Liturgy of the Palms

I like parades. The music. The floats. Everyone involved is typcially happy and enjoying the festivities. A celebratory parade has the power to bring joy and happiness to those in attendance through a combination of several factors:

There is a Sense of Unity and Belonging:

A parade brings people together, creating a sense of unity and belonging among participants and spectators alike. Whether it's a community parade, a cultural celebration, or a sporting championship parade, people come together to share in the excitement and festivities. In this shared experience, individuals feel connected to one another and to a larger cause or community, fostering a sense of solidarity and camaraderie.

There is a Sense of Excitement and Anticipation:

Parades are inherently festive occasions filled with excitement and anticipation. Spectators eagerly await the arrival of the parade participants, whether they be performers, athletes, or dignitaries. The atmosphere is charged with energy as people cheer, wave flags, and clap along to the music, creating a palpable sense of anticipation and joy.

There is a Sense of Celebration:

Parades often serve as a celebration of achievement, honoring individuals or groups who have accomplished something noteworthy or significant. Whether it's a team winning a championship, a cultural milestone, or a religious festival, parades provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate success, talent, and perseverance. This recognition instills a sense of pride and accomplishment among participants and spectators alike, contributing to the overall joyous atmosphere of the parade.

Parades are visually stunning spectacles, featuring colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and lively performances. The combination of music, dance, and visual artistry creates a feast for the senses, captivating the audience and igniting their imagination. Whether it's the intricate designs of the floats, the vibrant costumes of the performers, or the dazzling displays of athleticism, parades offer a sensory experience that delights and enchants those in attendance.

I don’t think parades are much different for us today compared to those some 2,000 years ago. As we look closer at Palm Sunday, in particular the Gospel of Mark speaks to us about Jesus triumphal return to Jerusalem. As Passover approaches, Jerusalem is electrified with anticipation. The air crackles with the expectation of a Messiah who would shatter the chains of Roman oppression. But as the city pulses with hope, Jesus enters, not with the fanfare of a conquering general, but riding on a humble colt.

There is a Sense of Unity and Belonging:

On Palm Sunday, crowds of people gathered in Jerusalem to welcome Jesus, united in their anticipation of the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.

There is a Sense of Excitement and Anticipation:

On Palm Sunday, the crowds eagerly awaited the arrival of Jesus, laying palm branches and cloaks on the ground as a sign of honor and respect.

There is a Sense of Celebration:

On Palm Sunday, the focus is on celebrating Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and King. The crowds hailed Him as the Son of David, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of prophecy and the hope of salvation.

The Palm Sunday procession was humble, with Jesus riding on a donkey as the crowds waved palm branches and shouted "Hosanna!" Nevertheless, this event captivated the audience and leave a lasting impression.

Our modern day parades and the Palm Sunday return of Jesus to Jerusalem are distinct events with different contexts. Yet they share common elements of joy, celebration, and unity. Both events bring people together to honor and celebrate something or someone they hold dear, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation that uplifts the spirits of all those in attendance.

Let’s take a deeper look:

I. Preparation for the King

Mark 11:1–6 “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ” They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.”

In meticulous detail, Jesus orchestrates the securing of the colt, demonstrating His sovereignty over events. This preparation fulfills ancient prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and reveals Jesus as a king who commands all, yet chooses the path of humility.

Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Preparing our hearts for the kingship of Jesus involves a deliberate and ongoing process of aligning our expectations and attitudes with the reality of who Jesus is and how He reigns. It requires a deepening understanding of His character, His teachings, and His purposes.

Firstly, we prepare our hearts by cultivating a deep awareness of Jesus' true nature as revealed in Scripture. Instead of expecting a triumphant hero who will conform to our worldly ideals of power and success, we embrace Jesus as the humble servant-king who exemplifies love, compassion, and humility. We recognize that His kingdom operates on different principles than the kingdoms of this world, prioritizing values such as mercy, justice, and self-sacrifice.

Secondly, we prepare our hearts by surrendering our preconceived notions and desires to God's will. This involves letting go of our own agendas and ambitions and submitting ourselves fully to the authority of Christ. Rather than seeking to impose our own expectations on Jesus, we embrace His lordship with humility and trust, allowing Him to reign in our lives according to His perfect wisdom and purpose.

Thirdly, we prepare our hearts through prayer, meditation, and spiritual disciplines. We seek to cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus, allowing His Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming our hearts and minds to be more like His. We open ourselves to His guidance and direction, inviting Him to shape our desires, priorities, and actions according to His kingdom purposes.

Ultimately, preparing our hearts for the kingship of Jesus involves a willingness to embrace Him as He truly is, rather than trying to mold Him into our own image. It requires humility, surrender, and a deepening trust in His love and sovereignty. As we align our hearts with His, we find true joy, peace, and fulfillment in serving Him as our Lord and King.

II. A King's Welcome

Mark 11:7–10 “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!””

The crowd's jubilant actions—spreading cloaks on the road and waving branches—symbolize royal honor and victory. Their cries of "Hosanna!" echo through the streets, a desperate plea for salvation, acknowledging Jesus as the long-awaited Davidic Messiah who comes in the name of the Lord.

To honor Jesus with our lives means living in obedience to His teachings and example. It means striving to reflect His love, mercy, and compassion in our interactions with others. It involves prioritizing His kingdom values of humility, service, and sacrificial love over our own selfish desires and ambitions. Essentially, honoring Jesus with our lives is about aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with His will, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do.

Recognizing Jesus as our ultimate savior goes beyond acknowledging Him intellectually; it's about experiencing His saving grace personally and intimately. It's about recognizing our own brokenness and sinfulness and turning to Him in repentance and faith for forgiveness and redemption. It involves trusting in His finished work on the cross for our salvation and surrendering our lives to His lordship.

Palm Sunday holds profound significance as a proclamation of Jesus' kingship and our call to live in the victory He brings. On this day, the crowds in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah and King, laying down their cloaks and palm branches before Him as symbols of honor and triumph. Their cries of "Hosanna!" expressed their desperate plea for salvation and deliverance.

Similarly, Palm Sunday serves as a reminder for us to acknowledge Jesus as our rightful King and Savior. It's a time to celebrate His triumphal entry into our hearts and lives, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation. Just as the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus with joy and adoration, we are called to welcome Him into every area of our lives, submitting to His lordship and authority.

Living in the victory that Jesus brings means embracing His kingdom values of love, peace, and righteousness. It means trusting in His power to overcome sin, death, and darkness in our lives and in the world. As we live in the reality of His victory, we become ambassadors of His kingdom, spreading His message of hope and salvation to a world in desperate need of His grace.

In essence, Palm Sunday serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' kingship and our call to live as citizens of His kingdom. It challenges us to honor Him with our lives and to recognize Him as our ultimate savior, embracing the victory He brings and sharing it with others through our words and deeds.

III. The Nature of His Kingdom

Mark 11:11 “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.”

Jesus' destination, the temple, speaks volumes about the nature of His kingdom. It signifies His deep concern for spiritual, not just political, liberation. His inspection of the temple hints at His mission to cleanse and renew Israel's faith. Jesus reveals a different kind of kingship—one focused on spiritual restoration.

Jesus' emphasis on spiritual renewal challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and perspectives, especially as we approach Easter, the celebration of His resurrection. His example challenges our worldly expectations of power and success by offering a radically different paradigm—one rooted in humility, service, and sacrificial love.

Firstly, Jesus' emphasis on spiritual renewal redirects our focus from temporal concerns to eternal realities. In a world obsessed with material wealth, social status, and personal achievements, Jesus reminds us of the transient nature of earthly treasures. He calls us to invest in the things that truly matter—our relationship with God, our spiritual growth, and our impact on others. As we approach Easter, we are invited to reflect on the significance of Jesus' resurrection, which offers us the ultimate hope of eternal life and redemption.

Secondly, Jesus' example challenges our understanding of power and success. In a culture that glorifies self-promotion, ambition, and dominance, Jesus exemplified a different kind of power—the power of selfless love and sacrificial service. He taught that true greatness is found in humility and servanthood, not in worldly accolades or positions of authority. As we approach Easter, we are called to emulate Jesus' example by humbly serving others, prioritizing their needs above our own, and seeking to make a positive difference in the world.

Finally, Jesus' emphasis on spiritual renewal invites us to undergo a personal transformation—a renewal of heart, mind, and soul. He offers us forgiveness for our sins, healing for our brokenness, and restoration for our relationship with God. As we approach Easter, we are called to examine our lives and allow the power of Jesus' resurrection to transform us from the inside out. This transformation involves letting go of sinful habits, attitudes, and desires, and embracing the new life that Jesus offers us through His death and resurrection.

As we approach Easter, Jesus' emphasis on spiritual renewal challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, perspectives, and expectations. His example challenges our worldly notions of power and success and invites us to embrace a different way of living—a way characterized by humility, love, and service. As we reflect on the significance of Jesus' resurrection, may we be inspired to undergo a personal transformation and to live lives that honor and glorify Him in all that we do.

As we stand on the threshold of Holy Week, Palm Sunday beckons us to recognize and celebrate Jesus as our King. Yet, it also confronts us with the challenge of understanding the nature of His kingship. Let us journey through this sacred week with hearts open to the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the true meaning of His rule in our lives. May we be faithful followers who honor Him not only with our words but also with our actions, embracing the unexpected King and His kingdom of love, grace, and redemption.

Call to Worship (based on Mark 11:1-11)

Leader: As we gather this Palm Sunday, let us remember the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a colt, as crowds spread their cloaks on the road and waved branches, shouting:

People: "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Leader: Today, we join with those ancient voices, celebrating the coming King, Jesus Christ, who comes not in worldly power, but in humility and peace.

People: "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Leader: Let us worship God, who sent His Son not to conquer with might, but to offer Himself for the sake of the world.

People: Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

All: Let us enter into worship with joyful hearts, ready to lay down our lives as a pathway for our King, echoing the praises of all who welcomed Him into Jerusalem. Hosanna! Let us worship Christ the Lord!

Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29)

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, echoing the psalmist’s proclamation, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!” We declare, alongside Your faithful from all generations, that Your love knows no bounds, Your mercy is unending, and Your faithfulness stretches to the skies.

Lord, as we stand at the gates of righteousness, we ask for the grace to enter through, to abide in Your presence where we find true joy and peace. Open to us the gates of righteousness, that we may come in and give thanks to You, for You are our salvation, the cornerstone that the builders rejected, which has become the chief cornerstone of our lives.

In moments of triumph and in times of trial, let our hearts always say, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Help us, O God, to see Your hand at work in all things, to recognize Your blessings, and to respond with unceasing praise.

We pray for those among us who are facing challenges, who find it hard to see the reason for rejoicing. May Your steadfast love be their comfort, and Your promises their hope. Lead us in Your paths of righteousness, and guide us to live lives that reflect Your love and grace to others.

As we wave our palms and lay down our cloaks, symbolizing our allegiance and love for You, remind us of the humble King who rode into Jerusalem, not to conquer with force but to reign in our hearts with peace. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! We join our voices with the saints of old and the heavenly host, praising Your name and celebrating the salvation You offer.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we pray. Amen.