Message Follow Along: From Revelation to Response
(Palm Sunday, March 29th) Pastor Paulo Andrade
- Today marks the transition out of Lent and into __________ ____________, the most significant stretch in the Christian calendar.
- Pastor Paulo notes that throughout this season, we have not just followed rituals but have been seeking _______ _______ in Jesus.
- Revelation is described as a “progressive __________” of who Jesus truly is.
- To the woman at the well, He was the ________ ________;
to the man born blind, He was the ________ of the _____________. - According to the message, because Jesus’ identity is no longer hidden, it now demands a _______________.
- As Tim Keller is quoted in the message, “If Jesus is who He says He is, you must either _____________ Him or reject Him.”
- The religious leaders resisted Jesus because He did not fit into their religious _____________ or self-made ____________.
- Pastor Paulo warns that many in the crowd wanted a political saviour, but Jesus came to _________ ______ ________ from sin.
- The central question of the message is not whether you have figured everything out, but simply: “______ ____ __________?”
- To truly respond to Jesus, we must move from being a spectator to being a _____________.
Answer Key: 1- Holy Week, 2- New Life, 3- unveiling, 4- Living Water & Light of the World, 5- response, 6- accept, 7- framework & rules, 8- free the world, 9- Do you believe, 10- follower.
Grace Collective: Small Group & Personal Study Guide
Message Overview (Palm Sunday, March 29th)
Pastor Paulo Andrade
In the message, Pastor Paulo walks us through the significance of Palm Sunday as the “tipping point” of divine revelation. After weeks of witnessing miracles and hearing His teachings, the public is forced to move from mere observation to a personal response. Pastor Paulo challenges us to consider whether we are merely spectators of the “spectacle” or true followers of the King.
Key Points from Pastor Paulo
- The Tipping Point of Revelation: Jesus’ identity as the Messiah is no longer subtle or hidden; His works (blind men seeing, dead men walking) demand that every person take a stand.
- The Trap of Expectations: Many missed who Jesus truly was because they tried to force Him into their own “tight box” of religiosity and political expectations.
- Spectators vs. Followers: It is possible to be near Jesus, sing the songs, and hear the sermons without actually knowing Him intimately or surrendering to His authority.
- Surrender as Response: True response is symbolized by laying down our “cloaks”—our pride, our control, and our sin—at His feet.
Key Bible Verses
- Matthew 21:1–11: The account of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
- Psalm 118: The source of the crowd’s cry: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
- Colossians 1:15, 19: Reminding us that the “fullness of God” dwells in Jesus, the visible image of the invisible God.
Quotes for Reflection
- “If Jesus is who He says He is, then you cannot remain neutral—you must either accept Him or reject Him.” (Tim Keller)
- “Revelation always Demands a Response.”
- “Don’t just wave branches—lay down your life. Don’t just shout ‘Hosanna’—follow Him to the cross… and beyond.”
Discussion Questions
- Pastor Paulo mentions that at times, the more we “know” (intellectually), the less we sometimes “see.” How can religious traditions or knowledge actually become a barrier to seeing Jesus clearly?
- The crowd’s tune changed from “Hosanna” to “Crucify” in just a few days. Why is an emotional or “superficial” response to Jesus so dangerous?
- The message asks: “Who is Jesus to you… intimately and personally?” How would you answer that question today, moving beyond “church answers?”
- What are some of the “political saviours” or “expectations” we try to force Jesus into today, rather than accepting Him as He is?
Practical Ways to Live This Out
- Lay Down a “Cloak”: Identify one area of your life where you are still trying to maintain total control (a relationship, a career path, or a specific sin). This week, consciously “lay it down” in prayer, acknowledging Jesus as King over that area.
- Move Beyond Routine: If you find yourself acting as a “spectator” during worship or service, take a moment of silence this week to ask God to move you from routine familiarity into a “real, living relationship.”
- Accept the Invitation: Pastor Paulo reminds us that we don’t need to have our act together to come to Him. Practice “trust and obedience” this week by bringing your doubts and confusion directly to Jesus instead of trying to hide them.