The Cross Examined Pt 4 | The Day the Lamb Was Chosen | Pastor Mario Hauser | March 29th, 2026

Part four of The Cross Examined frames Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday as a deliberate, prophetic presentation: the arrival of a king who is also the sacrificial Lamb. Matthew’s account places the triumphal entry alongside Passover imagery so that the crowd’s hosannas and palm branches become the public backdrop for God’s deeper work. The crowd expects a political deliverer to overturn Roman oppression, but the narrative highlights a different rescue—one that addresses humanity’s inner condition of sin, not merely external circumstance. Scripture citations from Zechariah and Isaiah connect Jesus’ humble approach on a donkey and his suffering to long-standing prophecy, while Exodus instructions about selecting a spotless lamb set the ritual stage for what unfolds.

The Passover requirement to choose an unblemished lamb points forward to a greater Lamb, one who will not merely cover sin but remove it. Jesus submits to examination and accusation and emerges declared without defect, qualifying as the perfect sacrifice. At the Last Supper and on the way to the cross, the symbolism shifts: the Passover meal’s lamb gives way to the Son who identifies himself as the Lamb of God, whose blood accomplishes what temple sacrifices only foreshadowed. The text stresses that this Lamb’s blood pours into hearts rather than merely marking doorposts; the work reaches inward, transforming condition and identity.

The crucifixion and resurrection complete the plan: the Lamb is slain and then reigns as King. The narrative moves from presentation to sacrifice to victory, asserting that sin and death do not have the last word. The theological invitation rests on personal appropriation—embracing the slain Lamb, applying his blood to the heart, and allowing inward transformation rather than asking God only to change external situations. The passage closes with a clear call to respond: receive the Lamb who was chosen, examined, declared perfect, sacrificed for sin, and raised to reign, and let that reality reshape the heart and life.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Lamb was deliberately presented The triumphal entry occurs publicly and on purpose, aligning with Passover to reveal intent rather than chance. This presentation shows God’s control over timing and meaning: the crowd’s praise becomes the stage for sacrificial revelation. Recognize providence in moments that look celebratory but carry deeper redemptive purpose. [64:46]
• 2. Passover foreshadows ultimate sacrifice Exodus instructions to select a spotless lamb set a ritual pattern that points beyond backyard offerings to a cosmic atonement. The requirement for an unblemished substitute trains Israel to expect substitutionary blood; the gospel announces the fulfillment. Contemplate how ritual memory prepares the heart for revelation and how old covenants find climax in the final Lamb. [61:15]
• 3. Jesus fixes condition, not circumstances The crowd sought political rescue; the text insists on spiritual remedy—sin, separation, and inner bondage get addressed rather than merely external pressure. Transformation starts within: altering the heart changes responses to situations, not just the situations themselves. Frame prayer and faith around inward renewal as the primary victory. [66:04]
• 4. The Lamb takes sin away Temple sacrifices covered transgression; this Lamb removes it, pouring blood into hearts rather than smearing it on thresholds. The imagery shifts from temporary atonement to definitive cleansing that changes identity and destiny. Sit with the difference between cover and removal, and let that distinction steer confession and trust. [75:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [51:49] - Matthew 21:1–11 reading
• [53:29] - Triumphal entry and Hosanna
• [59:01] - Zechariah prophecy fulfilled
• [61:15] - Passover and the chosen lamb
• [64:46] - Deliberate presentation of the Lamb
• [66:04] - Savior fixes condition, not circumstances
• [71:21] - The Lamb examined and declared perfect
• [75:51] - The Lamb who takes away sin
• [81:12] - Call to embrace the slain Lamb
• [87:28] - Invitation and altar response

Bible reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (ESV)
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Observation questions

1. What specific actions did the crowd take as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and what was the emotional atmosphere of the city?
2. The prophet Zechariah is quoted in this passage. What are the specific characteristics of the king he describes?
3. What was the significance of the timing of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, coinciding with the Passover festival? [01:01:15]
4. According to the instructions for Passover in Exodus, what were the specific requirements for the lamb that was to be chosen? [01:01:39]

Interpretation questions

1. The crowd shouted “Hosanna,” which means “save us now.” Based on their political context under Roman rule, what kind of salvation do you think they were expecting from Jesus? [01:00:08]
2. The sermon makes a distinction between a “situation” and a “condition.” What is the difference, and why is it significant that Jesus came to fix the human condition rather than just our external situations? [01:06:04]
3. How does the examination of the Passover lamb in Exodus connect to the examination of Jesus by Pilate, and what does this reveal about Jesus’s qualifications to be the final sacrifice? [01:11:21]
4. John the Baptist declares Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” How is the action of “taking away” sin different from the Old Testament sacrifices that merely “covered” sin? [01:15:51]

Application questions

1. It’s common to ask God to change difficult circumstances around us—finances, relationships, or health. When was the last time you asked Him to transform your inner condition—the sin, fear, or brokenness within your own heart—instead of just your situation? [01:09:28]
2. The blood of the Passover lamb was applied to the outside of a doorpost for protection. The blood of Jesus is meant to be poured into our hearts for transformation. What does it look like on a daily basis to personally apply the work of Jesus to your heart, not just know about it intellectually?
3. Jesus was presented publicly as the chosen Lamb. His purpose was clear, even when misunderstood by the crowd. In what areas of your life do you need clarity and courage to live out God’s purpose for you, even if others misunderstand your motives?
4. The ultimate problem wasn’t Roman oppression but the sinful nature within humanity. What is one area of your “condition”—like a recurring sin, a deep-seated fear, or a relational brokenness—that you need to bring to the Lamb who was slain to take it away? [01:08:18]
5. The story moves from the Lamb being slain to the King who reigns. How does believing that Jesus is currently reigning as King change your perspective on a present struggle or fear you are facing?
6. Some people approach faith as a tradition or a once-a-year event. Have you moved from simply knowing the story of the Lamb to personally embracing Him and allowing His sacrifice to redefine your identity and destiny? [01:22:34]