Jesus: The Humble King Who Confronts Our Idols
Summary
Palm Sunday marks the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, not as a conquering king on a warhorse, but in humility, riding a donkey. This act fulfilled ancient prophecy and confronted the expectations of a people longing for deliverance. The crowds welcomed him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” recognizing him as the long-awaited Messiah, yet not fully understanding the kind of king he truly was. Jesus’ entry was both loving and deeply confrontational—he demanded a response: crown him or crucify him, but he could not be ignored.
This same presence of Christ continues to confront and transform cities and hearts today. The church is not just a gathering of people, but a gospel community—a family on mission together. Our calling is not simply to assemble a crowd, but to introduce people to Jesus, who alone can turn a crowd into a family. This is especially true in seasons like Easter, when hearts are more open to invitations and the message of hope.
Looking at Acts 19, we see what happens when the presence of Jesus shows up through his people. First, idols are exposed. The gospel confronts the counterfeit saviors we cling to—whether money, relationships, success, or tradition. These idols, often good things made ultimate, are revealed as powerless to save or satisfy. When Jesus is truly present, he exposes these false gods, not to shame us, but to set us free for something greater.
Second, hearts get triggered. The confrontation of idols is rarely comfortable. In Ephesus, the gospel upended the city’s economy and identity, provoking anger and confusion. The things we defend most fiercely often reveal what we worship. Yet, Jesus confronts not with arrogance, but with sacrificial love, inviting us to lay down our defenses and receive true freedom.
Finally, when Jesus shows up, people get saved and delivered. The world is hungry for a real Savior, even if it doesn’t know it. The love and presence of Christ offer rest, wholeness, and hope that no idol can provide. Our commission is to lovingly and sacrificially bring this presence into every relationship, trusting that the Spirit will do the convicting and saving work.
Key Takeaways
- The presence of Jesus lovingly exposes the idols in our lives—those things we desire more than God, even if they are good in themselves. True freedom comes not from shaming ourselves or others, but from allowing Christ to reveal and replace our counterfeit saviors with himself, the only one who can truly satisfy. [29:54]
- When Jesus confronts our idols, our hearts often react defensively or even irrationally. The things that trigger us most deeply often point to what we have made ultimate in our lives. Rather than avoiding these moments, we are invited to let Christ’s love and truth gently reveal what needs to be surrendered. [36:25]
- The gospel is not just about confession and repentance, but about belief and relationship with the living God. Many may acknowledge their brokenness, but only faith in Christ’s finished work brings access to his transforming presence and new life. Dry religion cannot substitute for the power of the Spirit within us. [18:44]
- Our testimony is one of victory, not timidity or insecurity. We are called to bring Jesus into every relationship, not by force or ego, but by sacrificial love and humility. The Spirit does the convicting; our role is to witness and let the “lion” of God’s word and presence loose in our city. [41:08]
- The world is desperately thirsty for the living water that only Christ provides. Idols leave us empty and anxious, but Jesus offers rest, peace, and wholeness. Our mission is to risk loving others enough to introduce them to the Savior, knowing that in him we are never abandoned or forsaken, no matter the response of others. [46:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Church Is a People, Not an Event
[03:30] - Palm Sunday and the Power of Invitation
[06:45] - Good Friday and Easter Service Details
[09:20] - The Purpose: Turning Crowds into Family
[11:30] - Prayer for God’s Transforming Presence
[13:09] - Jesus’ Triumphal Entry: Humility and Confrontation
[17:00] - The Pattern: Idols Exposed, Hearts Triggered, People Delivered
[18:44] - Confession, Repentance, and True Belief
[22:30] - The Gospel’s Impact in Ephesus
[29:54] - Idols Exposed: What Do We Really Worship?
[33:36] - Living Sacrificially Preaches Loudly
[34:57] - Hearts Triggered: The Cost of Confronting Idols
[39:06] - Idolatry, Insecurity, and Anxiety
[41:08] - Testimony and Victory in Christ
[43:56] - The Spirit’s Conviction and Deliverance
[46:00] - The World’s Thirst and Our Commission
[48:30] - Closing Prayer and Sending
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Palm Sunday – The Confrontational King
---
### Bible Reading
- Zechariah 9:9
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
- Acts 19:21-32
(Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, the exposure of idols, and the city’s reaction)
- Jeremiah 2:13
"For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Zechariah 9:9, how was the Messiah expected to enter Jerusalem, and how did Jesus fulfill this prophecy?
(see [13:09])
2. In Acts 19:21-32, what was the main reason for the uproar in Ephesus when Paul preached the gospel?
(see [33:36])
3. What did the new believers in Ephesus do with their books of magic and why was this significant?
(see [22:30])
4. In Jeremiah 2:13, what two evils does God accuse his people of committing, and what do these images represent?
(see [43:56])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem on a donkey instead of a warhorse, and what message did this send to the crowds and religious leaders?
(see [13:09])
2. The sermon says that when Jesus shows up, “idols are exposed.” What are some modern examples of idols, and why do even good things become dangerous when they become ultimate things?
(see [29:54])
3. The reaction in Ephesus was anger and confusion when their idols were threatened. Why do people often react defensively or irrationally when their “functional saviors” are challenged?
(see [36:25])
4. The sermon draws a distinction between confession/repentance and true belief in Christ. Why is belief in Jesus’ finished work necessary for transformation, and how is this different from just feeling bad about sin?
(see [18:44])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Whatever you idolize, you will eventually demonize because it’s going to let you down.” Can you think of something in your life (even a good thing) that you have made ultimate? How has it affected your sense of security or joy?
(see [29:54])
2. When was the last time you felt “triggered” or defensive about something related to your faith, your identity, or your priorities? What might that reveal about what you value most?
(see [36:25])
3. The message challenges us to “bring Jesus into every relationship, not by force or ego, but by sacrificial love and humility.” Is there a relationship in your life where you’ve been hesitant to share your faith? What’s holding you back, and what would it look like to take a loving risk this week?
(see [41:08])
4. The sermon says, “Our mission is to risk loving others enough to introduce them to the Savior, knowing that in him we are never abandoned or forsaken, no matter the response of others.” Who is one person you can invite to church or share your story with this Easter season?
(see [46:00])
5. The believers in Ephesus publicly burned their idols as a sign of turning to Jesus. Is there a “next step” you feel called to take to surrender an idol or false source of security in your life? What would it look like to do this in a practical way?
(see [22:30])
6. The sermon says, “Dry religion cannot substitute for the power of the Spirit within us.” Are there areas of your spiritual life that feel dry or routine? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to bring new life and power into those areas?
(see [18:44])
7. The world is “desperately thirsty for the living water that only Christ provides.” Where do you see this thirst in your workplace, family, or city? How can you be part of offering the hope and presence of Jesus to those around you this week?
(see [46:00])
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for courage to let Jesus lovingly confront any idols in their hearts, and for boldness to bring his presence into every relationship this Easter season.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Exposes Our Idols
When Jesus enters our lives and communities, He lovingly exposes the idols we cling to—those things, even good things, that we have elevated above God in our hearts. Idols can be anything we look to for security, identity, or fulfillment instead of Christ, and when His presence confronts these false saviors, we are faced with a choice: to let go and trust Him, or to hold on and remain unfulfilled. The process may be uncomfortable, but it is always for our good, because only Jesus can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. [29:54]
Acts 19:19
"And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life—good or bad—that you are tempted to rely on more than Jesus? Are you willing to let Him expose and remove it today?
Day 2: Hearts Get Triggered When Confronted by Christ
When the presence of Jesus confronts the idols and false securities in our lives or in our culture, it often triggers strong emotional reactions—defensiveness, anger, or confusion—because our identity and comfort are being challenged at the core. These reactions reveal just how deeply we have tied our worth and hope to things other than God, and they invite us to examine what we are truly worshiping. Jesus does not confront to shame, but to set us free from the anxiety and insecurity that idols always bring. [36:57]
Acts 19:28-29
"When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater..."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt defensive or upset about a spiritual conversation or challenge—what underlying fear or attachment might Jesus be inviting you to surrender?
Day 3: The Power of Humble, Sacrificial Confrontation
Jesus calls us to lovingly and sacrificially confront the world around us—not with arrogance or ego, but with humility, truth, and grace. When we bring Jesus into our relationships and communities, we do so not to win arguments or shame others, but to bear witness to the victory and hope we have in Him. Our testimony is not timid or insecure, but rooted in the triumph of Christ, and we can trust the Holy Spirit to do the convicting work as we simply present Jesus with love. [41:08]
2 Corinthians 5:20
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who is one person or group you can bring Jesus to this week—not by arguing, but by humbly sharing your story and letting the Spirit do the work?
Day 4: Only Jesus Can Truly Satisfy
All the idols and false saviors of this world—whether relationships, success, money, or approval—ultimately leave us empty and anxious, like trying to drink from a cup with a hole in it. But in Christ, we find living water, true rest, and a peace that cannot be shaken by circumstances. He alone is our living hope, and when we turn from broken cisterns to Him, we experience the wholeness and satisfaction our souls were made for. [39:58]
Jeremiah 2:13
"For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."
Reflection: Where in your life are you still trying to find fulfillment apart from Jesus? What would it look like to turn to Him as your true source of life today?
Day 5: Commissioned to Bring Jesus Into Every Relationship
God has commissioned every believer—not just pastors or leaders—to lovingly and sacrificially bring the presence of Christ into every relationship and every corner of our city. This calling is risky and may lead to misunderstanding or rejection, but we are never alone; Jesus promises to be with us, and His victory is already won. As we step out in faith, we become part of God’s mission to turn crowds into family and to shine His light in a world hungry for hope. [46:00]
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What is one relationship or setting where you sense God calling you to take a risk and bring Jesus this week? How can you step out in faith, trusting that He is with you?
Quotes
On the one hand, it makes sense. Right? I mean, like, if you idolize something or someone, deep down you're afraid that it won't fulfill. And that creates insecurity. Because again, whatever you idolize, you will eventually demonize because it cannot live up to the expectations you have. And so anyone who is in idolatry is very insecure about the thing that they are worshiping. Because it's not the one they were created for. And we have this sense deep down. And so you need to protect that idol because you want it to fulfill so badly, your life depends on it, but a savior that you have to protect is no savior at all. Think about that. It's why idolatry is so tied with anxiety. The more you have of that idol, the more you will feel like you need it. And then the more devastating to you it would be if you lost it. [00:38:24] (58 seconds)
Lay down a fence and pick up your testimony in Christ. Like, lay down your insecurity and pick up your victory in Christ. Like, you don't have to get upset and argue. Simply bring Jesus into the relationship. That's it. A friend always tells me that the Holy Spirit is the person of truth. Like, truth is a person. He's the one that does the convincing and the convicting. We get to witness and present. Charles Spurgeon put it like this. He said, the word of God is like a caged lion. If someone threatens the lion, you don't have to step in and defend the lion. You just let it loose and it will protect itself. The God of the word can protect himself, but our false gods, those lowercase g gods, always need to be protected. [00:41:35] (60 seconds)
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