Description
Mark 14:1-15:47
Just a few chapters earlier in Mark 11, we read about Jesus’ triumphal entry where crowds waved palm branches and proclaimed Christ as the blessed one who came in the name of the Lord. Yet, in today’s passage, we see Mark recounting the important events surrounding the death of Jesus including the anointing at Bethany, the Last Supper, Judas betraying Jesus, the trial before Pontius Pilate, the crucifixion, and finally, Christ’s burial. This stark contrast between the initial praise Jesus received and the eventual crucifixion provokes us to examine our own postures toward Jesus on this Palm Sunday. Are you following Jesus out of genuine belief and conviction? Or are you swayed by popular opinion and external circumstances?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Hosanna!
Worshipers
Hosanna!
Pastor / Worship Leader
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Worshipers
Hosanna to God in the highest!
Time of Praise and Worship
Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
Paul Baloche & Brenton Brown, ©2005 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
King of My Heart
John Mark McMillan & Sarah McMillan, © Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Raucous Ruckus Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) McMillan, Sarah (Admin. by Moniker Music Group)
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Available on SongSelect.com and in many hymnals
[Traditional Options]
All Glory, Laud, and Honor
BH 91 126; CH 300; EH 154, 155; ELW 344; HWC 173; HFG 249; HLC 131; LBW 108; LSB 442; LW 102; NCH 216; PH 88; RH 155; UMH 280; WC 204; WR 265
A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
ELW 340; LBW 105; LSB 438; LW 111
No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet
HS 98 826; LSB 444
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Welcome to Palm Sunday when we remember the Lord’s triumphant entry on a lowly donkey but are faced with a paradox from triumph to the trial that led to Christ’s crucifixion. As we recount the Gospel of Mark and his retelling of the passion of Christ, let us posture ourselves in humility and gratitude.
Worshipers
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Holy Father, we are enamored with Jesus, our Savior, who through His death on the cross rescued and redeemed us from the chasm sin caused. We have been adopted as sons and daughters into Your Kingdom family because of Jesus. How great is Your love for us, and we bestow upon You our worship today, giving You our all because You deserve it.
Worshipers
May our worship be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight, O Lord. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we confess to you now and receive the forgiveness offered only through Jesus Christ.
Worshipers
Some of us have heard the account of Christ’s death and have become numb to its life-changing effect and transformative power. Forgive us, Lord, and give us fresh hearts, eyes, and minds to receive and believe Your Word.
Some of us have grown cold and believed the lies of the enemy. We’ve embraced apathy. Give us feet to stand in the name of Jesus Christ in Your truth. May our courage in You be stronger.
Some of us have a lukewarm faith, going with the flow of this culture and age, and have forgotten our first love- You, Jesus.
Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned. Forgive us our wayward ways and lead us into Yours. May we have unwavering faith in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Zechariah 9:9-12
Zechariah told of the coming humble king riding on a donkey, symbolizing peace and salvation for the people. This king would proclaim freedom for prisoners and restore God’s covenant with His people.
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. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. 11 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. 12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
