This Palm Sunday sermon based on Matthew 21:1-22, titled "Hosanna, the Temple & the Fig Tree", begins by highlighting Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the promised King, fulfilling prophecies from Zechariah 9:9 and Psalm 118:25-26. However, the sermon emphasizes that the crowds held misplaced expectations, desiring a political and military deliverer rather than the spiritual salvation Jesus offered. The narrative then shifts to Jesus' cleansing of the temple, an act exposing its spiritual corruption where the focus had shifted from a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:7) to a "den of robbers". This commercialization in the outer courts hindered the Gentiles from worshiping. The subsequent cursing of the fig tree serves as a visual lesson, symbolizing the temple's outward vibrancy ("lots of leaf") but inner spiritual barrenness ("no fruit"). Despite the widespread misunderstanding, the sermon points to the simple faith of the blind, the lame, and the children in the temple who welcomed and praised Jesus. Their readiness contrasted sharply with the religious leaders' indignation, rooted in their fear of losing their "place and our nation". The message underscores that true readiness for the King involves genuine faith and worship "in spirit and in truth", as Jesus told the Samaritan woman. It challenges listeners to examine their own hearts, asking if they are like the impressive but fruitless temple or if they approach Jesus with the humble faith of those who recognized their need. The sermon concludes by affirming that Jesus seeks our hearts and faith, not outward displays or earthly achievements, and calls for worship in spirit and truth.