"Transformational Questions of Lent: Who Is This?" Rev. Matthew Hulbert March 29, 2026 Scripture Matthew 21: 1 - 11

Rev. Matthew Hulbert delivers a powerful Lenten reflection on Palm Sunday, focusing on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as recorded in Matthew 21:1–11. He unpacks the symbolic significance of Jesus riding a donkey rather than a warhorse, emphasizing that this act was a deliberate subversion of earthly power and a declaration of humble, servant leadership. The sermon highlights how Jesus, though hailed as king by crowds waving palm branches and shouting 'Hosanna,' was fully aware of the betrayal and suffering awaiting him. Hulbert explores the tension between the people's celebration and Jesus' divine purpose, underscoring that true kingship in Christ is defined not by dominance but by sacrificial love and disruption of systems that enslave. He calls listeners to reflect on their own lives: Who is this Jesus to me? How do I respond to praise and betrayal? The message culminates in a challenge to let the truth of Christ’s kingship spill beyond the church walls, transforming daily life and inviting others to ask, 'Who is this?' The sermon weaves together biblical exegesis, theological depth, and personal application, drawing connections between Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9), the Passover context, and the broader narrative of salvation. Hulbert emphasizes that Jesus' mission was not political revolution but spiritual liberation—deliverance from sin and death. He invites believers to live in the tension of joy and sacrifice, to embrace humility, and to become living testimonies of a king who saves, disrupts, and brings new life. The service closes with a prayer of surrender and a call to action, urging the congregation to embody Christ’s love in the world.