Garrett Bookout’s Palm Sunday sermon, “Your King is Coming to You,” unpacks Jesus’ humble triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). Contrasting earthly pomp with the prophesied King of peace, he challenges us with the most important question anyone can answer: “Who is this?”

On Palm Sunday 2026, Garrett Bookout, minister at Oak Hollow church of Christ, delivered an engaging and heartfelt message titled “Your King is Coming to You.” Beginning with a warm welcome and a brief history of Passion Week, he walks listeners through Matthew 21:1-11—the account of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.

Using a memorable illustration from the movie *Aladdin*, Bookout contrasts the flashy, powerful entrance expected of royalty (Prince Ali on an elephant, throwing gold) with Jesus’ deliberate humility: no war horse, no pomp, just a simple donkey that loudly proclaims “your king is coming to you, humble.” He explains the crowd’s cries of “Hosanna to the Son of David,” the historical longing for the Messiah promised to David, and the mixed reactions Jesus received—some praising Him, others questioning “Who is this?”

The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is indeed a King who must be obeyed, yet He is radically different from every earthly ruler: gracious, compassionate, merciful, and deeply invested in His people. Bookout encourages the congregation (and online listeners) to read through the entire Passion Week narrative in Matthew 21–28 during the coming days, inviting reflection, worship, and personal response. The message closes with a clear gospel invitation to draw near to this unique King.

1. **Welcome & Palm Sunday Introduction** (0:00–5:06)
- Greeting to members and visitors
- Explanation of Palm Sunday and the start of Passion Week leading to Easter

2. **Historical & Emotional Importance of Passion Week** (5:06–5:16)
- Early Christian observance of the week
- Encouragement to read Matthew 21–28 this week

3. **Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11** (5:16–8:33)
- Jesus sends for the donkey and colt
- Fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 quoted

4. **Setting the Scene: Earthly Royalty vs. Jesus’ Entry** (5:24–7:38)
- *Aladdin* “Prince Ali” illustration – pomp, power, elephant, gold
- Jesus rides a donkey to emphasize humility

5. **Prophetic Background: Zechariah 9:9** (8:33–11:52)
- Israel’s captivity and longing for a king
- Promise of a humble, peace-bringing King (different from David or Solomon)

6. **The Crowd’s Response** (11:52–15:34)
- Cloaks and palm branches on the road
- “Hosanna to the Son of David!” explained
- Recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah

7. **The Central Question: “Who is this?”** (15:34–19:05)
- The whole city is stirred; crowds call Him “the prophet from Nazareth”
- Parallel to Jesus’ question to the disciples in Matthew 16
- This remains the most important question we must answer

8. **Jesus as King – Authoritative Yet Radically Different** (19:05–22:03)
- A King who must be obeyed
- Unlike detached earthly kings: He knows, loves, and cares for His citizens
- Gracious, merciful, slow to anger, Prince of Peace

9. **Practical Encouragement & Invitation** (22:03–end)
- Read Matthew 21–28 this week
- Meditate on Jesus’ Passion
- Gospel invitation: study, prayer, baptism, discipleship
- Elder available after service for response

This sermon beautifully captures the humility and kingship of Christ as we enter Holy Week.