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:  Isaiah 50:4-9                       

Servant Song.  Jesus offers Himself willingly as a suffering servant. 

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.