Matthew 21:1-11
Life Group Questions:

1.    If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas that you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2.    Read through the different accounts of the passage referred to as the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Explain any differences and similarities that exist between these passages? Do any of the differences cause questions concerning the accuracy of Scripture? Explain.

3.    Read the following passages in Matthew and describe the attitude of Jesus about being rejected and ultimately crucified: Matthew 17:12; 20:18, 28. Why do you think the disciples never really understood the full meaning what was going to happen?

4.    Do you think Jesus was the kind of king that people anticipated to come based on the prophecies of Scripture? Why or why not? In what way was Jesus different from many of the leaders with which people were familiar?

5.    Describe the knowledge and authority of Jesus as depicted by Matthew in this story. Do you believe that Jesus was omniscient during His earthly ministry? Why or why not? How does this relate to His deity?

6.    What does it mean that Jesus was humble? Did humility hinder His authority and power? How does the following story of Jesus turning over tables and driving people out of the temple relate to His humility?

7.    Read Zechariah 9. Do you think that Matthew has correctly used this passage in his writing? Why or why not? What differences, if any, are there in Matthews rendering of Zechariah 9:9?

8.    Read Matthew 11:28-29 and Matthew 12:15-21. What are some of the key concepts related to the gentle nature of Christ? How can we find rest and hope in Christ? In what way is Jesus gentle and kind to us? In what way do we need to be more like Jesus in the way we interact and handle other people?

9.    Describe some of the ways in which Jesus, as King, interacted with His creation in this story? What did Jesus mean when He said that the “Lord” had “need” for the donkey? Who specifically is Matthew referencing?

10.    Describe the response of the various people in this story to Jesus. How should we try to resemble them or not? How is your level of obedience and worship toward Christ? In what areas is he challenging you to obey and worship Him?