A Roman triumphal procession had its fixed elements: the victor on horseback, spoils scattered to the crowd, the defeated enemy, a sacrifice, and a great banquet. This sermon reads the account of Jesus entering Jerusalem (John 12) through exactly that lens and asks where all those elements went, because Jesus chose a small donkey. It turns out the gospel is not merely an offer of personal healing but an invitation to citizenship in a kingdom whose language, laws, and values must be learned as after moving to a foreign country. Listen and see how much wider the picture of Jesus is than we tend to assume.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- John describes the crowd going out with palm branches and shouting: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!" (John 12:12-13). What might these words have meant to people familiar with Roman triumphal processions?
- A Roman victor rode in on a horse, handed out spoils, and the procession ended with the execution of the enemy, a sacrifice and a feast. What does Jesus choosing a donkey say about him, and where in his last week do you see the victory, the sacrifice and the feast?
- The same crowds that praised the Son of David on Sunday shouted "Crucify him" on Friday. What expectations about Jesus might have led them to turn away from him so quickly?
- The speaker pointed out how easy it is to see Jesus as a personal therapist who fixes our problems. How does that picture limit what you expect him to do in your life?
- Following Jesus was compared to immigrating and becoming a citizen of a new country: learning its language, laws and values. Which principles of God's kingdom still feel foreign or hard for you to embrace?
- A citizen does more than survive in a new country; they take responsibility for making the community better. What practical step can you take this week for your family, neighbourhood or church as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom?
