The Kid and The King - ReCreate Church,, Pastor Michael Shockley - Service March 29, 2026

The Kid and The King Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: Matthew 21:8-9; Luke 19:42 Episode Summary On Palm Sunday 2026, Pastor Michael tells the story of Jesus's Triumphal Entry through the eyes of a young boy named Ezra and his father Abner, who traveled from Galilee expecting one kind of Messiah but encountered another. With interactive elements for kids and adults waving palms and shouting "Hosanna," this creative retelling reveals why the crowd's expectations missed what they truly needed - not a king to fight Rome, but a Savior to transform hearts. Key Points – The crowd shouted "Hosanna" (save us now) expecting Jesus to overthrow Rome, but they needed salvation from sin that ruled their hearts – Jesus rode a donkey's colt, not a war horse, and had no soldiers or sword - He wasn't the impressive king they expected – Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people couldn't see "the things that make for your peace" - they were hidden from their eyes – The people expected a Crown but got the Cross - salvation wouldn't come through battle but through sacrifice – Our biggest problem isn't what's happening around us but what's happening inside us - Jesus changes hearts, not just circumstances – Like service dogs that detect seizures and cancer rather than doing flashy tricks, Jesus saves lives in ways more important than we imagine Main Takeaway Jesus isn't The Savior we expect - He's the Savior we need. The crowd wanted help on their terms, expecting Jesus to fix their political situation and defeat Rome. But God gave them a Suffering Savior instead of an impressive King. We still do this today, shouting "Hosanna - save us now!" while wanting help on our terms. Jesus doesn't always meet our expectations, but He meets our greatest needs by taking our sin, guilt, and punishment on the Cross so we can be made new. Memorable Quotes – "Jesus isn't The Savior we expect - He's the Savior we need." – "They expected a Crown. They didn't expect the Cross." – "Our biggest problem isn't what's happening around us; it's what's happening inside us." – "Jesus was more than the Messiah they imagined." – "The greatest thing Jesus ever did was to Give Himself for us." – "Jesus doesn't always meet our expectations, but He meets our greatest needs." Reflection Question What are you shouting "Hosanna - save us now!" about in your life? Are you asking Jesus to fix your circumstances on your terms, or are you willing to let Him meet your greatest need by transforming your heart? Tune in to hear the creative Brussels sprouts vs. chocolate truffles opening illustration, the touching story of Ezra asking why Jesus looks sad while everyone else celebrates, and why special service dogs that detect cancer are more valuable than dogs that can do your taxes or shoot lasers. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly