Table of Contents
PRAYER
Our main goal in this time together is to build relationships and learn to walk alongside one another in all that God has called us to be and do. Let’s start by praying for each other.
Does anyone have prayer requests or personal stories of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
THIS WEEK
Today, we’re diving into what happens when life doesn’t go the way we planned—when our expectations crash into a reality we never saw coming.
In Didn’t See That Coming This Week, we step into Mark 11 and witness a moment that stunned an entire crowd: the day Jesus entered Jerusalem. The people were ready for a political powerhouse —a king who would overthrow Rome and fix everything. But what they got was entirely unexpected—a King who didn’t fit their mold but brought something far greater: a lasting hope and a peace we could never create on our own.
To start our time together, let’s begin with the following questions:
What’s a time in your life when something didn’t go as planned—but ended up being better than expected?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
SCRIPTURE
Have someone read Mark 11:1-11 aloud. As you listen, notice any words or phrases that stand out, and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight something for you.
Mark 11:1-11
1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples
2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it.
3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’”
4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it.
5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it.
8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.
9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
What have you long awaited God to do in your life?
A Kingdom That is Spiritual, Not Political.
“4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” —Mark 11:4-10
Jesus entered Jerusalem not as a political conqueror, but as a humble, peaceful King—riding a young, borrowed donkey to fulfill prophecy and reveal the true nature of His Kingdom. While the people expected liberation from Rome, Jesus came to redeem hearts, not overthrow governments. His Kingdom is spiritual, not political—marked by humility, sacrifice, and internal transformation. Every detail of His arrival pointed to this truth, and the people’s cries of “Hosanna” were not just praise, but a plea for salvation.
In a world that often prizes power, platforms, and influence, what does it say to you that Jesus chose a donkey over a warhorse? How might that challenge the way we view leadership today?
Can you think of a time when someone defied your expectations in a way that changed how you saw them? How might that help you understand Jesus’ approach?
Have you ever expected God to fix something around you, but He seemed more focused on working in you? How did you respond?
If you were to cry out for rescue today, what would you be crying out from? What would you hope to be saved into?
The people expected Jesus to overthrow Rome, but He came to overthrow sin and death. Why do you think that difference mattered then—and still matters now?
A Kingdom That is Inclusive, Not Exclusive.
“11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked
around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.” —Mark 11:11
The crowd cried “Hosanna,” hoping for salvation—but mainly for Israel. Yet Jesus shattered expectations by including outsiders: healing Gentiles, welcoming sinners, and inviting anyone with faith. His kingdom wasn’t exclusive—it was radically inclusive.
And after His triumphal entry, Jesus simply surveys the temple and leaves. No takeover, no spectacle—because He wasn’t headed to a throne, but to a cross.
What kinds of people do you think society tends to exclude or overlook? How does that compare to the kinds of people Jesus welcomed?
Why do you think people naturally gravitate toward insiders vs. outsiders? What are the costs of that kind of thinking?
Have you ever felt like you had to earn your place—whether socially, culturally, or even spiritually? What would it look like to be part of something based on faith instead of status?
Why do you think Jesus’ inclusive kingdom was so difficult for some people to accept—especially the religious or powerful?
If Jesus’ invitation really is open to anyone willing to follow Him—what questions or hesitations might you still have about saying “yes”?
What might it look like to intentionally include someone this week—especially someone different from you? Why is that hard… or worth it?
A Kingdom That is Sacrificial, Not Domineering.
Unlike earthly kings who rule by self-interested force for one, Jesus reigns through self-giving love for all. Jesus redefined kingship—not through power or dominance, but through humility, surrender, and self-giving love. On Palm Sunday, the crowd expected a conquering king, but Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Like David before Him, He was overlooked by many—but chosen by God to save. His crown was of thorns, not gold. His rule is marked by compassion, inclusion, and sacrifice.
How does Jesus’ example of sacrificial leadership challenge your view of power and influence?
What does it mean for you personally to follow a King who leads through humility and self-giving love?
How does Jesus’ choice to serve rather than dominate change the way we are called to interact with others in our daily lives?
In what areas of your life might you be tempted to seek control or dominance rather than serving others? How can Jesus’ example help you navigate these situations?
What does it mean for you to “take up your cross” and follow a sacrificial King, especially when it doesn’t align with societal expectations of power or success?
How can you embrace Jesus’ kind of servant leadership and service where you live, work, and play?
CLOSING THOUGHT
As we reflect on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, we see that His Kingdom is defined by humility, sacrifice, and love—not power or domination. Jesus came to serve, not be served, challenging our views of authority. His Kingdom is one of inclusivity, selfless service, and heart transformation. May we be inspired to live in a way that mirrors His sacrificial, humble Kingdom—where we live, work, and play.
Let’s close in prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to show us true leadership through humility, sacrifice, and love. His example opens the door for all of us to enter Your Kingdom. Help us to live as He did, serving others with selflessness. Teach us to embrace Your unexpected ways and to reflect Your love and inclusivity to those who feel left out. Strengthen us to live out Your Kingdom’s values, even when it’s challenging, and empower us to follow Jesus fully where we live, work, and play. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
