Connect How can you follow Jesus more closely this week?

Warm-Up

1. Have you ever had any interaction with royalty? What has been the closest you’ve got?
2. Why do you think royal visits were more significant in the ancient world?

Read Matthew 21:1-11

3. What did Jesus send the disciples to do? How spontaneous or organised do you think Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem was?
4. Has Jesus ever sent you to do a seemingly random task, only for God to use it? Share your experience.
5. Read Zechariah 9:9-10. How does Jesus fulfil this prophecy? What does the prophecy promise?
6. How is Jesus different from the typical king?
7. What is the crowd singing? What does ‘Hosanna’ mean? 
8. What do you think caused them to break-out in praise? Where does their praise originate from?

Read Matthew 21:12-16

9. What are your initial reaction to Jesus’ action in the temple?
10. What was the purpose of the temple? Why were there money changers and traders there?
11. What is the purpose of the temple in Jesus’ eyes? How was this being threatened?
12. What authority does Jesus have in correcting the practices of the temple? 
13. What authority should Jesus have in our own lives? How do you respond to Jesus expressing authority over your life (like your decisions, reactions, plans, etc.)?
14. What things might we have misused the original purpose that God intended?
15. Who is angry at Jesus and who comes to him? Why might that be surprising?
16. Why were the chief priests and teachers of the law indignant at the children shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David”? 
17. How does Jesus treat children? (hint: look at Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-15)
18. What does child-like faith look like? How is it different from the chief priests and teachers of the law?
19. What differences are there between how you respond to Jesus and how children respond to Jesus?
20. How can you make praise of Jesus a daily part of your life?

Apply How can you make praise of Jesus a daily part of your life?

On Your Front Line this Week

Who are you inviting to an Easter service? If you're travelling, look for opportunities to encourage another church (or join online).

For Families

• Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org

Listen, Watch, and Read

• Listen: “The King is Come” by Tim Keller: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-king-is-come/ 
• Listen: “The King’s Triumphant Entry” by Gwilym Davies: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/58367/ 
• Listen: “The King’s Old House” by Gwilym Davies: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/58379/ 
• Listen: “His Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem” by John Stott: https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia
• Read (for kids): “The Topsy Turvy King” by Hannah Green & Alison Brewis: https://koorong.com/product/the-topsy-turvy-king-alison-brewis-hannah-green_9781914966675 
• Read (for kids): “Dave the Donkey” by Lost Sheep: https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/dave-the-donkey-an-easter-story/ 

Series Resources

• Website: All of the resources from our series are available (including from St Bart’s Kids) at: https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/responding-to-jesus 
• Watch: “Matthew’s Gospel” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/matthew/ 
• Read: “The Message of Matthew” by Micheal Green: https://koorong.com/product/the-message-of-matthew-2020-bible-speaks-today_9781789741445