Palm Sunday - Jesus Reigns, So Shall I - Matthew 20v17-34 // April 13th, 2025
Teaching overview
This Palm Sunday, Pastor Riley taught from Matthew 20 versus 17 to 34. This takes place before Jesus arrives in Jerusalem when the mother of James & John want Jesus to give her sons places of honor with Jesus. Jesus warns her that they do not know what she is asking. Co-ruling with Jesus means that they will need to love humbly and sacrificially.
Our prayer for your Community
Lord, as we begin this Holy Week give us humble sacrificial hearts filled with joy and gratitude. Help us walk with You—celebrating Your love, remembering Your sacrifice, and holding on to the hope of Easter.
Group questions
What part of Sunday’s message convicted, encouraged, or surprised you? (Seek)
Take time to revisit your notes or reflect on what you heard during the teaching. Consider where God might have been drawing your attention—not just what you thought, but what God might have been saying. A helpful practice is to spend a few quiet moments in Lectio Divina—slowly reading the passage of Scripture again, listening for a word or phrase that stands out, meditating on it, and letting it speak to your heart. Before speaking your own thoughts, let the Word speak first and ask that God's presence would join you.
What perspective do I need to change or adjust to come under the authority of scripture? What action does the text call me to do in light of this perspective? (Practice)
Hearing the word is just the beginning—following Jesus means living in obedience to it. The Spirit often prompts us toward simple obedience, repentance, or renewed action. This is not about being perfect, but about being faithful. What small step could you take this week to practice what was preached?
How can we as a group support you in living out what we’ve discussed this week? (Mission)
Discipleship is not only about inward formation but also outward compassion, and we want to walk that journey together as a community. As we pray for one another and seek Jesus together, our hearts are shaped toward His mission to renew all things. Our group isn’t just for us, but a place where we practice loving each other and live out the Kingdom of God.
For further meditation through the rest of your week…
How can we make Jesus our King in all areas of our lives ? Where in your life are you holding onto control? Are there places where you’ve resisted Jesus’ leadership—your decisions, priorities, or relationships? Take time to surrender those areas to Him this week.
What would it look like to live entrusted with Jesus’ authority? Are you reflecting His wisdom, kindness, and justice in your words and actions? Ask God to show you how to live like a co-heir of His kingdom.
The gospel invites us not only to worship Jesus as King but to reign with Him. This means living in His authority, reflecting His righteousness, wisdom, and love. Ask God to help you walk in this calling daily.
Do we reflect God’s righteousness, wisdom and love in our daily lives? At work, in parenting, at school? How about in our marriages with our spouse?
