Your March 24th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

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Lectionary Readings — Liturgy of the Palms — March 24, 2024

Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29; Mark 11:1-11

Note: We are focusing solely on the Liturgy of the Palms readings in our resources this week.

Lectionary Readings — Liturgy of the Passion — March 24, 2024

Isaiah50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47)

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Call to Worship (based on Mark 11:1-11)

Leader: As we gather this Palm Sunday, let us remember the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a colt, as crowds spread their cloaks on the road and waved branches, shouting:

People: "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Leader: Today, we join with those ancient voices, celebrating the coming King, Jesus Christ, who comes not in worldly power, but in humility and peace.

People: "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Leader: Let us worship God, who sent His Son not to conquer with might, but to offer Himself for the sake of the world.

People: Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

All: Let us enter into worship with joyful hearts, ready to lay down our lives as a pathway for our King, echoing the praises of all who welcomed Him into Jerusalem. Hosanna! Let us worship Christ the Lord!

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

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, echoing the psalmist’s proclamation, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!” We declare, alongside Your faithful from all generations, that Your love knows no bounds, Your mercy is unending, and Your faithfulness stretches to the skies.

Lord, as we stand at the gates of righteousness, we ask for the grace to enter through, to abide in Your presence where we find true joy and peace. Open to us the gates of righteousness, that we may come in and give thanks to You, for You are our salvation, the cornerstone that the builders rejected, which has become the chief cornerstone of our lives.

In moments of triumph and in times of trial, let our hearts always say, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Help us, O God, to see Your hand at work in all things, to recognize Your blessings, and to respond with unceasing praise.

We pray for those among us who are facing challenges, who find it hard to see the reason for rejoicing. May Your steadfast love be their comfort, and Your promises their hope. Lead us in Your paths of righteousness, and guide us to live lives that reflect Your love and grace to others.

As we wave our palms and lay down our cloaks, symbolizing our allegiance and love for You, remind us of the humble King who rode into Jerusalem, not to conquer with force but to reign in our hearts with peace. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! We join our voices with the saints of old and the heavenly host, praising Your name and celebrating the salvation You offer.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we pray. Amen.

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

Title: The Unexpected King – Mark 11:1-11

Introduction:

• Begin with the anticipation that fills Jerusalem as Passover approaches. The city is abuzz with expectation, perhaps for a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. Into this charged atmosphere, Jesus enters, not with an army, but riding on a humble colt.

I. Preparation for the King (Mark 11:1-6)

• Point: Jesus' meticulous instructions for securing the colt demonstrate His sovereignty over events. This preparation fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and showcases Jesus as a king who is in control, yet chooses humility.

• Application: Reflect on how we prepare our hearts for Jesus' kingship. Do we expect a conquering hero, or are we ready to welcome a king who rules with love and humility?

II. A King's Welcome (Mark 11:7-10)

• Point: The crowd's actions—spreading cloaks on the road and waving branches—symbolize royal honor and victory. The shouts of "Hosanna!" express a cry for salvation, acknowledging Jesus as the Davidic Messiah who comes in the name of the Lord.

• Application: Consider our response to Jesus' lordship. Do we honor Him with our lives and recognize Him as our savior? Discuss the significance of Palm Sunday as a declaration of Jesus' kingship and our call to live in His victory.

III. The Nature of His Kingdom (Mark 11:11)

• Point: Jesus' destination, the temple, signifies His concern for spiritual, not political, liberation. His inspection of the temple hints at His mission to cleanse and renew Israel's faith. Jesus presents a different kind of kingship—one focused on spiritual restoration.

• Application: Explore the implications of Jesus' focus on spiritual renewal for our lives. How does His example challenge our expectations of power and success? Encourage the congregation to seek transformation in their spiritual lives, prioritizing the values of Jesus' kingdom.

IV. The Response to His Rule (Personal Reflection)

• Point: The crowd's enthusiasm on Palm Sunday contrasts sharply with the rejection Jesus faces later in the week. This shift reveals the fickle nature of human loyalty and the challenge of accepting Jesus' kingship on His terms.

• Application: Encourage personal examination of our loyalty to Christ. Are we fair-weather followers, or are we committed to Jesus even when His path leads to sacrifice? Challenge the congregation to deepen their commitment to Christ, embracing His call to take up their cross daily.

Conclusion:

• Palm Sunday invites us to recognize and celebrate Jesus as our king, but it also challenges us to understand the nature of His kingship. As we enter Holy Week, let us reflect on the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the true meaning of His rule in our lives. May we be faithful followers who honor Him not just with our lips but with our lives, embracing the unexpected king and His upside-down kingdom.

Closing Prayer:

• Pray for the grace to welcome Jesus into every area of our lives, to honor Him as our king, and to live according to the values of His kingdom. Ask for the strength to remain steadfast in faith, even when the path of discipleship demands sacrifice.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers