Introduction: Kingdom Come is a three-part Easter series that takes a look at the historical week encompassing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior, and King.

Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV) 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

The Triumphal Entry: Matthew 21:1-11 (NIV) 1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Before Pilate:

John 18:33-37 (NASB) 33Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” 35Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” 37Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.

Jesus speaks of the Kingdom early in His ministry:

Mark 1:15 (NIV) “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

The Kingdom is like:

John 3:3-5 (NIV) 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

Romans 14:17 (NIV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

Matthew 13: Parables of the kingdom It is the pinnacle narrative of the gospel!

1 Peter 2:22-24 (NIV) 22“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

The Easter story is like the King and the Kingdom—unexpected.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Easter story marks the announcement and crowning of the King, ignites the reality of the Kingdom and declares that the battle has been won. It is finished.

Discussion questions for home, or Life Group:

Choose a passage from the sermon or consider: Luke 19:28-47; Philippians 2:5-11

1. Talk about Jesus’ claim to be King and His kingdom. What are the implications of His claims?

2. How has Jesus become King or Lord over your life? Think about where you embrace His rule and reign in your life. A) Where are you reluctant or may have been unaware to give Him authority?

3. How has Jesus’ reign in your spiritual life begun to impact what you do in your physical life?

4. When has God not done what you expected? A) In those times, what helps you persevere in following Him?

5. In what area do you need to pray “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?