A Triumphal Day of Following Jesus

Can you think of your best day of following Jesus?

Maybe it was a day where everything went right and you laid down exhausted, having spent your energy for the Lord. Maybe it was a missions project or Vacation Bible School. Or maybe it was just an ordinary day where you said “yes” to what Jesus wanted to do—and he did something more amazing than you expected.

Or maybe you’re still waiting on that kind of day.

In Mark 11, we get a picture of a triumphal day of following Jesus. And here’s the main idea: each and every day of following Jesus should be centered around him. When Jesus is at the center, we have the makings of a triumphal day.

1) Jesus is served

Jesus sends two disciples on a simple assignment: go and get a colt.

They go. They do exactly what he says. And in doing so, they serve Jesus in an ordinary way that has a profound result.

That’s how it works for us too. Jesus gives us ordinary assignments every day:

Go to work.
Go next door.
Go to the store.
Go serve someone in need.

The question is simple: is there a sense of “going” to your day?

Serve Jesus in the ordinary things. He won’t waste your time or energy when it’s in service to him.

2) Jesus is honored

As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road.

They honor him with something personal, something costly, something visible.

We can’t lay cloaks in the road, but we can still honor Jesus. The question is: what can you give up to honor him today?

It might be your time. Your comfort. Your attention.

Don’t just give what is easy. Honor Jesus with what is costly.

3) Jesus is praised

The crowd shouts, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

They are praising Jesus openly and joyfully.

Do you praise Jesus throughout your day?

Not just privately—but openly. Not just when things are going well—but always.

“Save, I pray!”
“Please deliver me!”

Praise Jesus for what he has done. Praise Jesus for what he will do. Praise Jesus even when you don’t understand what’s going on.

4) Jesus is authorized

Jesus enters Jerusalem and goes to the temple. He looks around.

He has authority.

And he has that same authority over your life.

If you are a Christian, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. You are not your own. You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and your life.

Jesus is authorized to tell you what you can and cannot do—and he will never contradict his Word.

You cannot call him Savior and reject him as Lord.

Here’s the question: what would Jesus find if he looked around your life today?

Where is he being served?
Where is he being honored?
Where is he being praised?
Where is he being ignored?

A triumphal day of following Jesus is not complicated. It’s a day where Jesus is at the center—served, honored, praised, and obeyed.

You will have good days and bad days. But remember this: what looked like a great week ended at the cross.

And the cross brought about the greatest triumph.

Jesus died for your sins and rose from the grave. That’s the victory that changes everything.

So take the life he purchased for you and spend it serving him, honoring him, praising him, and gladly submitting to his authority—each and every day.

You can watch this sermon in its entirety on our YouTube page.