April 13th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"THE KING COMES: PALM SUNDAY PARADOX" (Luke 19:28-40)

Lectionary Readings — Sixth Sunday in Lent — April 13, 2025 — Liturgy of the Palms

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Luke 19:28-40

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 19:28-40)

Leader: Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

People: When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, he sent two of the disciples.

Leader: "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden."

People: "Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'"

Leader: They brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.

People: As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.

Leader: 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:

People: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"

Leader: Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop."

People: He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

All: Today, with hearts full of praise, we join our voices with those disciples. We will not be silent! We will worship the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

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Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29)

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God,

On this Palm Sunday, we gather as your people, echoing the words of the psalmist: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Let all who worship you declare this truth: your steadfast love endures forever.

Open to us the gates of righteousness, that we might enter and give thanks to you. As we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, we join our voices with those who lined the streets waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!" We proclaim with them, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Lord, you are our God, and we give thanks to you. You have answered us and become our salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is your doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that you have made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. As we begin this Holy Week journey, let our "Hosannas" be genuine. May we follow Christ not just in moments of triumph, but through the valley of suffering that lies ahead.

Bind our festival procession with branches in hand as we approach your altar. You are our God, and we will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "THE KING COMES: PALM SUNDAY PARADOX" (Luke 19:28-40)

Introduction:

• Setting the scene: The sixth Sunday in Lent, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week

• The significance of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem as both fulfillment of prophecy and prelude to passion

• Thesis: Jesus's triumphal entry reveals the paradoxical nature of his kingship - a kingdom that defies expectations and transforms our understanding of power, praise, and purpose

I. PREPARATION - The Careful Arrangements (vv. 28-34)

• The deliberate nature of Jesus's instructions - he orchestrates his entrance

  • The specific details about the colt: "that has never been ridden"

  • The precise words to say: "The Lord needs it"

• Connection to Zechariah 9:9 prophecy: "humble and riding on a donkey"

• Theological significance: Jesus as the sovereign who plans his own coronation and passion

• Application: God's sovereignty doesn't exclude human participation - Jesus involves disciples in his work

II. PROCLAMATION - The Crowd's Acclamation (vv. 35-38)

• The significance of spreading cloaks - a royal welcome

• The spontaneous praise from the disciples

• Analysis of their words:

  • "Blessed is the king" - political language in a Roman-occupied territory

  • "In the name of the Lord" - divine authorization

  • "Peace in heaven" - cosmic implications of Jesus's kingship

• The irony: those who truly understand are celebrating, while those who miss it will soon call for crucifixion

• Application: True worship recognizes Jesus for who he truly is, not who we want him to be

III. PROTEST - The Critical Accusation (v. 39)

• The Pharisees' objection: political danger and theological concern

• Their request reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus's mission

• The tension between religious establishment and Jesus's kingdom movement

• Application: How religious traditions can sometimes become obstacles to recognizing God's work

IV. PERSISTENCE - The Certain Affirmation (v. 40)

• Jesus's remarkable response: "The stones will cry out"

• The inevitability of praise - creation itself recognizes its King

• The paradox: the most powerful statement in the passage is about what didn't happen

• Connection to Luke's theme of salvation extending beyond traditional boundaries

• Application: God's purposes will be accomplished, with or without our participation

CONCLUSION

• The Palm Sunday paradox: The King who comes in humility

• The invitation to join in authentic praise - not based on misconceptions, but on Jesus's true identity

• The call to follow Jesus through Holy Week - beyond the "Hosannas" to the cross and empty tomb

• Closing challenge: Will our praise persist when the crowd turns? Will we recognize the King even when he comes in unexpected ways?

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers