By Michael C. Mack

1. What are some of the ways you usually celebrate victorious events? (For instance, if your favorite college basketball team wins a big game in the NCAA tournament.)

Read Mark 11:1-11. 

2. Jesus usually avoided any public demonstration that would honor him. What’s different about this situation? 

3. Read Zechariah 9:9. How does this prophetic verse add understanding to the Mark passage?

4. What do you make of the way Jesus and the disciples secured the colt? When in your life has the Lord instructed you to do something that seemed odd at first or asked you to give him something he needed? How did you respond?

5. What did the crowd’s acclamations demonstrate about what they were expecting from Jesus? 

6. Laying one’s garments and palm branches on the ground were customary ways to welcome a king. What things could your group figuratively lay down to prepare for Jesus’ presence when you gather? 

7. Close with a time of prayer. Adapt the words of the crowd (from Psalm 118) as a way to praise King Jesus and ask him to come triumphantly into the hearts of anyone who needs him.

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).