SONG
The opening song is, ‘Hosanna, Hosanna’, performed by Vineyard Music. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKHwBamBSPk
Call to worship
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God. Hosanna in the highest!
You may like to light a candle at this time.
God’s truth is revealed in Jesus Christ the light of the world. May the light shine for the hope of the world.
Prayer
Let’s pray.
God of Eternal Love, You have called us to the planet to be a people of love, a people of justice and compassion, a people who have Jesus to show us the Way. You have called us to stand alongside the disadvantaged, speak out for the voiceless, sit with the lost and cry with the lonely and bereaved. You have called us to wave our palm branches and placards against corrupted powers that choose to dominate and control. And you call us to share the passion of Christ! Hosanna! Amen.
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from Matthew 21. Underneath there is also a video of a dramatic re-enactment of the last Passover meal from Matthew 26.
Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Dramatic reading from Lumo
Here is the dramatic re-enactment of the last Passover meal of Jesus by the Lumo group. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v6A9QHNxBc
Message
The message today is brought to you by Tim Jensen of the Saltbush Community. As he enters Jerusalem to waving branches and cloaks strewn on the ground, Jesus isn’t caught up in the adulation but continues to proclaim the reign of God. Even if it demands his life.
I wonder what your first thoughts were when you heard the word today? Where do you see yourself in the crowd? Where do you see the Church?
Before a time of prayer you may like to spend some time in silence sitting still. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Simply be still and open to God. You may prefer to do this while listening to the ‘Optional reflective music’ below.
Optional reflective music
If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftWREuAn1nM
Prayers for Others
Let us pray.
Gracious God, may we look at each other with your eyes of love and understanding, gently affirming the gifts of each person and open to receive new ideas.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
We pray that we will see people as your beloved children and listen to your guidance on how best to be in relationship for the enhancing of all lives.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
May we discern your ways in the communities in which we find ourselves, and walk alongside side those who are in need.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
Invite us to learn from the example of Jesus, to have courage and determination in the face of adversity, and do our best to nurture and grow all that is good in this life.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)
In this time of silence, we bring you the prayers of hearts ….. [silent prayer]
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Blessing
Let us go into this week remembering that Christ humbled himself, and was obedient to death, even death on a cross. And may the grace of Christ attend us, the love of God surround us, the Holy Spirit keep us, now and forever more.
Song
The closing song is “Hosanna (praise is rising)” by Paul Baloche. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAaQ5EEXidc&list=PLOSjz0-1slvQqySxiJdSGTNA5dhyvsM4I&index=5
Resources
The opening prayer is based on content in the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/palm-sunday-matthew-211-11/