Live Like the King Is Coming

5 T’s — Session 9: Live Like the King Is Coming (Titus 2:11–14; Matthew 21:1–11)

We closed the 5 T’s series on Palm Sunday, in the book of Titus.

Palm Sunday is one of the most celebratory scenes in Scripture. The crowds lined the road into Jerusalem shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9), waving palm branches — a symbol of victory — and laying down their coats in honor. But here’s the tension: they celebrated a King but misunderstood His Kingdom. They wanted deliverance from Rome; Jesus came to deliver them from sin. They wanted a political savior; He came as a transforming King.

That’s where Titus comes in. Paul writes about order in the church, character in believers, and living in a corrupt culture — in other words, how to live when the King has already come but the world is still broken.

The King Arrived in Humility

“Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey.” — Matthew 21:5 (NKJV)

No war horse. No army. No takeover. Jesus redefined kingship. And the humility He showed is the humility we’re called to live: “be gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:2). Jesus showed it, Paul told it, and we’re called to hold it.

You can’t celebrate a humble King and live a prideful life.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Draw near to God, and He draws near to you (James 4:8).

The King Brought Salvation, Not Just Celebration

“Hosanna” literally means “save us now.” The crowd cried out for salvation but misunderstood what they needed saving from. Titus reveals the real mission:

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” — Titus 2:11 (NKJV)

Grace Doesn’t Just Save — It Trains

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” — Titus 2:12 (NKJV)

The Palm Sunday crowd wanted immediate victory and external change. Grace works from the inside out. The crowd said, “Fix our situation.” Jesus says, “Let Me transform your life.” Palm branches celebrate Him; obedience follows Him.

The King Is Forming a Different Kind of People

Jesus “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us… and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). He didn’t just come to be King — He came to create a people. The crowd offered emotional praise, temporary excitement, and political expectation. The church Titus describes shows transformed lives, consistent character, and real spiritual formation.

The King Is Coming Again

Palm Sunday points past His first coming to His return: “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing” (Titus 2:13). The first time, He rode a donkey. Next time, He returns in glory. They missed His first coming because they misunderstood Him — and many will miss His return for the same reason.

So what do we do with this King? Don’t just praise Him — follow Him. It’s easy to shout “Hosanna” on Sunday and live unchanged on Monday. Let grace transform you; it isn’t permission to stay the same, it’s power to become new. Embrace self-control and integrity, be zealous for good works, stay planted in community (Titus 1:5), and live with active anticipation of His appearing.

Days after the Hosannas, many in that same city were shouting “Crucify Him!” — because they wanted a Savior on their own terms. The question isn’t whether you’ll celebrate the King. It’s whether you’ll live under His rule.

Reflection

Where in your life have you praised Jesus without fully surrendering to Him? What is grace trying to train out of you — and into you — right now?

Prayer

King Jesus, we don’t want to just wave palm branches — we want to follow You. Let Your grace train us, humble us, and make us zealous for good works. Keep us ready for the day You return in glory. Not just admired — obeyed. In Your name, Amen.