Pastor's Sunday School Blog
Sunday School Lesson
“Jesus in Jerusalem”
September 10, 2017
Matthew 21:1-17
Pastor’s Notes:
The three-year ministry of the Lord is drawing to an end … never forget: “for this reason came I into the world.”
Practical (verse 2-3, 6) … our response to the Lord, even if we don’t understand or even disagree, should be “Yes, Lord.” And our response should be immediate. When Jesus speaks the time is NOW.
One of the proofs we have that Jesus is Who He says He is, is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies …
Verse five is not the entrance expected by the Jews; they believed the Messiah would come as a conquering hero, not riding on a donkey
Verses 8-11 are fulfill Jesus description of those who profess with the lips but deny in the heart.
The masses saw Jesus as a great prophet, a worker of miracles, BUT not the Messiah. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THAT JESUS WAS A GOOD MAN, A GREAT PROPHET … TO BE SAVED ONE MUST BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD COME IN THE FLESH, THE GOD MAN.
I wonder what people today would think of Jesus’ action in the temple … ?
Every church needs to answer the question, What is the Church and why does it exist?
When change is introduced it is often followed by antagonism.
Jesus is the Savior who comes to redeem His people (Matthew 21:1-11).
Jesus presents Himself as the King, only to be rejected. When He comes again He will come as the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Compare this passage with Revelation 19:11-16).
Obedience does not require understanding!
DISCUSS – what are some of the different views of Christ? Islam – Great Prophet, some recognized Jesus as a philosopher, a moral instructor, etc
Jesus is the Savior Who comes to restore true worship (Matthew 21:12-13).
Merchants had commercialized the sacrificial system of worship … not only did they sell the sacrificial necessities, they sold them at exaggerated rates, their desire was greed, not God. It was about personal profit rather than the worship of God.
*Discuss why you think your pastor does not do fund raisers, money drives, bake sales, etc., and had rather give things away than sell … Should churches seek to elicit money from the world or depend on the tithes and offerings of the church members. What does it say when the church turns to the world for financial assistance?
Brain storm – “what is worshipping God in Spirit and in truth?”
Jesus is the Savior who come to receive all praise (Matthew 21:14-17).
The worship was getting a little out of control!!!
Worship is personal, between you and God, and corporate, a joint effort.
Real worship focuses on the Lord, Who He is, and what He has done/is doing. Worship includes praise (testimony, singing), prayer, acts of sacrifice and surrender flowing out of the teachings of Scripture and the benevolent acts of God … etc. Define Worship
While worship may be planned it must be spontaneous.
Read Luke’s account (Luke 19:40) and discuss “worship.” Also look at Revelation chapters 4 & 5 to see worship in heaven.
Theological Theme: Jesus is the Messiah and the Head of the Church.
Christological/Christ Connection: Christ is worthy of worship, and they that worship Him must do so in Spriti and in truth.
Missional Application: Through selfless and sincere worship Jesus is exalted.