Sermon Title: Counterfeit Gods

Title: A Palm Branch

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Focus: As Jesus enters Jerusalem for the Passover, the palms that are being waved symbolize much and remind us of who we are really bowing to.

Denarius = Caesar Augustus, Son of God

1^st Century Responses to Oppression

• Zealots = Revolted
• Essenes = Withdrew
• Sadducees = Assimilated
• Jesus =?

Palm Branches symbolized Jewish pride.

Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord, we bless you.

– Psalm 118:25-26

The terms “Kingdom of God” and “Jesus is Lord” are subversive statements.

“One of the signs that an object is functioning as an idol is that fear becomes one of the chief characteristics of life. When we center our lives on the idol, we become dependent on it. If our counterfeit god is threatened in any way, our response is complete panic.” – Tim Keller

Questions to Consider

What is the most meaningful part of Holy Week for you?

How do you see celebrity worship occurring today?

How did the sermon today help you reframe your understanding of Palm Sunday?

How do you think the way of Jesus pushes against the cultural assumptions of today?

What counterfeit God are you wrestling with in your life right now?