Sermon Summary, Outline and MC Discipleship Guide

Sermon Summary

Richard Williams' sermon from Mark 11:1-10, titled "King Jesus Has Come and Set Us Free," contrasts people's expectation of a warrior king with Jesus' mission to vanquish Satan, sin, and death instead of earthly enemies like Rome. Using the story of Robin Hood, he illustrates the importance of not rooting for the wrong outcome and understanding Jesus' true purpose of establishing God's kingdom in our hearts. By fulfilling Old Testament prophecies like Zechariah 9:9, Jesus came as a humble servant to set people free from bondage to sin, cautioning against expecting worldly victories and encouraging celebration of the freedom found in Christ. Richard highlights the significance of living in the freedom of serving the Lord, even when it diverges from our expectations.

Sermon Outline

FCF: Human expectation of God blinds us to what He's doing right in front of us.

Big Idea: King Jesus has come and set us free.

Main Points:

1. The Prophets foretold of a coming King

2. The people expected a warrior King like David

3. The real enemy was not Rome but Satan, Sin, and Death

4. Jesus freed us from Satan, Sin, and Death

MC Discipleship Guide

FIRST THIRD = LOOK BACK - Use up to 45 minutes to build community by caring for one another.

1. Check-in on everyone. (You can ask about "highs and lows" or "struggles and excitements" or whatever works to get people sharing about their lives with one another.)

2. Pray with and for one another as the Spirit prompts you.

3. Transition Question: What is the most unexpected or unconventional way you've seen someone celebrate a victory or achievement?

SECOND THIRD = LOOK UP - Take about 45 minutes to review and discuss the Scripture(s) and sermon from Sunday:

4. Why were the people of Jerusalem expecting Jesus to overthrow the Roman Empire?

Context: They were hoping for a warrior king like David who would conquer their enemies and bring justice.

Application: What are some ways our expectations of God may be influenced by our world's culture and desires?

5. How did Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9?

Context: The prophecy spoke of a righteous king who would come humbly riding on a donkey.

Application: What other Old Testament prophecies can you recall that pointed to Jesus as the promised Messiah?

6. Why did many people in Jerusalem become disillusioned with Jesus?

Context: They celebrated his arrival, but when he did not meet their expectations of a warrior king, they became disillusioned.

Application: In what ways have you experienced disillusionment when God didn't meet your expectations, and how did you resolve it?

THIRD THIRD = LOOK FORWARD - Take the last 30 minutes to pray and discuss how God is calling each person to live on mission with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit in the upcoming week.

7. Is there something specific from the Scriptures, sermon or discussion that God wants you to share with someone in your life? What is it and who does He want you to share with?

8. How will you live out the missional BLESS rhythms in the week ahead?

9. Do you or someone you know have a need that we can serve this week?

*BLESS Rhythms are practical ways in which disciples of Jesus live on mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.

BEGIN WITH PRAYER: Start each day by praying and listening to the Spirit. Continue listening to the Spirit throughout the day, living surrendered to Jesus as your Savior and King.

LISTEN: Listen attentively to the Spirit's guidance and to those you encounter where you live, learn, work and play.

EAT and/or DRINK: Build friendships with others by sharing meals or drinks together, fostering connections and opportunities for meaningful conversations.

SERVE: Look for practical ways to serve your neighbors, co-workers, and those around you, demonstrating the love of Jesus through acts of kindness and compassion.

SHARE: Boldly share the gospel message and your personal testimony with those you engage with, expressing your faith with confidence and sincerity.