Palm Sunday

/ New Minas Baptist Church/

Pastor Paul Fowler shares a Palm Sunday message entitled “Hosanna”.

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Small Group Discussion Questions – “Hosanna”

READ: John 12:12-19

This passage describes Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, where a crowd shouts "Hosanna," expecting a political deliverer, yet Jesus enters humbly on a donkey, redefining kingship as a sacrificial servant.

Context & Observation (John 12:12-19)

I. Why did the crowd take palm branches and cry out "Hosanna" (v. 13)? What did this phrase signify to them in their political context?

II. What is the significance of Jesus riding a donkey instead of a warhorse (v. 14-15)? What does this reveal about the nature of his kingdom?

III. IV. Why did John mention the raising of Lazarus (v. 17-18) in the context of this entry? How did the Pharisees’ reaction in verse 19 show their desperation and blindness to who Jesus truly was?

Misguided Expectations

I. The crowd wanted a military conqueror to remove Roman oppression. What are some ways we expect Jesus to be a "conqueror" of our personal comfort or circumstances rather than the Saviour of our souls?

II. How do we, like the crowd, sometimes "misunderstand Jesus" and create a "different kind of king" in our own minds to suit our desires?

True Worship and Submission

I. The people recognized Jesus as King, but they did not submit to him as Saviour. What does it look like to move from mere admiration of Jesus to total submission to him as King in your life?

II. How does the "already but not yet" nature of this scene (Jesus is King, but not yet reigning visibly) impact how we live out our faith today?

III. Consider the testimony of those who saw Lazarus raised from the grace (v. 17). What is your own testimony about what Jesus has done for you? How can you share that to lead others to follow Jesus?

Application

I. The Pharisees felt like they were "accomplishing nothing" because the world was going after Jesus (v. 19). When do you feel that your efforts for Christ are failing, and how does this text encourage you to trust in his victory instead?

II. What "palm branches" (items, status, expectations) do you need to lay down at Jesus’ feet, acknowledging him as the rightful King of your heart?

III. If Jesus is the king we truly need, how should that change our priorities for this coming week?

For further study:

  • 1 Kings 1:32-34

  • Matthew 21:5; 27:11, 37

  • John 1:43-49

  • 1 Samuel 8:1-22

  • Zechariah 9:9-17