Crown Him or Kill Him: The King Who Confronts Our Hearts
Reflections from Sunday’s Message by Bill Chapman | Myrtle House Community Church
Palm Sunday is often viewed as a joyful celebration—a moment when crowds lined the streets waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” But this Sunday, Bill Chapman led us into a deeper truth behind the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21:1-17: it wasn’t just a parade; it was a provocation.
Jesus wasn’t simply entering Jerusalem—He was confronting hearts. And the question He asked then, He still asks today:
Will you crown Him or kill Him?
The First Cry: “Son of David!”
In Matthew 20:29-34, just before entering Jerusalem, Jesus is called “Son of David” for the first time. This title was explosive—it wasn’t just a nod to His family tree; it was a declaration of kingship, messiahship, and divine authority.
Religious leaders knew exactly what that meant. The blind men saw what the seeing could not: Jesus was not just a teacher or prophet—He was the King of all Kings.
A Humble King, A Bold Message
In Matthew 21, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9:
“Your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey…”
This wasn’t an accident or a last-minute mode of transport. It was premeditated prophecy. Jesus was being intentionally provocative. He didn’t ride in on a warhorse like other kings. He came humbly—but make no mistake, He came with all authority.
He was stirring the pot. Why?
Because you don’t get to stay neutral with Jesus.
You’ll either crown Him as King or join the crowd that cries “Crucify Him.”
The King Who Overturns Everything
As Jesus enters the temple and flips the tables, calling it His “Father’s house,” He’s making it abundantly clear:
He is the Son of God.
This was no modest moment. It was a declaration. A challenge to the religious order. A disruption of comfortable tradition.
Where Is Jesus to You?
Is He your shepherd?
Your friend?
Your guide?
That’s beautiful—but unless He is first your King, He can’t truly be any of those things. To call Jesus your King is to submit your will to His.
We can’t treat Him like a consultant we occasionally listen to—we must crown Him as King over everything.
Crown Him or Kill Him?
The crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” would later scream “Crucify Him!”
The same people who praised Him would soon reject Him.
Jesus still walks into the hearts of men and women today and provokes the same decision.
He will not settle for half your heart.
He is Lord of all or not at all.
So ask yourself:
Will I truly submit my life to Him?
Do I obey my King, even when it disrupts my comfort?
Am I part of the crowd that praises but refuses to surrender?
You will either crown Him or kill Him. There is no middle ground.
Let this Holy Week be a moment where you pause, reflect, and respond.
He is still entering cities. Still overturning tables.
Still asking us to choose.
Will you crown Him today?
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” – Matthew 21:9
