This Is Not What I Expected | Jerry Flowers | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

This Is Not What I Expected

Time of Celebration Ministries Church • Mar 29, 2026 • 50 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Jerry Flowers examines the dramatic shift between the crowds shouting "Hosanna" on Sunday and demanding "Crucify Him" on Friday when Jesus did not fulfill their desire for a political conqueror. While the people expected an earthly ruler to overthrow Rome, Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey to deal with humanity's ultimate problem—sin and spiritual separation from God. Believers are challenged to examine their hearts when God answers with a divine "no," learning to trust His sovereign wisdom rather than abandoning worship when expectations are unmet.

Themes

Expectation vs. SovereigntyEmbracing God's Divine "No"Humility and Servant LeadershipSpiritual Warfare vs. Political DeliveranceThe Second Coming of ChristTrue Discipleship and Worship

Pastor's Points

1.

Jesus came to save from sin, not from Rome.

2.

Jesus came to establish God's kingdom, not earthly power.

3.

Jesus came to reconcile humanity to God.

4.

Jesus came to overthrow the powers of darkness.

5.

Jesus came to fulfill prophecy and God's plan.

Key Points

1.
Jesus came primarily to deliver humanity from the power of sin rather than to fulfill human political or material expectations.
2.
Believers must learn to discern and trust God's divine "no," recognizing that His refusal is often His divine protection.
3.
Departing from God's will rarely begins as a sudden leap; it starts as a subtle, unguarded spiritual drift away from His Word.
4.
Jesus demonstrated His divine sovereignty and omniscience by knowing exact details regarding an unridden colt before arriving in the village.
5.
Understanding God's absolute sovereignty produces deep spiritual assurance, enabling believers to trust His decisions during uncertain seasons.
6.
Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy, revealing Jesus as a humble, peace-bearing servant king.
7.
While Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly as a sacrificial lamb on a donkey, Scripture promises He will return as a victorious King riding a white horse.
8.
True Christian ministry requires servant leadership and humility rather than seeking self-exaltation, earthly prestige, or personal titles.

Sermon Moments

“"How do you respond and handle when God does not move according to your expectation, giving you a 'no' where you anticipated a 'yes'?"”

“"Departing from God's will doesn't start as a sprint; it starts as a drift."”

“"At the heart of American Christianity, it often makes you the main character—not the gospel, not the glory of God, not surrender, but you."”

“"If God knows the details about a colt, He knows the details about you; and if He knows your details, you can trust the decisions He makes over you."”

“"Jesus is not less of a king because He chose a donkey; He is more of a king because He came not to crush His enemies, but to save them."”

“"His kingdom cannot come until ours has gone; modern leaders often want to be kings rather than humble servants."”

“"The first time He came riding on a donkey as a sacrificial lamb, but the King will ride again on a white horse as the victorious Lion of Judah."”

This Week

Reflect on areas where God has answered with a divine "no," choosing to trust His sovereign protection rather than harboring offense.

Guard against spiritual drifting by establishing consistent daily habits in Scripture and prayer.

Surrender your personal timelines and expectations, aligning your heart with God's sovereign wisdom and purpose.

Evaluate your worship motives, ensuring your praise is rooted in gratitude for who God is rather than conditional upon receiving a "yes."

Embrace Christ's model of humility and servant leadership in your relationships, avoiding pride and self-exaltation.

Take personal responsibility for spiritual leadership and biblical instruction within your home and family.

Focus your prayers on spiritual deliverance from sin and heart transformation rather than merely seeking temporary, circumstantial relief.

Remember This

When God's actions do not match our human expectations, we must trust His absolute sovereignty, knowing that His divine "no" is given for our protection and ultimate redemption.

A Challenge for You

"My prayer is that we're believers who don't just shout over the yes of God, but we're thankful and trust the no of God as well."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.