More than Just a Man

• Praise is as Natural as Breathing: The Hebrew name for Lord, YHWH, contains no vowels and, when pronounced, mimics the sound of inhalation and exhalation. Every breath we take should serve as a constant reminder to praise God.
• Proximity Does Not Equal Profession: It is possible to be close to Jesus—standing in the crowd or witnessing His miracles—without truly belonging to Him. Curiosity about the miraculous is not the same as a commitment to the Messiah.
• The Nature of the King: Jesus intentionally chose to ride a donkey into Jerusalem to fulfill prophecy and identify Himself as a King of peace rather than a military conqueror. He is the King we need, even if He is not the one we expected.
• Context Changes Everything: Just as the disciples didn’t fully understand Jesus’ actions until after His glorification, we often need the context of the Cross and Resurrection to see the full picture of what God is doing.
• An Unstoppable Influence: Despite centuries of opposition and attempts to “cancel” Him, Jesus remains the central figure of history. His authority and identity are undeniable because He is the living Lord, not just a historical figure.
• The Simplicity of the Gospel: Entering the Kingdom of God requires the humble, uncomplicated faith of a child. While the Gospel is simple for us to receive, it was incredibly costly for Jesus to provide.

Icebreaker:

If a world-class musician was playing for free in a busy subway station, do you think you would be one of the few who stopped to listen, or would you be in the crowd hurrying past?

Section 1: The Confused Crowd

Scripture: John 12:12-13, Matthew 16:14, Mark 6:3, John 10:20, Matthew 7:23, John 12:17-18, John 12:9, Luke 18:17

• Summary: A massive crowd gathered in Jerusalem, many drawn by the news of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. While they shouted “Hosanna,” many were motivated by curiosity or personal expectations rather than true commitment. They saw a miracle worker or a political deliverer, but many failed to recognize the true Messiah.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. Why is it often “easy to praise Jesus in a crowd” but “much harder to stand with Him at a cross”?
  2. The sermon mentions that “curiosity does not equal commitment.” How can we distinguish between being interested in Jesus and truly belonging to Him?
• Application Questions:

• 1. In what ways might your own life or heart be “too crowded” to truly notice the presence of the Master this week?
  2. How can you practice “the faith of a child” to simplify your approach to the Gospel and your relationship with God?

Section 2: The Confirmed King

Scripture: John 12:14-15, Zechariah 9:9, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 19:16

• Summary: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a deliberate, prophetic act. In Ancient Near Eastern culture, kings rode horses for war but donkeys for peace. By choosing a donkey, Jesus publicly identified Himself as the promised King of Kings, yet He arrived in humility rather than as a military conqueror.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. What does the choice of a donkey tell us about the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom compared to earthly kingdoms?
  2. How does the description of Jesus’ second coming in Revelation 19 (on a white horse) contrast with His first “triumphal entry”?
• Application Questions:

• 1. Jesus is described as “the King you have been waiting for, but not the one you expected.” How has God worked in your life in ways that were different than you expected?
  2. What does it look like for you to practically “bow” before the authority of King Jesus in your workplace or home this week?

Section 3: The Confused Disciples

Scripture: John 12:16, John 3:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:6

• Summary: Even the disciples, who walked with Jesus for three years, did not fully grasp the significance of the Triumphal Entry until after He was glorified. True understanding of Jesus requires the context of the Cross and the Resurrection.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand what was happening even though they were physically present?
  2. The sermon notes that the Gospel message was recorded almost immediately after the Resurrection. How does this historical reliability impact your faith?
• Application Questions:

• 1. Are you currently in a season of “confusion” where you are waiting for God to provide more context or clarity? How can you remain faithful in the waiting?
  2. If someone asked you for evidence that Jesus is “More than Just a Man,” which part of His story or the historical record would you share?

Section 4: The Critical Pharisees

Scripture: John 12:19, Romans 10:9-10

• Summary: The Pharisees’ frustration serves as powerful evidence of Jesus’ identity; they admitted that they were accomplishing nothing and that “the world has gone after Him.” Despite centuries of opposition, the influence and authority of Jesus remain unstoppable.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. Why is the fact that Jesus’ message survived His own execution such a strong argument for His divinity?
  2. The sermon quotes Lee Strobel saying Jesus is still worshiped today while Roman emperors have “crumbled into dust.” Why does Jesus remain relevant while other historical figures fade?
• Application Questions:

• 1. Which group do you identify with most today: the curious crowd, the confused follower, or the committed believer?
  2. According to Romans 10:9-10, salvation comes through confession and belief. Is there a “next step” in your faith journey you need to take today?

Day 1: The Breath of Life

• Scripture Reference: Psalm 150:1-6
• Key Focus: Every breath we take is an opportunity to praise the Creator.
• Reflection: The Hebrew name for Lord, YHWH, is composed of consonants that many note sound like the act of breathing: “YH” on the inhale and “WH” on the exhale. We often rush through our busy lives without a single thought of God, yet the very air in our lungs is a gift from Him.
• Application Question: How can you use the physical act of breathing today as a rhythmic reminder to acknowledge God’s presence?
• Prayer Prompt: “Lord, thank You for the gift of life. May my every breath today be a silent act of praise and a reminder that I am dependent on You.”

Day 2: The Master in the Midst

• Scripture Reference: John 12:12-13
• Key Focus: Proximity to Jesus is not the same as a personal profession of faith.
• Reflection: Just as over a thousand people rushed past a world-class violinist in a subway station, thousands in Jerusalem saw Jesus but did not truly recognize Him for who He was. Curiosity and proximity are not the same as commitment; we can be close to the things of God and still miss the heart of God.
• Application Question: Are you following Jesus because it is familiar and comfortable, or because you have made a conscious, personal commitment to Him?
• Prayer Prompt: “Jesus, help me to see You clearly today. Don’t let me get so caught up in the ‘crowd’ of my responsibilities that I miss the Master standing right in front of me.”

Day 3: The Humble King

• Scripture Reference: John 12:14-15; Zechariah 9:9
• Key Focus: Jesus is the King we need, even if He isn’t the King we expected.
• Reflection: In Ancient Near Eastern culture, kings rode horses when going to war but rode donkeys to signal a time of peace. By choosing a donkey, Jesus made a public, unmistakable claim to be the King of Kings, but one who came in humility to save our souls rather than to conquer by military force.
• Application Question: In what area of your life are you currently trying to “fight a war” in your own strength rather than surrendering to the peace of King Jesus?
• Prayer Prompt: “King Jesus, I acknowledge Your authority over my life. Thank You for being a King of peace who was willing to come in humility so that I could be saved.”

Day 4: Child-like Faith

• Scripture Reference: Luke 18:17
• Key Focus: The Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand, yet profound enough to change everything.
• Reflection: We often complicate the truth or rush past the Master because we think we have more important things to do. But Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom belongs to those who receive it like a child—with simple, unhurried trust. As one child put it: the Gospel is simple for us, but it wasn’t simple for Jesus.
• Application Question: What “complicated” or legalistic ideas are you holding onto that are preventing you from simply trusting Jesus today?
• Prayer Prompt: “Father, give me the heart of a child today. Help me to set aside my pride and my busyness to simply trust in Your love and Your Word.”

Day 5: The Unstoppable Lord

• Scripture Reference: Romans 10:9-10; Revelation 19:11-16
• Key Focus: No power on earth can cancel the influence or identity of Jesus Christ.
• Reflection: Even the critical Pharisees had to admit that their efforts to stop Jesus were failing, lamenting that “the world has gone after Him.” While empires fall and rulers fade into history, Jesus remains. He is not just a moral teacher; He is the Living Lord who will one day return in total glory.
• Application Question: How does the reality that Jesus is the “un-cancelable” King of Kings give you confidence when you face opposition or uncertainty?
• Prayer Prompt: “Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess You as my Lord and Savior, and I thank You that Your Kingdom will never end.”