Discussion Questions:

1. Observations from the Text

• (Vv. 1-3) What details show that Jesus is intentional and in control of the situation?
• (Vv. 4-4) Why do you think Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy? What does that reveal about Jesus?
• (Vv. 8-9) What stands out about the crowd’s actions and words?
• (V. 10) Why is the whole city “stirred”? What does that suggest about the significance of Jesus’ entry?

2. Theological Reflection

• Why is it significant that Jesus enters on a donkey instead of a war horse? What kind of king is he revealing himself to be?
• How does the quotation from Zechariah 9:9 deepen our understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission?
• The sermon described this event as an “acted parable.” What message is Jesus communicating through his actions rather than words?

3. The Gospel

• In what ways does this moment point forward to the cross and resurrection?
• The crowd cries “Hosanna” (save us), yet misunderstands Jesus. How do people today similarly misunderstand what kind of salvation Jesus brings?

4. Application

• Jesus defines the kind of King he is, rather than fitting our expectations. Where are you tempted to reshape Jesus into the kind of king you want?
• If Jesus truly has authority over all things (even the donkey), what areas of your life are hardest to surrender to him?
• The central question in the passage is: “Who is this?” (v. 10) How would you personally answer that today? How does your life reflect that answer?