"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
In this sermon, we ask Jesus to show us how to balance celebration and grief as He journeyed through his last week on earth.
Call to worship (Psalm 118):
Leader: The Lord is my strength and my song and has given me victory. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! I will live to tell what the Lord has done!
All: God’s faithful love endures forever!
Leader: Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer!
All: God’s faithful love endures forever!
Leader: “Tis is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. You are my God, and I will praise you! Give thanks to the Lord, whose faithful love endures forever!”
All: God’s faithful love endures forever!
Love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples. JOHN 13:34-35
Here Are 4 Ways We Can Choose Love in this time.
1. Encourage one another.
2. Support each other
3. Love each other.
4. Point each other to Jesus.
Prayer of Confession:
Leader: O God, we come to you as the people who greeted Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, full of joy and praise and thanksgiving. Forgive us for the times we forget to show you our gratitude. Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy on us
Leader: We come as the people who were baffled when they realized how quickly their joy was turned to sorrow for you. Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord have mercy on us
Leader: We come, wanting to be with you as you enter the time and place of your death, knowing we cannot face this week alone. Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord have mercy on us
Benediction
May you find the balance you need in the ups and downs of your life, and may you have the courage to keep walking with Jesus. Go in peace to continue your walk with Jesus.
