This past Sunday, Pastor Gustafson led us through a thought-provoking sermon that beautifully intertwined the anticipation of Advent with the story of Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem. The sermon, based on the Gospel lesson, invites us to reflect on the profound humility and deliberate actions of Jesus as He approached His ultimate sacrifice. Here are some key takeaways:

The Unexpected King: Pastor Gustafson highlighted the unexpected nature of Jesus’ arrival. Unlike worldly kings, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing humility and a deliberate fulfillment of prophecy. This act reminds us that God's ways often defy our expectations, calling us to embrace humility in our own lives.

Deliberate Humility: Jesus’ entry was not accidental but a fulfillment of God’s long-planned purpose. His choice to ride on a donkey, rather than a steed, illustrates His intentional humility and commitment to His mission. We are encouraged to see our own lives as part of God’s deliberate plan, embracing humility as a strength.

A Message of Hope: As we prepare for the coming of Christ, the sermon reminded us of the hope embodied in Jesus’ journey. His path to the cross was one of sacrifice, bringing peace and salvation to all. This Advent season, we are invited to hold onto this hope and share it with those around us.

As we reflect on these messages, let's approach the Advent season with open hearts, ready to welcome Christ into our lives with humility and hope. May we be inspired to live deliberately, embracing the unexpected ways God works through us.

November 30, 2025 Sermon

Reading

• Zechariah 9:9
• Matthew 21:1-11

Warm Up

• Have you ever experienced a situation that seemed out of place or unexpected but turned out to be perfectly timed? How did it affect you?
• What are your current thoughts on the concept of humility, especially in leadership?

Scripture Exploration

• Read Zechariah 9:9. What does this prophecy say about the coming king, and how does it compare to typical expectations of royalty?
• In Matthew 21:1-11, how do the actions of Jesus and his disciples fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah?
• Why do you think the Gospel reading for the first Sunday of Advent is about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, which is typically associated with Palm Sunday?

Personal Reflection

• How does the image of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey challenge or reinforce your understanding of him as a king?
• Reflect on the significance of Jesus choosing to come in humility rather than in power. What theological truths does this reveal about God's kingdom?
• Consider the crowd's cries of "Hosanna" and their later cries of "Crucify him." What does this shift tell us about human nature and our understanding of salvation?

Personal Application

• In what areas of your life do you need to embrace humility, following the example of Jesus?
• How can you bring the message of hope and salvation to those around you, especially during this Advent season?
• What steps can you take this week to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ, both in remembrance of his birth and in anticipation of his return?
• How can you encourage your community to focus on the true meaning of Advent amidst the busyness of the season?