"Palm Branches and Praises: Welcoming the King"Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11):Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11):These scriptures recount the events leading up to and including Easter Sunday, providing a meaningful reflection on the journey from Palm Sunday through Holy Week to the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

"Gracious and Loving God,

As we come together on this Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the triumphant entry of your Son, Jesus Christ, into Jerusalem, as crowds waved palm branches and hailed him as the Messiah. We join in that chorus of praise today, acknowledging Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Just as the people laid their cloaks and palm branches before Jesus, we offer our hearts before you, laying down our burdens, fears, and doubts at your feet. May our worship be a fragrant offering to you, our King, as we lift our voices in adoration and praise.

Prayer 3-24-2024 opening

Lord, as we reflect on the events of Holy Week, help us to walk alongside Jesus, understanding the depth of his love and sacrifice for us. May we follow his example of humility, servanthood, and selflessness in our own lives.

As we journey through this sacred week, prepare our hearts to experience the joy of Easter morning and the promise of new life found in Christ. Fill us with hope, peace, and joy as we anticipate the resurrection of our Savior.

Bless our worship today, O Lord, and may it bring glory and honor to your holy name. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11): "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.' This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 'Say to Daughter Zion, "See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."' The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!' When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who is this?' The crowds answered, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'"

Monday (Matthew 21:12-13): "Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.'"

Tuesday (Matthew 21:23-27): "Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. 'By what authority are you doing these things?' they asked. 'And who gave you this authority?' Jesus replied, 'I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?' They discussed it among themselves and said, 'If we say, "From heaven," he will ask, "Then why didn’t you believe him?" But if we say, "Of human origin"—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.' So they answered Jesus, 'We don’t know.' Then he said, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.'"

Wednesday (Matthew 26:14-16): "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

Maundy Thursday (Matthew 26:26-28): "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

Good Friday (Matthew 27:45-50): "From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, 'He’s calling Elijah.' Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, 'Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.' And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit."

Holy Saturday (Matthew 27:57-61): "As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb."

Purple: Purple is traditionally associated with royalty, penance, and solemnity. It is used during Lent, the period of preparation leading up to Easter, to symbolize repentance and spiritual introspection. However, it can also be seen during Easter as a reminder of Christ's suffering and sacrifice.

White: White represents purity, innocence, and new beginnings. It is often associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the purity of his sacrifice. White is commonly used in Easter decorations, linens, and attire, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Gracious and Merciful God,

As we conclude our Palm Sunday service, music

Gracious and Merciful God

We thank you for the opportunity to come together in worship and celebration. We are grateful for the reminder of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week.

On this day, we have waved our palm branches and shouted "Hosanna" with joy and reverence, recognizing Jesus as our King and Savior. May the spirit of Palm Sunday continue to dwell within us throughout the coming week and beyond.

As we journey through Holy Week, may we reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ's sacrifice and the immense love you have shown us through your Son. Help us to walk in his footsteps, embracing humility, compassion, and selflessness.

Grant us the courage to confront our own limitations and shortcomings, knowing that through Christ, we find forgiveness and redemption. May we be transformed by the power of his resurrection, experiencing the joy of new life and hope.

As we depart from this sacred gathering, may your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Guide us safely through the days ahead, and may we emerge from this Holy Week with renewed faith and commitment to your kingdom.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

Set the Scene: Begin by describing the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation as Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem. Paint a picture of the bustling crowd, the waving palm branches, and the shouts of "Hosanna" filling the air. Help the congregation imagine themselves as part of the crowd, caught up in the fervor of the moment.

Highlight the Prophecy: Connect the events of Palm Sunday to Old Testament prophecies, particularly Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the coming of the Messiah riding on a donkey. Emphasize how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfilled these prophecies, demonstrating his identity as the promised King and Savior.

Explore the Symbolism: Delve into the symbolism of Jesus' choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey, a humble mode of transportation reserved for peaceful arrivals. Explain how this contrasted with the expectation of a conquering king riding a warhorse, underscoring Jesus' message of humility, peace, and salvation.

Examine the Response: Reflect on the reaction of the crowd as they welcomed Jesus with palm branches and cries of "Hosanna." Discuss the varying motivations behind their praise, from genuine recognition of Jesus' divinity to hopes of political liberation. Encourage the congregation to consider their own response to Jesus' presence in their lives.

Draw Out Lessons: Extract lessons and applications from the Palm Sunday narrative that resonate with the congregation's lives. Explore themes such as humility, obedience, and the true nature of kingship as exemplified by Jesus. Challenge listeners to reflect on how they can align their lives with the values demonstrated by Jesus on Palm Sunday.

Connect to Holy Week: Bridge the message of Palm Sunday with the broader narrative of Holy Week, highlighting the journey from triumph to tragedy and ultimately to triumph again through Jesus' resurrection. Encourage the congregation to walk alongside Jesus throughout Holy Week, embracing the fullness of the gospel message.

Offer Encouragement and Hope: Conclude the sermon with words of encouragement and hope, reminding the congregation of the profound love and grace extended to them through Jesus' sacrifice. Encourage them to carry the spirit of Palm Sunday with them into the days ahead, living as faithful disciples of Christ.

By engaging the congregation with a rich exploration of the opening of Palm Sunday, you can help them connect more deeply with the significance of this pivotal moment in the Christian faith.

offering prayer

"Heavenly Father,

As we gather on this Palm Sunday to worship you, we come with hearts full of gratitude and adoration. We thank you for the abundance of blessings you have bestowed upon us, both spiritually and materially.

As we prepare to present our tithes and offerings to you, we do so with joyful hearts, recognizing that all we have comes from your hand. May these gifts we offer be used to further your kingdom here on earth, spreading the message of your love and grace to all people.

Bless these offerings, O Lord, and multiply them for the fulfillment of your purposes. May they be a source of hope, healing, and transformation in the lives of those in need.

We also lift up in prayer those who are facing financial challenges and hardships. May your provision be evident in their lives, and may they find strength and comfort in your unfailing love.

As we continue in our worship, may our hearts be open to receive your word and your presence among us. Guide us in living lives of generosity, compassion, and service, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ.

We offer this prayer in his holy and precious name.

Amen."