Rev. Franke's Theme Thoughts

Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion, Series A April 17, 2011

Lessons for the Sunday of the Passion
Processional: John 12:12-19 ~ The Triumphal Entry of the Lord’s Messiah
Isaiah 50:4–9a ~ Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty?
Psalm 118:19–29 (ant. v. 26) or Psalm 31:9–16 (ant. v. 5)
Philippians 2:5–11 ~ At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bend and every tongue confess.
Matthew 26:1–27:66 ~ The Passion of our Lord
or Matthew 27:11-66 (shortened alternative)

GATHERING THE TEXTS: “In Lowly Pomp, Ride on to Die!”
Traditionally Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but already the lessons look forward to His Passion or suffering and death. As in Isaiah’s third Servant Song, Jesus “set His face like flint” against the suffering that lay ahead of Him beyond the palm branches and hosannas. Having taken the form of a servant, Jesus humbled Himself even to death on the cross. By His obedient sacrifice for the sins of all the world, He is proclaimed Lord of all, to the glory of God the Father!

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Lord Jesus, most humble King, with songs of praise I welcome you! Yet, like the crowds in Jerusalem so long ago, I would like to see you rule without the suffering of the cross. Help me embrace the crucifixion as your gift of love to me and all sinners. Help me be a faithful witness to your death for the redemption of the world. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: The greatest blessings in our lives are not the material things we work so hard to have, but rather the relationships that express and are fulfilled by love. Jesus has filled our lives with His love as He humbled Himself to lift us up. Whatever we can do to share His love is done with bended knee and praising tongue.

OFFERING PRAYER: With bending knee and praising tongue, O Lord,
Enable us to bless Your holy name,
And with these gifts, ease burdens that are hard,
So all may know that Christ has borne our blame.

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: With the crowds in the streets of Jerusalem and the courtyard of Pilate’s Praetorium, we are too easily influenced by personal advantage, and willingly sacrifice integrity and compassion for power and prestige. For our advantage, Jesus willingly sacrificed power and position to exercise integrity and practice compassion. We are promised that His blood is upon us to make us holy in God’s sight!