Description
Philippians 2:5-11
In surrender is victory. And least within the economy of grace. The eternal Christ, present before the foundation of the world, wrapped Himself in lowly flesh and become obedient. Who could look at Jesus, hanging on a cross, and envision the glory of God? And yet, through His obedience, Jesus received the name that is above every name. As we learn surrender, relinquishing all our vain attempts at self-glorification, self-righteousness, self-reliance, we receive the victory, and are named Children of God.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
Sing To The King
Billy James Foote, ©2003 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
Paul Baloche & Brenton Brown, ©2005 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
You’re Worthy Of My Praise
Daniel Ruis, ©1991 Maranatha Praise, Inc. (Admin. by Maranatha! Music) Shade Tree Music (Admin. by Maranatha! Music)
[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
Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW 264; LBW 26; LSB 343; LW 27
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
BH 91 130; CH 297; HWC 174; HFG 248; HLC 134; HGP 28; LSB 443; LW 106; NCH 213; PH 89; RH 154; STTL 217; WC 203; UMH 278; WAR 267; WHM 220
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor: Behold! The King comes!
ALL Riding on a donkey, a lowly beast of burden
Pastor: Behold! The King comes!
ALL Obedient unto death, He is crowned with thorns.
Pastor: Behold! The King comes!
ALL And every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Pastor: Here and now we are lifted up as we proclaim our baptism:
ALL In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Pastor Father, we gather in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Blessing and honor and power and might be to You, and the Lamb Who was slain. For Your Son emptied Himself, took on the form of servant, and became obedient unto death. In His faithful death, You have given Him the name that is above every name. Give to us the mind of Christ, that we might live in humility and service. In His name, and in the power of His Spirit, we pray.
ALL We confess, Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Behold! The King comes. And we are not prepared.
He comes, riding upon a donkey
ALL: And we look for Him in a parade.
Pastor: He comes, laid in a manger
ALL: And we look for Him in a palace.
Pastor: He comes, walking with fisherman and talking with prostitutes
ALL: And we look for Him in the temple.
Pastor: He comes, in the form of servant,
ALL: And we expect to be served.
Pastor: He comes, obedient unto death.
ALL: And we expect Him to lead the charge into victory.
Pastor: He comes, wearing a crown of thorns,
ALL: And we look for royal robes.
Pastor: He comes, and dies.
ALL: And we are silent.
Pastor: He comes, and calls us to follow.
ALL: And we are afraid.
Pastor: Behold! The King comes.
(a brief silence)
Hear the Good News. The King has come. Jesus humbled Himself, took the form of a servant and was obedient unto death. In that death, we are forgiven. He rose again, that we might live as people of God.
Therefore, God has highly exalted Him, and given Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, and every tongue confess:
ALL Jesus Christ is Lord!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12
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. 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.
