expectations do we often place on Jesus?
• The laying down of a cloak was a sign of submission. The palm branch was a symbol of royalty. What did these two actions say about the people’s expectations of Jesus?
• The crowd shouted “Hosanna” which is a Hebrew word meaning “save us”. What did the crowd believe they needed saved from? Why did they really need salvation? How did the people ultimately respond to Jesus’ mission? How do you respond when Jesus doesn’t meet your expectations?
• The crowd recognized Jesus as a prophet from Nazareth. They didn’t fully acknowledge Him as the Son of God. What is the difference between honoring Jesus and recognizing Him as Savior? How do people today honor Jesus, but not recognize Him as Savior?
• Give an example of a time when God didn’t meet your expectations? How did you react? How was your faith impacted? What did you learn from that experience?

PRAY:
Spend time in prayer asking the Lord to help your heart grow in right understanding of who Christ truly is.

PRACTICE (on your own):

Our perspective of Jesus is often determined by our expectations.

1. Identify Your Expectations: Expectations are belief of a certain probability or outcome. Take the time to list the expectations you have placed on Jesus (i.e. “I expect Jesus to always ensure my happiness, safety, comfort, etc.”)
2. Reorder Your Expectations: Our expectations are not always correct because of flaws in our logic. Scripture is the source of truth for who Christ is and how He interacts with His people. Using Scripture, reorder your expectations based on the truth of God’s Word (see verses below).
3. Stand on the Promises: Our faith is the expectation that God will always fulfill His promises. Allow the promises of God found in Scripture to become the framework for having the right expectations of God. 

DIVE DEEPER (on your own)

• Our faith and hope motivate the expectations in our lives. Reflect on these verses as you order your expectations of Jesus.
• Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Joshua 21:45; Psalm 77:8; 2 Peter 1:4; Psalm 19:7

Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!