Celebrating Jesus' Entry

Discussion Questions:

1. God often uses unexpected situations and unlikely people to accomplish His purposes, challenging our assumptions and expectations. This serves to demonstrate His power and wisdom, while reminding us to rely on Him rather than our own abilities. Can you share an example from your life or from Scripture where God used an unexpected person or situation to accomplish His will? What did this teach you about God's character and ways?

2. Our prayers can easily become self-centered, focusing more on our own desires and plans than on seeking God's will. We need the Holy Spirit's help to align our prayers with God's purposes, trusting that He knows what is best for us and His kingdom. How can we cultivate a posture of humility and submission in our prayer lives? What practical steps can we take to ensure our prayers are centered on God's will rather than our own?

3. Trusting God in the midst of life's "curveballs" often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. God invites us to lean into uncomfortable moments with faith, believing that He will guide and empower us as we seek to love and serve others. Share about a time when God called you to step out of your comfort zone in faith. What challenges did you face, and how did you experience God's faithfulness in the process?

4. As followers of Christ, we are called to be attentive to the people God brings across our path, viewing them through His eyes and seizing opportunities to extend love and share the gospel. This requires setting aside our own agendas and expectations, allowing God to work through us in the lives of others. How can we cultivate a greater awareness of the divine appointments God places in our lives? What might it look like to approach each interaction with others as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love and compassion?

5. Trusting God in the unexpected requires holding fast to His promises, even when our circumstances seem bleak or confusing. Like those who witnessed Jesus' triumphal entry and subsequent crucifixion, we may not always understand God's plan in the moment. However, as we choose to worship and trust Him in the waiting, we will experience the joy and victory of His resurrection power in our lives. What specific promises from Scripture can we cling to when facing unexpected trials or challenges? How can we encourage and support one another in choosing to trust and worship God, even when His plan is unclear to us?