Sermons

The Road to Easter – Week 1 – Luke 19:28-44 – Livestream for 3/19/23

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Small Group Guide:

Open with prayer.

Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?

If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.

Luke 19:28-44

The Triumphal Entry

28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Message Outline:

In this passage of God’s Word, we see Jesus finally completing His journey to Jerusalem. As He does, the people are shouting peace in heaven… yet Jesus cries over the city. The fact they think they have peace, and yet don’t, brings Jesus to tears. Which brings up a question to us as readers. How do we avoid the same mistake that these people made? How do we truly have peace with God?

How to have peace with God:

  1. Devote yourself to faithfulness

Luke 19:37-38, 23:18-25, Heb. 10:23, Gal. 5:22-23

  1. Determine to worship God your whole life

Luke 19:37-38, 23:18-25, Rom. 12:1-2, John 11:57, Col. 3:15

  1. Don’t be ruled by your preconceived notions about who God is

Luke 19:11, 37-38, John 14:27, 16:33, 2 Thess. 3:16,

  1. Discover God’s humility and love for you

Luke 19:28-35, Phil. 4:6-7, Ps. 4:8, 119:165, Rom. 5:1, 8:6, Prov. 16:7, 2 Pet. 1:2, Zech. 9:9

Reflection Questions:

  1. Had you ever heard this taught before, specifically Luke 19:41-44? What stood out to you?
  2. In Luke 19:28-35, both Jesus’ two disciples, as well as the owner of the colt showed that they had great faithfulness. How is your faithfulness? When you felt led by the Lord to do something, how likely are you to do it?
  3. In the passage of Scripture we see people rejoicing that Jesus has come to Jerusalem (Luke 19:37-38). Yet, in less than a week (see Luke 23:18-25), we see people shouting that Jesus should be put to death. Clearly these people were not determined to worship God for their entire lives. How determined are you to worship God your entire life? What would help you to improve that?
  4. In this passage, it is clear that the people are not truly understanding what is about to happen (see Luke 19:41-44). A large part of that is probably because of their preconceived notions about what Jesus would do once He got to Jerusalem. Do you feel like you have preconceived notions about what God will do, or about what He’s like, that clout your judgement just like the people of Israel did? Why or why not?
  5. The fact that Jesus rides into Jerusalem riding on a colt and not a war horse is significant. It shows us His humility. It shows us where His power comes from (God, not things). Additionally, the fact that He comes into Jerusalem during Passover, when the Pharisees want Him arrested (see John 11:57), shows us the great length that He is willing to go through to show us His love. Spend some time thinking about God’s humility and love. Jot down instances in Scripture, as well as in your own life, where God’s love and humility have been shown.
  6. What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?

Prayer Time:

Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.

Staying Missional:

Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:

Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?

What’s next?

Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?