Palm Sunday

March 26, 2015
Opening Hymns:
278 Hosanna Loud Hosanna http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh278.sht

Scripture Reading:
Mark 11:1-11
11:1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples

11:2 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.

11:3 If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'"

11:4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it,

11:5 some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"

11:6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.

11:7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it.

11:8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.

11:9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

11:10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

11:11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Message:
Palm Sunday seems so out of place to me… During lent our focus is on Jesus’ love and sacrifice. During lent people fast, and try to focus their hearts on God. Palm Sunday feels like a celebration that’s come too soon. It makes me cringe to think of the people turning against Him after they gave Him such a warm welcome. How could they do that?

But perhaps they’re not the only ones. There are times in our lives when we fervently seek out God’s will. There are times when we praise Him… But, I know for myself that I have times when get upset at God. I question why things happen the way they do in the world. I’ve sinned, and turned away from Him as well.

Even though we may struggle through the trials and challenges of this world, the Lord will be with us. We have all sinned, but God offers forgiveness. He forgave Peter who denied Him, He forgives the crowd that turned against Him… and He forgives us now, though we too have fallen short.   

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for us for our sins. Forgive us when we forget to walk in Your ways. Guide us and lead us all of our days. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
355 Depth of Mercy http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh355.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.