Laying Down Our Palms: Surrendering False Expectations of God Luke: 19:24-44
Sermon Resources
Sermon Summary
Title: Laying Down Our Palms: Surrendering False Expectations of God – Luke: 19:24-44
Pastor's sermon explores the theme of surrendering our false expectations of God and others, using the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday as a backdrop. The pastor emphasizes the importance of trusting God even when we don't understand His ways, and the need to seek His kingdom first rather than conforming God to our own image. The sermon contrasts the popular expectations of a political Messiah with Jesus' true mission of spiritual redemption and heart transformation.
Key Points:
The danger of creating God in our own image or likeness
The importance of maintaining a childlike trust in God, even in difficult circumstances
Jesus came to rule our hearts, not just to be a political or military leader
The need to surrender our false expectations and seek God's kingdom first
The power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse and transform us daily
The historical fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about Jerusalem's destruction in 70 AD
The challenge of trusting God even when His actions seem incomprehensible
5-Day Personal Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Our Expectations Reading: Luke 19:28-44
Devotional: As we read about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we're reminded of how easy it is to misunderstand God's plans. The crowds welcomed Jesus as a conquering king, but He came as a humble servant. Today, reflect on your own expectations of God. Are there areas where you've tried to fit God into your own image or understanding? Pray for the humility to surrender your expectations and to see God as He truly is, not as you want Him to be. Remember, God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).
Day 2: The Heart of True Worship Reading: John 12:12-19
Devotional: The palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday quickly turned to cries of "Crucify Him!" later that week. This stark contrast shows us how fickle human praise can be. Today, examine your own worship. Is it based on what God does for you, or on who God is? Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your worship, moving beyond circumstantial praise to a heart that worships in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Consider writing a prayer of adoration, focusing solely on God's character and attributes.
Day 3: Embracing the Suffering Servant Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12
Devotional: Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant paints a vivid picture of Jesus' sacrificial love. The crowds on Palm Sunday missed this aspect of the Messiah's mission. As you read, meditate on the depth of Christ's love that led Him to endure such suffering for our sake. Where in your life do you need to embrace the way of the cross? Ask God to help you see areas where you're avoiding suffering or sacrifice, and pray for the courage to follow Jesus' example of selfless love.
Day 4: Finding Peace in God's Presence Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Devotional: Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they did not recognize "what would bring [them] peace" (Luke 19:42). True peace comes not from external circumstances, but from the presence of God in our lives. As you read Paul's words to the Philippians, focus on his instruction to rejoice always and to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. Practice this today by listing your current worries and anxieties, then turning each one into a prayer of trust and thanksgiving. Allow God's peace, which transcends understanding, to guard your heart and mind.
Day 5: Trusting God in Suffering Reading: Job 13:15-16, Romans 8:35-39
Devotional: The sermon mentioned Job's declaration: "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." This profound statement of faith challenges us to trust God even in our deepest suffering. As you read these passages, reflect on times when you've struggled to trust God in pain or loss. Remember that nothing can separate us from God's love. Today, practice surrendering your pain to God. If you're facing a difficult situation, try praying, "God, I don't understand this, but I choose to trust you." Ask for the grace to see God's presence and purpose even in your suffering.
Small Group Guide
Key Takeaways:
False expectations of God and others can lead to disappointment and misunderstanding.
Jesus came to rule our hearts, not just as a political or military leader.
We are called to trust God even when we don't understand His ways.
Seeking the Kingdom of God first helps align our expectations with God's will.
The Holy Spirit's power enables us to surrender our false expectations and trust God more fully.
Small Group Questions:
What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
The sermon mentions two Christian responses to suffering and disappointment: a) Remaining faithful and trusting God despite not understanding b) Trying to make sense of God in ways that fit our understanding Which response do you tend towards? How can we cultivate more trust in difficult times?
How have your expectations of God or others sometimes led to disappointment? What can we learn from these experiences?
The pastor used the metaphor of Jesus riding a donkey to represent how He wants to guide our lives. What areas of your life do you find it hardest to surrender control to God?
Discuss the concept of "seeking first the Kingdom of God." What does this look like practically in our daily lives?
The sermon touched on the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. How do you reconcile difficult passages in the Bible with your understanding of God's love and justice?
How can we cultivate a "childlike faith" while still engaging critically with our beliefs?
Practical Applications:
This week, identify one false expectation you have of God or others. Pray daily, asking God to help you surrender this expectation.
Practice "seeking first the Kingdom of God" by starting each day with a brief prayer, asking God to guide your priorities and decisions.
Choose one area of your life where you struggle to trust God. Write down your fears and concerns, then write a prayer of surrender beside each one.
Reflect on a time when God didn't meet your expectations but you later saw His wisdom. Share this with a friend or family member as a testimony of God's faithfulness.
As a group, brainstorm ways to support each other in cultivating trust in God, especially during difficult times.
Closing Prayer: Lord, help us to lay down our palms – our false expectations and misunderstandings – at Your feet. Give us the courage to trust You even when we don't understand. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, cleansing us deeply and aligning our hearts with Your will. May we seek first Your Kingdom in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
