April 13th Virtual Worship with Confirmation
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, April 13, 2025 Palm Sunday
Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-10
Sermon: Hosanna!
Mark 11:1-10
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Key Idea of the Sermon
Jesus is loyal to the reign of God not to Rome, which is why a Roman cross awaits Jesus on the Friday of Holy Week. Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem demonstrates the stark difference between God’s reign and the human exercise of power. Rather than using power for personal gain, God comes in Jesus to serve rather than be served. As a result, Jesus enters Jerusalem as a humble servant-leader who seeks reconciliation through Divine grace.
Questions for Reflection
• Jesus sends two disciples ahead to prepare for the procession into Jerusalem. How is Jesus calling you to make ready for greater faithfulness during Holy Week?
• “Hosanna” is a petition to God for deliverance and salvation from that which oppresses. From what do you need God’s deliverance and salvation?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
During Lent we studied the key stories of Jesus’ final week as presented by Mark. Those passages included: today’s story, Mark 12:13-17, Mark 12:18-27, Mark 12:28-34, Mark 12:41-44, and Mark 14:3-9. Choose one of these stories to go deeper with a practice called lectio divina (reading with the Spirit). First, read the story slowly a couple times with an effort to put yourself into the story by imagining the sights and sounds and people involved. Then pause for a prayer, asking God to lift-up for you a word, phrase, or idea that you need in your life. Read the story again slowly and prayerfully, paying attention to a word, phrase, or idea that God emphasizes for you. Then, apply that word, phrase, or idea to your life and give thanks for the mysterious and kind way God is working for good in your life.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
