04/09/2026
To Which Group Do You Belong
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"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a donkey, and upon a c**t the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)
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The Triumphal Entry
Zechariah 9:9 foretells Jesus’ humble yet significant entrance into Jerusalem just before His crucifixion. About 550 years before this event, the prophet predicted that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This prophecy was fulfilled during what we now call Palm Sunday.
The historical accuracy of the Bible is remarkable, and prophecies like this provide compelling support for the inerrancy of Scripture.
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The Real Triumphal Entry
What we often call the “Triumphal Entry” in the Bible is not truly a victory. Many of the same people who shouted “Hosanna” were, just five days later, shouting “Crucify Him.” This hardly reflects a genuine triumph.
According to Scripture, Jesus’ true victory came at the Cross—not at His entrance into Jerusalem:
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
(Colossians 2:14-15)
Because of His victory on the Cross, the true triumphal entry occurs when a believer dies. At that moment, a follower of Christ immediately and victoriously enters the presence of God. This entrance into Heaven is based entirely on faith in Jesus—not on works or merit.
This is the true triumphal entry.
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Groups Around The Passion
There were many groups surrounding the events of Passion Week. This study explores several of these groups with a simple goal: to reflect on them and consider where we fit.
We should consider:
* which groups we belong to
* which groups we aspire to join
* and which groups we must avoid
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The Judas Group
Other Possible Group Names: "Betrayers Group" - "He Is Not What I Expected Group"
"Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. (4) And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. (5) And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. (6) And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude."
(Luke 22:3-6)
Why focus on the “Judas Group”? Wouldn’t it be easier to ignore betrayal and hope it never touches us?
Yet this group matters. God included Judas in Scripture; therefore, he is significant—not good, but significant. Judas fulfilled prophecy. God’s Word is certain, and He foretold that Judas would betray Jesus. His betrayal became part of God’s redemptive plan, leading to the fulfillment of substitutionary atonement at the Cross.
The Judas Group also serves as a warning. Jesus taught that betrayal would come—even from those closest to us:
"And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. (17) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake."
(Luke 21:16-17)
Betrayers can be used by God in many ways. They can awaken us to reality and redirect us toward where God wants us to be. Still, we must remain vigilant. Even trusted relationships may falter when we stand firmly for Christ.
Key takeaway: Beware of the Judas Group.
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The Triumphal Entry Group
Other Possible Group Names: "Hosanna Group" - "What Is In It For Me Group"
"The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. (18) For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle." (John 12:17-18)
"And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;" (Luke 19:37)
In both John’s and Luke’s accounts, this group had witnessed Jesus’ miracles. As a result, they developed expectations and began to consider what they might gain from following Him.
They hoped the Messiah would free Israel from Roman rule and restore the kingdom to the glory it had under King David. They longed for national renewal, prosperity, and freedom.
Their mindset often centered on one question: What’s in it for me?
This becomes clear after Jesus fed the multitude, when the people attempted to force Him to become their king:
"When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."
(John 6:15)
In the end, many in this same group were calling for Jesus’ crucifixion just five days later.
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The Good Friday Group
Other Possible Group Names: "Crucify Him Group" - "I'm Really, REALLY Disappointed Group"
Within five days, this group moved from praising Jesus to demanding His ex*****on.
They could also be described as the “Know-It-All” group. They believed they fully understood who the Messiah should be and what He should do. When Jesus did not meet their expectations, they rejected Him.
The result was tragic: a crowd that chose a murderer over the Messiah.
Much of their thinking had been shaped by incomplete teaching. The religious leaders emphasized a conquering King but neglected the suffering Servant—the One who would die for sin.
This should serve as a warning. We should listen to teachers—but we must also test what we hear. Study Scripture carefully. Read in context. Compare passages. Never build doctrine on a single verse.
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11)
Even today, people come to Christ expecting personal gain—better circumstances, success, or comfort. When those expectations are not met, many fall away.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
(1 Timothy 4:1)
"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia."
(2 Timothy 4:10)
The lesson is clear: When we assume we know everything, we set ourselves up for disappointment. And when relationships are built only on what we can gain, they will not endure.
Instead, we must return to Scripture, learn the truth, and grow. That is where real understanding—and real joy—are found.
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The Foot Of The Cross Group
Other Possible Group Names: "Brave And Loving Group" - "I Don't 'Get It' But I Love Jesus No Matter What Group"
After the crowd demanded crucifixion, a small group remained near Jesus at the cross. This was a group marked by courage and love.
They stood near a condemned man. Though Jesus was innocent, association with Him carried real risk.
Yet they stayed.
From the Gospel accounts, this group included Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary, the mother of James and Joses; Salome; Joanna; and the mother of the sons of Zebedee—along with one man: John.
Six women—and one man.
Where were the others?
"And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things." (Luke 23:49)
Many followers were present—but at a distance, choosing safety over closeness.
The lesson is clear: Stay close to Jesus, even when it is difficult, costly, or unclear.
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The Expecting The Resurrection Group
Other Possible Group Names: "The Nobody Group" - "The I Didn't Believe Him Group"
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Matthew 16:21)
This group had no members.
Even though Jesus repeatedly told His disciples that He would die and rise again, no one fully believed Him.
They had seen miracles, yet still struggled to accept what seemed impossible.
The same challenge exists today. God speaks clearly in Scripture, yet we often live as though we do not fully believe Him.
Key takeaway: When God speaks clearly, we must believe Him—not our assumptions or preferences, but His Word.
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The Resurrection Sunday Group
Other Possible Group Names: "Obedient Mourners And Lovers Of Jesus Group" - "The Faithful First Witnesses Group"
No one waited outside the tomb expecting the resurrection. Yet early Sunday morning, a group of devoted women came to honor Jesus. The Gospel accounts tell us who these women were: Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, Joanna, Salome, and other unnamed women.
They loved God, so they faithfully observed the Sabbath. They loved Jesus, so when the Sabbath ended, they returned as soon as they could to complete the burial preparations for His body, honoring Him with care and devotion.
They did not fully understand—but they were faithful.
Because of this, they became the first witnesses of the resurrection.
The lesson is clear: Faithful obedience, even in small acts, often places us in a position to witness God’s greatest work.
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To Which Group Do I Belong
These groups reflect the responses people had during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Now the question becomes personal:
* Which group do I identify with most?
* Which group do I drift toward?
* Which group reflects my goals?
* Which must I avoid?
Honest answers reveal where we are—and where we need to grow.
Repentance gives us the opportunity to change direction at any time. We are not stuck, and we are not finished. God continues to draw us closer.
Reflect honestly. Repent quickly. Grow faithfully.
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Conclusion: Join the "Here Am I, Send Me Group"
"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." (Luke 10:2)
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8)
Jesus taught that the harvest is plentiful—but the laborers are few.
That has not changed.
God is still calling people to go, to serve, and to share the truth.
The question is simple:
Will we respond?
Will we say, “Here am I—send me”?
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