April 10th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship - Palm Sunday |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Luke 19:29-40 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: When Should I Keep Quiet and When Should I Shout Out? |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Luke Poses Questions to Ponder: When Should I Keep Quiet and When Should I Shout Out?
When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
[Reading above - Luke 19:29-40]
Luke tells of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in his own way. There is no mention of leafy branches or palm branches. Luke does not cite Hebrew scriptures as the lens through which to understand the parade. Though Jewish readers steeped in messianic expectation would have been able to read between the lines. And Luke proclaims a cosmic Christ, a Christ of each nation and all nations, a Christ of the heavens and the earth. This is why Luke includes a fascinating detail not mentioned by the other gospel writers: if the people did not shout Jesus’ praises the stones throughout Jerusalem were prepared to break into song.
Questions for Reflection:
How does Psalm 148 connect with Luke’s unique detail of the stones crying out?
How do Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9:9-11, shed light on the significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?
Pilate would have entered Jerusalem at this same time in order to squelch any uprising that might have grown out of the Passover celebration of Divine deliverance and liberation. Pilate spilled blood to keep the “peace”. Jesus offered his own blood as an act of redemption for all of creation. What do your words and actions reveal about your allegiance? Are you shouting out in joy for Pilate or Jesus?
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. Try this practice with today’s scripture lesson. At the beginning of the week please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. At the end of the week look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Sermon title and text for April 17th:
Luke 24:1-12 | Where Do I Find the Risen One?
