March 29, 2026

Matthew 21:1-17

Jesus: Prophet, Priest & King

Sunday Sermons

Why do Christians observe Palm Sunday? What was the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and all those people waving palms and covering the road with their coats? Why is that first Palm Sunday often called the “Triumphal Entry”?

It’s true that multitudes celebrated the approach of Jesus. But many of those misunderstood Jesus — just as many still do in our own day and time. Some were clearly expecting a political liberator and they would soon be disappointed. Jesus doesn’t fit neatly into any political system. Most of the religious leaders on the ground got angry and conspired against Jesus. And yet, throughout history, millions have come to believe that Jesus knew exactly what He was doing that day and in the events of the week that followed. So, what are we to make of this person, Jesus of Nazareth?

Join Pastor Jim as he takes us back to that first Palm Sunday to explore what actually happened, what it meant then, and what it still means for us today.

Speaker

Jim Thomas

Series

Holy Week & Advent

Go to Series

Scripture

Matthew 21:1-17

Topics
Growth & Discipleship Worldview & Culture

Sermon Notes

Matthew 21:1-17

Jesus: Prophet, Priest & King

Palm Sunday 2026

Pastor Jim Thomas

Palm Sunday & Triumphal Entry of Jesus

  • Matthew 21:1-17
  • Mark 11:1-11
  • Luke 19:28-48
  • John 12:12-19

English Bibles divide the four NT Gospels into 89 chapters.
4 chapters cover the first 30 years of earthly life of Jesus.
85 chapters focus on the last 3.5 years of earthly life of Jesus.
29 of the 85 chapters zoom in on Holy Week.

“The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man—and the dogma is the drama.”
Dorothy Sayers, Letters to a Diminished Church

When we study a Bible passage, we ask

  1. What does God reveal about Himself in this text?
  2. How is humanity’s need for redemption exposed?
  3. In what ways are Jesus and the Gospel foreshadowed/reflected?
  4. What faith response is this text asking for?

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9

Palm Sunday shows us

  1. As Prophet: Jesus is God revealing.
  2. As Priest: Jesus is God reconciling.
  3. As King: Jesus is God reigning.

“Jesus Christ came not to be served but to die, to give his life. That sets him apart from the founder of every other major religion. Their purpose was to live and be an example; Jesus’ purpose was to die and be a sacrifice.”
Tim Keller, King’s Cross

Palm Sunday was the fulfillment of prophecy, the public presentation of the King, and a preview of the kingdom yet to come.

The clarifying contrast in responses to Jesus on Palm Sunday

  • The multitudes misunderstood the approach of Jesus.
  • The disciples were emboldened but still confused by the approach of Jesus.
  • The religious leaders wanted to shut down the approach of Jesus.
  • The Romans simply ignored the approach of Jesus.

Who is Jesus?
How should we respond to Jesus?

“Here is a King who conquers not by force of arms, but by the force of love.”
John Stott, The Cross of Christ

“There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglars hush suddenly: was that a real footstep in the hall? There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion (‘Mans’ search for God!’) suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant it to come to that! Worse still, supposing He had found us!”
C. S. Lewis, Miracles

Palm Sunday shows us

  1. As Prophet: Jesus is God revealing.
  2. As Priest: Jesus is God reconciling.
  3. As King: Jesus is God reigning.

“In Jesus the promise is confirmed, the covenant is renewed, the prophecies are fulfilled, the law is vindicated, salvation is brought near, sacred history has reached its climax, the perfect sacrifice has been offered and accepted, the great priest over the household of God has taken his seat at God’s right hand, the Prophet like Moses has been raised up, the Son of David reigns, the kingdom of God has been inaugurated, the Son of Man has received dominion from the Ancient of Days, the Servant of the Lord… has accomplished the divine purpose, …and is now exalted and extolled and made very high.”
F. F. Bruce

Discussion Questions

  • Read the passage together: Before today’s sermon, what did you already know or believe about this passage? Did anything in your understanding shift after hearing the message?
  • Challenge and Reflection: Was there a part of today’s message that was particularly challenging or surprising for you? Why?
  • Unpacking the Message: Pick a quote from today’s sermon notes. Discuss what it means to you.
  • Personal Impact: What’s one specific way you feel called to change or grow after hearing this message?
  • Practical Application: What’s one step you can take this week to put today’s message into practice?
  • Connecting Scripture: Are there other Bible passages or stories this message reminds you of? How do they expand or confirm this teaching?
  • Gratitude: What aspect of God’s character stood out to you in today’s message? How does it inspire praise or gratitude?
  • Pray the Scripture: After hearing the message, is there a specific area where you feel led to pray? How can we pray for one another in light of today’s teaching?

Songs, Readings & Prayer

Songs:

“Come Thou Almighty King“ by Felice de Giardini, Tommy Bailey, Sarah Gehri, Nathan Mickle & Tom Yarbrough
“Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery“ by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Michael Bleecker
“He Is“ by David Crowder, Hank Bentley, and Jeff Pardo
“Jesus Strong And Kind“ by Colin Buchanan, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson
“Doxology” by Thomas Ken and Louis Bourgeois
All songs are used with permission. CCLI License no. 2003690

Looking for our Hymns of the Week or resources to worship anytime? We’ve curated a playlist of hymns TVC Worship has led over the years on our YouTube Channel!

Call To Worship: Palm Sunday

Leader: Lift up your heads, o you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Congregation: Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

Leader: Lift up your heads, o you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Congregation: Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.

All: Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Classic Prayer: Palm Sunday Prayer from St. Buryan Parish Church

Heavenly Father, we pray to You today for all the people for whom Christ came to save, for those healthy and well, those ill and in pain, those celebrating and those mourning, help us to see them all with Your eyes. Jesus our way and truth and life, help us to be Your servants in this time of extraordinary need, help us to hear Your voice in the people around us and to be good neighbors. Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Your name for our families and community, for our nation and our world. We trust in Your name that You will hear our prayers. Lord Jesus Christ, You humbled Yourself in taking the form of a servant, and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation. Give us the mind to follow You and to proclaim You as Lord and King to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

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