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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Go beyond Hosanna

Palm/Passion Sunday

Scriptures: Matthew 21:1–11/21:1–9 IV; Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Isaiah 50:4–9a/50:4–6 IV; Psalm 31:9–16; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 26:14—27:66/26:11—27:67 IV; III Nephi 8:30–41; Doctrine and Covenants 162:3

Sharing Christ’s Peace

Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God.—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b

Prelude

Procession of the Palm Leaves

Have members of the congregation (represented intergenerationally) carry in palm leaves and lay them in the aisles.

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you. His dominion shall be from sea to sea.
People: And from the river to the ends of the earth.
Leader: And the disciples began to rejoice and praise God, saying Hosanna!
People: Hosanna to the Son of David!
Leader: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!
People: Hosanna in the highest!
—Adapted from Zechariah 9:9–10, Matthew 21:9

*Hymn of Invocation

“Praise Him, Praise Him” HS 68
OR “Called by Christ to Love Each Other” SP 36

*Invocation

*Response

Focus Moment

Read “Holy Week,” Kneeling in Jerusalem, Ann Weems (Westminster John Knox Press, 1992), 67. Or summarize the events of Holy Week. This should be done only if you are not planning Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services.

Lenten Confession

Read or print in the bulletin Matthew 26:14–16, 20–23. Invite worshipers to consider ways they have betrayed Jesus and then pray silently for forgiveness.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Offertory stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/offertory to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 162:3

Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes

Scripture Lesson

Matthew 21:1–11

Hymn of Praise

“All Glory, Laud, and Honor” HS 23
OR “Beyond the Horizon” NS 5

Ministry of the Word

Based on Matthew 21:1–11/21:1–9 IV and/or Matthew 26:14—27:66/26:11—27:67 IV

Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn

“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” HS 477
OR “Shine, Jesus, Shine” NS 45

*Sending Forth

Go now, in the name of the one who set his face steadfastly toward Jerusalem. May you walk with Christ this week, facing its challenges with strength and the assurance that God is always at your side. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna!

*Postlude

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Matthew 21:1–11/21:1–9 IV; Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Isaiah 50:4–9a/50:4–6 IV; Psalm 31:9–16; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 26:14—27:66/26:11—27:67 IV; III Nephi 8:30–41; Doctrine and Covenants 162:3

Exploring the Scriptures

“Hosanna! Save us!” shouted the crowds at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11). Jesus is triumphant, not because he will be an earthly king, but because he has captured the hearts and imaginations of the people of Jerusalem with his humble ministry. Few among them, however, follow Jesus to the cross during that crucial time we now call Passion Week (Matthew 26:14—27:66). Being a disciple of Jesus requires more than shouts of “Hosanna!” It calls us to stand against institutional injustice and implement God’s shalom on earth. It calls us to stand and be counted among the disciples who are accused of following Jesus of Nazareth. This Sunday we are challenged to go beyond the human tendency to praise and wave palm fronds, beyond our good intentions and loud voices, beyond cowardice and betrayal—to true discipleship.

Central Ideas

1. True discipleship goes beyond celebration of Jesus as our Savior. It involves the hard work of trying to pattern our living after his example.

2. At the beginning of Passion Week, we claim our place in the crowds of Jerusalem, as we move from celebration to confusion, denial, and betrayal. We own the human tendency to forsake our discipleship when times are difficult. We rejoice that God’s forgiving grace is available to all who get lost traveling the path of the disciple.

Questions for the Speaker

1. Why is Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem labeled “triumphant”? In what ways does he represent victory?

2. Why is the Palm Sunday story still significant today? How does it apply to your life? to the life of your congregation?

3. How are you like the early disciples when it comes to Palm Sunday and Passion Week?

4. How would your city receive the “triumphal entry” of Jesus? What impact would his teachings have on government, centers of power, businesses, schools, etc.?

5. What about the Passion story is most meaningful to you? How does this affect your discipleship?

6. What are some of the ways that your congregation can “go beyond hosanna”?
    

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