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Responding to the King: Three Questions for Passion Week

Matthew 21:1–11

As we step into Passion Week, we begin with the powerful moment recorded in Gospel of Matthew 21:1–11—what we often call the Triumphal Entry. Jesus rides into Jerusalem, not on a war horse, but on a donkey. The crowds shout “Hosanna!” and lay down palm branches, declaring Him King.

It is a scene full of celebration—but also full of misunderstanding.

Because within days, many of those same voices would fall silent… or even turn against Him.

Passion Week invites us to do more than remember—it calls us to examine our response to Jesus. And one of the best ways to do that is by asking three simple, but searching questions:

1. What Are You Doing?

In Matthew 21, everyone is doing something.

The disciples are obeying Jesus’ instructions.
The crowd is shouting praises.
Others are watching, questioning, even resisting.

No one is neutral.

The same is true today. When it comes to Jesus, we are all responding in some way. Maybe you’re actively serving, maybe you’re observing from a distance, or maybe you’re unsure what you believe.

But Passion Week presses the question:
What is your response to Jesus right now?

Not last year. Not someday. Right now.

2. Why Are You Doing This?

The crowd shouted “Hosanna,” which means “Save us now.” But many were looking for a political savior, not a suffering Savior.

They praised Jesus for what they thought He would do—not for who He truly was.

It’s possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons.

We can worship out of habit.
Serve for recognition.
Follow Jesus for what we hope to gain.

But Passion Week reveals Jesus clearly—He came not to meet every expectation, but to fulfill God’s greater purpose through the cross.

So we have to ask:
Why am I following Him?

Is it convenience? Tradition? Crisis?
Or is it genuine surrender to Him as Lord?

3. Who Are You Doing This For?

The crowd made it about themselves: “Save us now.”

But Jesus came to glorify the Father and to give His life for the world.

Everything He did during Passion Week—from entering Jerusalem to going to the cross—was for the glory of God and the redemption of people.

That challenges us deeply.

Who is your life centered on?

It’s easy to make faith about us—our needs, our preferences, our comfort. But true discipleship shifts the focus.

We live for Him.

We serve for Him.

We worship for Him.

So the question becomes:
Who is at the center of your life—yourself, or Jesus?

A Better Response

The people in Matthew 21 asked, “Who is this?” (v.10)

That is still the most important question.

Jesus is not just a teacher to admire or a helper in times of need. He is the King who came in humility, the Savior who went to the cross, and the Lord who calls for our full allegiance.

This Passion Week, don’t just wave the palm branches.

Follow the King.

Ask yourself:

  • What am I doing?
  • Why am I doing it?
  • Who am I doing it for?

And let your answers lead you beyond the crowd… to true surrender.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
As we remember Your journey to the cross, search our hearts.
Align our actions, purify our motives, and refocus our lives on You.
Teach us to follow You not just in moments of celebration, but in daily surrender.
You are our King—help us live like it.
Amen.

Happy Passion Week,

Pastor Keith