Jesus: The Humble King of Peace and Hope
Summary
Today, we entered into the story of Palm Sunday, remembering the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the King of Kings. The people welcomed him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” recognizing in him the fulfillment of ancient promises made to King David—a promise of a ruler who would bring lasting peace and justice. Jesus’ choice to ride a donkey was not accidental; it was a deliberate sign that he came not as a conqueror on a warhorse, but as a humble King of Peace. This act echoed the coronation of Solomon, David’s son, who also rode a mule to his anointing, symbolizing a reign marked by wisdom and peace.
We reflected on the deep longing in every human heart for a world set right—a longing that the people of Jerusalem felt under Roman oppression, and that we still feel today as we look at the brokenness in our world. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was the moment he publicly declared himself as the long-awaited Messiah, the one who would fulfill God’s promise to establish a kingdom of justice, peace, and righteousness. The excitement and hope of the crowd were not misplaced; they were responding to the hope that God’s kingdom was finally breaking in.
Yet, we also acknowledged the tension of living in the “already and not yet.” Jesus has inaugurated his kingdom, but we still wait for its fullness. Our hearts grieve over the evil and injustice we see, just as his heart does. But we are called to pray for his kingdom to come, to rejoice when we see glimpses of it—when peace is made, when healing happens, when reconciliation takes place. Our worship and longing for Jesus shape us to be people who reflect his heart, grieving over what is wrong and rejoicing in what is right.
As we move through Holy Week, we are reminded that Jesus’ path to kingship led through suffering and the cross. He promises never to leave or forsake us, even in our own trials. We are sealed as his people, and nothing can undo his love or his promise to make all things new. Until that day, we live as people of hope, praying, serving, and longing for the day when the King of Kings will set everything right, and our joy will be complete.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’ Kingship Is Marked by Humility and Peace
Jesus intentionally chose to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, signaling that his reign is not about domination or violence, but about humility and peace. This challenges us to reconsider what true power looks like in God’s kingdom and to embrace a posture of humility in our own lives, trusting that God’s way of peace is stronger than the world’s way of force. [22:21]
- God’s Promises Are Fulfilled in Unexpected Ways
The people of Israel longed for a king who would bring justice and peace, and God answered that longing in Jesus—but not in the way many expected. Instead of immediate political liberation, Jesus inaugurated a kingdom that begins in the heart and transforms the world from the inside out. We are invited to trust God’s timing and methods, even when they differ from our own expectations. [29:29]
- Worship Shapes Our Hearts to Reflect God’s Heart
Those who welcomed Jesus with joy on Palm Sunday were not the ones who later called for his crucifixion; their hearts were aligned with his. True worship draws us into deeper alignment with God’s desires, causing us to rejoice in what pleases him and to grieve over what breaks his heart. Our worship is not just an event, but a way of life that forms us into kingdom people. [45:44]
- Longing for God’s Kingdom Is Both a Grief and a Hope
Living in the tension between the world as it is and the world as it should be, we experience both sorrow and hope. Our grief over injustice, violence, and brokenness is a sign that we belong to the King whose heart is also moved by these things. At the same time, we hold onto hope, knowing that Jesus has promised a day when all will be set right, and we are called to pray and work for that kingdom even now. [47:10]
- We Are Sealed as God’s People, Secure in His Love
No matter the trials or uncertainties we face, Jesus promises never to leave or forsake us. Our identity as his people is secure—not because of our own strength, but because of his unbreakable love and faithfulness. This assurance gives us peace in the midst of storms and empowers us to live with courage and joy as we await the fullness of his kingdom. [50:24]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[10:46] - Palm Sunday Procession and Worship
[14:16] - Opening Prayer and Confession
[15:01] - Assurance of Forgiveness
[19:12] - Children’s Time: The Donkey and the King
[22:21] - Jesus’ Intentional Entry as King of Peace
[29:29] - God’s Promise to David and the Messianic Hope
[36:46] - Solomon’s Anointing and the Echo of Peace
[39:07] - The People’s Longing and Jesus’ Fulfillment
[42:51] - Jesus Takes Authority in Jerusalem
[44:34] - Living in the “Already and Not Yet”
[45:44] - Worship and the Heart of a True Follower
[47:10] - Grieving and Hoping for God’s Kingdom
[48:10] - The Joy of the Coming Kingdom
[49:49] - The King’s Love and Our Security
[54:01] - Prayers for Peace and Healing
[59:01] - Final Blessing and Closing Hymn
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday – The Humble King and Our Longing for His Kingdom
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### Bible Reading
1. Mark 11:1-11 (ESV) – Jesus’ Triumphal Entry
> Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
2. 2 Samuel 7:8-16 (ESV) – God’s Promise to David
> Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus ask his disciples to do as he approached Jerusalem, and why was this significant? (Mark 11:1-7)
2. How did the people respond to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and what did they shout? (Mark 11:8-10)
3. According to the sermon, what was the difference between a king riding a horse and a king riding a donkey? [19:12]
4. What promise did God make to David in 2 Samuel 7, and how does this connect to the events of Palm Sunday? [29:29]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal himself as King in such a public and symbolic way on Palm Sunday, after keeping his identity quiet for so long? [22:21]
2. The people of Jerusalem were longing for a king to bring justice and peace. In what ways did Jesus fulfill or challenge their expectations? [39:07]
3. The sermon mentioned that worship shapes our hearts to reflect God’s heart. How does true worship affect the way we respond to both good and evil in the world? [45:44]
4. What does it mean to live in the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom, and how does this tension show up in our daily lives? [44:34]
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### Application Questions
1. Jesus’ kingship is marked by humility and peace, not force or domination. Where in your life do you find it hard to choose humility or peace over power or control? What would it look like to follow Jesus’ example this week? [22:21]
2. The people welcomed Jesus with hope, but God’s promises were fulfilled in ways they didn’t expect. Can you think of a time when God answered your prayers differently than you hoped? How did you respond? [29:29]
3. The sermon said that our worship shapes us to rejoice in what pleases God and grieve over what breaks his heart. Is there something in the world or in your own life that you feel God is inviting you to grieve or rejoice over right now? [45:44]
4. Living in the “already and not yet” means we experience both hope and sorrow. How do you hold onto hope when you see brokenness or injustice around you? Are there specific situations where you struggle to believe God’s kingdom is coming? [47:10]
5. Jesus promises never to leave or forsake us, and our identity is secure in his love. When you face trials or uncertainty, what helps you remember that you belong to him? Is there a practical way you can remind yourself of this truth this week? [50:24]
6. The sermon encouraged us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and to look for glimpses of it—like peace, healing, or reconciliation. Where have you seen a glimpse of God’s kingdom recently? How can you be part of bringing more of his kingdom into your family, work, or community? [54:01]
7. As we move through Holy Week, we remember that Jesus’ path to kingship led through suffering. Is there a place in your life where following Jesus feels costly or hard right now? How can the group pray for you as you walk that path? [49:49]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help them live as people of hope, humility, and courage as they follow the King of Kings.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the King of Peace, Enters Jerusalem
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a deliberate declaration that He is the promised King of Peace, not a conqueror of war. By choosing a humble donkey rather than a warhorse, Jesus fulfilled the ancient hope of a Messiah who would bring peace, not violence, to His people. The crowds responded with spontaneous joy, waving palm branches and laying down their cloaks, crying out “Hosanna!”—a plea for salvation and a recognition of His royal authority. Even today, Jesus comes to us as the King who brings peace to our troubled hearts and world, inviting us to welcome Him with praise and trust. [22:21]
Mark 11:1-10 (ESV)
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to welcome Jesus as the King of Peace today, and how can you make space for His peace to enter?
Day 2: God’s Promise of an Everlasting Kingdom
God’s covenant with David was a promise that from his lineage would come a King whose reign and peace would never end. This hope, cherished by generations, was not just for a temporary golden era but for a kingdom established forever, where justice, rest, and true security would be found. The people of Israel longed for this fulfillment, and Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem was the long-awaited answer to that promise—a King who would bring lasting peace and restoration. Even now, we are invited to trust in God’s faithfulness to His promises, knowing that His kingdom is both present and still coming in fullness. [29:29]
2 Samuel 7:8-16 (ESV)
Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you are waiting to see fulfilled, and how can you hold onto hope in the waiting?
Day 3: The King’s Authority and the Call to Worship
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He began to act with kingly authority—cleansing the temple, confronting injustice, and establishing His rule. Those who truly worship Him are marked by hearts that rejoice when His kingdom breaks through and grieve when the world is not as it should be. True worship shapes us to care about what matters to Jesus, to long for His justice, and to celebrate every sign of His reign. As we worship, we become more like the King we adore, joining in His mission to bring peace and righteousness to our world. [45:44]
Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV)
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
Reflection: When you see injustice or brokenness around you, how does your heart respond, and how might you join Jesus in bringing His kingdom to those places?
Day 4: The Hope of a Perfect Kingdom to Come
There will be a day when Jesus, the King of kings, will fully establish His kingdom—a world without pain, division, or sorrow, where love and peace reign forever. This hope sustains us through the trials and disappointments of life, reminding us that every tear and every longing for justice will one day be answered. Until that day, we are called to live as people of hope, rejoicing in every glimpse of God’s kingdom and persevering in faith, knowing that the best is yet to come. [49:08]
Revelation 21:3-5 (ESV)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Reflection: What would it look like for you to live today with the joy and hope of the coming kingdom, even in the midst of life’s struggles?
Day 5: Surrendering to the King’s Leadership
To be part of Jesus’ kingdom means surrendering our hearts, minds, and wills to His loving leadership, trusting that He is working in us to make us more like Him. Sometimes we resist, holding onto our own ways, but Jesus patiently leads us, never letting us go, and promises to complete His good work in us. As we yield to Him, we experience deeper peace, healing, and purpose, becoming true sons and daughters of the King who shine His light in the world. [55:07]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to surrender more fully to His leadership, and what step can you take today to respond?
Quotes
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