Reflecting on the Duality of Palm Sunday
Summary
As we gather on this Palm Sunday, we embark on a journey through Holy Week, a time of deep spiritual reflection and celebration. This week is marked by significant events, beginning with the joyous entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where crowds hailed Him with shouts of "Hosanna." Yet, as we know, these cries of praise would soon turn to calls for crucifixion. This duality of celebration and impending sacrifice invites us to reflect on the nature of Jesus' mission and the kingdom He proclaimed—a kingdom not of military might, but of peace and humility.
Throughout Lent, our community has engaged in acts of generosity and service, embodying the spirit of Christ's teachings. We've raised funds for widows in Kenya, supported foster care initiatives, and participated in retreats that foster spiritual growth and community. These acts of service remind us of the cost of discipleship and the rewards of living in alignment with Christ's example.
As we consider the events of Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the two parades that took place in Jerusalem: one of Roman power and dominance, and the other of Jesus' peaceful procession. These contrasting parades symbolize the choice we face between the world's way of power and the way of Christ's love and humility. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a deliberate act, fulfilling prophecy and challenging the oppressive structures of His time.
This week, we are called to discern when to raise our voices against injustice and when to embrace the power of silence. Jesus exemplified this balance, choosing moments to speak and moments to remain silent, ultimately demonstrating that true power lies in love and sacrifice. As we journey through Holy Week, let us be mindful of the significance of each day, culminating in the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Key Takeaways:
- The Duality of Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of both celebration and reflection on Jesus' journey to the cross. The cries of "Hosanna" remind us of the joy of His arrival, yet foreshadow the sacrifice to come. This duality invites us to consider the cost of discipleship and the nature of Christ's kingdom. [18:04]
- Acts of Generosity and Service: Throughout Lent, our community has engaged in acts of service, raising funds and supporting various causes. These actions reflect the teachings of Christ and remind us of the rewards of living a life of generosity and compassion. [43:36]
- Two Parades, Two Kingdoms: On Palm Sunday, two parades took place in Jerusalem: one of Roman power and one of Jesus' peaceful procession. These parades symbolize the choice between the world's way of power and the way of Christ's love and humility. [53:07]
- The Power of Silence and Speech: Jesus demonstrated the importance of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. His intentional silence during Holy Week highlights the power of presence and the strength found in humility and love. [01:00:26]
- Embracing the Journey of Holy Week: As we journey through Holy Week, we are invited to reflect on the significance of each day, culminating in the celebration of the resurrection. This journey calls us to be present in each moment, embracing the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the hope of His resurrection. [56:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [18:04] - Palm Sunday Call to Worship
- [29:49] - Worship Through Song
- [43:36] - Acts of Generosity and Service
- [48:40] - The Two Parades
- [53:07] - Jesus' Peaceful Procession
- [56:30] - The Power of Silence
- [01:00:26] - Reflecting on Holy Week
- [01:03:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 19:29-40 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
2. Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King coming on a colt
3. John 3:16 - The message of God's love and eternal life
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the colt, and how did they respond? ([48:40])
2. How did the crowd react as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and what were they proclaiming? ([48:40])
3. What was the significance of the two parades mentioned in the sermon, and how did they differ? ([53:07])
4. How did Jesus demonstrate the balance between speaking and remaining silent during Holy Week? ([01:00:26])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the duality of Palm Sunday reveal about the nature of Jesus' mission and the kingdom He proclaimed? ([18:04])
2. How do the acts of generosity and service during Lent reflect the teachings of Christ, and what impact do they have on the community? ([43:36])
3. In what ways do the two parades symbolize the choice between worldly power and Christ's love and humility? ([53:07])
4. How does Jesus' intentional silence during Holy Week highlight the power of presence and humility? ([01:00:26])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the duality of Palm Sunday. How can you embrace both celebration and sacrifice in your own spiritual journey? ([18:04])
2. Consider the acts of generosity and service mentioned in the sermon. What is one specific way you can serve your community this week? ([43:36])
3. The sermon mentioned two parades representing different kingdoms. Which parade do you find yourself following more often, and why? ([53:07])
4. Jesus demonstrated when to speak and when to remain silent. In your life, how do you discern when to raise your voice against injustice and when to embrace silence? ([01:00:26])
5. As you journey through Holy Week, what specific practices can you incorporate to be more mindful of each day's significance? ([56:30])
6. How can you embody the spirit of Christ's kingdom of peace and humility in your daily interactions with others? ([53:07])
7. Reflect on the power of silence. Is there a situation in your life where you need to embrace silence to allow God's presence to speak? ([01:00:26])
Devotional
Day 1: The Duality of Palm Sunday
As we begin Holy Week, Palm Sunday presents a profound duality. It is a day of celebration, marked by Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where He was greeted with shouts of "Hosanna." Yet, this joy is tempered by the knowledge of the sacrifice that lies ahead. This duality invites us to reflect on the cost of discipleship and the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not one of earthly power but of peace and humility. The cries of "Hosanna" foreshadow the impending crucifixion, reminding us that following Christ involves both joy and sacrifice. As we meditate on this, we are called to consider what it means to truly follow Jesus in a world that often values power over humility. [18:04]
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace both the joy and the sacrifice of following Jesus in your daily life this week?
Day 2: Acts of Generosity and Service
Throughout Lent, our community has engaged in acts of generosity and service, embodying the teachings of Christ. These actions, such as raising funds for widows in Kenya and supporting foster care initiatives, remind us of the rewards of living a life of compassion and selflessness. By serving others, we align ourselves with Christ's example and experience the joy that comes from giving. This week, let us continue to seek opportunities to serve and reflect on how our actions can make a difference in the lives of those around us. [43:36]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: Identify one specific act of service you can perform this week to reflect Christ's love to someone in need.
Day 3: Two Parades, Two Kingdoms
On Palm Sunday, two contrasting parades took place in Jerusalem: one of Roman power and dominance, and the other of Jesus' peaceful procession. These parades symbolize the choice we face between the world's way of power and the way of Christ's love and humility. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a deliberate act that challenged the oppressive structures of His time, inviting us to consider which kingdom we choose to align ourselves with. As we reflect on this, let us examine our own lives and the ways in which we can choose the path of love and humility over power and dominance. [53:07]
Matthew 21:5 (ESV): "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to seek power or control? How can you choose the way of Christ's humility instead?
Day 4: The Power of Silence and Speech
Jesus demonstrated the importance of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent during Holy Week. His intentional silence at times highlighted the power of presence and the strength found in humility and love. This balance between speech and silence invites us to discern when to raise our voices against injustice and when to embrace the power of silence. As we journey through this week, let us seek wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to listen, following Jesus' example of love and sacrifice. [01:00:26]
Ecclesiastes 3:7 (ESV): "A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you need to decide whether to speak up or remain silent. How can you seek God's guidance in making this decision?
Day 5: Embracing the Journey of Holy Week
As we journey through Holy Week, we are invited to reflect on the significance of each day, culminating in the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. This journey calls us to be present in each moment, embracing the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the hope of His resurrection. By engaging with the events of this week, we deepen our understanding of Jesus' mission and the kingdom He proclaimed. Let us take time each day to meditate on the events of Holy Week, allowing them to transform our hearts and draw us closer to Christ. [56:30]
Luke 24:6-7 (ESV): "He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine this week to reflect on the events of Holy Week and their significance in your life?
Quotes
"If you're unfamiliar with that, you'll see a QR code that is there on the little green sheets that are in the pew rack. Really, here, that's the easiest way to do it. You can get it off the screen. But if you'll use that and use that to connect with us and provide your information, that's greatly helpful. But let's talk about this week and what is happening. Of course, we're starting today on Palm Sunday. But on Thursday evening here in the sanctuary at 7 o'clock, we will have a Maundy Thursday service in which we will take Holy Communion and remember the Last Supper with Jesus. And then on Good Friday, which is the next day, the Stations of the Cross will be spread throughout the sanctuary. The church will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can come at any time during that time and just use that as a personal devotion time to go through those stages and to remember Jesus' passion and his crucifixion." [00:12:22] (63 seconds)
"Throughout the season of Lent, we have been having a 40 days of sharing where we've been collecting items, volunteering in organizations, and raising money for various organizations. And so thank you so much for your generosity through that. Yesterday, we had a group of our men who went out to Goshen Valley. You might remember earlier in the year, if you were here, that we heard from some folks at Goshen Valley. We had a foster care awareness Sunday. And following up on that, we had someone come and talk to us about the ministry of foster care. Goshen does an incredible job. And as I said, we had a few of our men who went out and volunteered there yesterday. And I think we have a video to celebrate that." [00:14:47] (55 seconds)
"It's a day of celebration. It's where Holy Week begins. This is a very spiritual and sacred time and a journey. Sometimes if we just come on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, we miss the stuff that happens in between. And so regardless of whether or not you can attend those services, I encourage you to be mindful of this week and what it represents and means to us as Christian people." [00:17:21] (27 seconds)
"Yet even as we shout, we remember Jesus entered in humility, not conquest. He was a different kind of kingdom, a different kind of power. The crowds rejoiced, but Jesus remained silent, steady, resolute. There is wisdom in knowing when to shout and when to be still. As we step into this Holy Week, may we bring all that we are, our praise, our grief, our hopes, and our fears. Let our voices rise in worship, and our hearts rest in God's presence." [00:18:33] (43 seconds)
"So we begin with the parade in which we are invited to participate. It's like the Conyers parade. Everybody is in the parade. And we're also intentional about the shouting and silence as we look through the scripture in this week. Jesus, of course, was very intentional about everything he said and did. But on this week, it's very interesting to note and watch Jesus of when he chose to speak and when he chose to remain silent." [00:49:54] (37 seconds)
"And so on this day, on this day of parades, it's important to remember that there really wasn't just one parade in Jerusalem that day. There were actually two parades. Because this was the beginning of the Passover week. The city of Jerusalem at that time, historians tell us, would have been about 25,000 to 50,000 people that lived there. In the city of Jerusalem proper at that time, which for that time was a pretty big town, pretty big city actually. But on Passover, people would come from all over, pilgrims, Jewish people from all over would come to this, their holy city to celebrate the Passover. It was an important pilgrimage for them to make. And so during this time, the city population would rise to about 150 to 200,000 people." [00:51:04] (63 seconds)
"On the other side of town, Jesus is coming down from the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley as he comes in. And Jesus is very intentional. It's why he sends a head for this colt, this donkey, this foe, so that he can fulfill this prophecy from the Old Testament. And as the people are riding along, they are saying, what? Hail Jesus. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Which means, Lord, save us. Save us from what? Save us from this Roman oppression. For many there, it was a political parade." [00:54:11] (47 seconds)
"Jesus showed us God's love by leading nonviolent, love-motivated resistance to the oppressive power structures. And this didn't go over well with those zealots and people like Judas because they wanted him to show the force, to take on Rome. But that was not Jesus' way. Jesus stood in solidarity with those who are marginalized by the suppressive, oppressive power structures that were of that time. As he came down that hill that day from across the Kidron Valley, you know, I remind you that they were looking for a different kind of king. Many of them were, and they were expecting something else." [00:56:52] (47 seconds)
"Jesus says to them, I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out. Now, I think I might have said this in an earlier Palm Sunday sermon, but this verse is particularly impactful when you think about the location and where it was. Jesus often used things right around him to make illustrations. The Kidron Valley, Israel in general, is a very, very rocky place. There's an old Jewish fable that says that when God was creating the world, he flew over and he had 10 bags of rocks, and he dropped one over most of the rest of the world, and he dropped nine on the country of Israel. It's a very, very rocky place." [00:58:30] (49 seconds)
"And so as these disciples and this crowd, and let me just say this, Jesus is coming up on the poor side of the town. This is where the, you know, the most oppressed people, the most marginalized people would have lived. Those who were following Jesus and had heard of his miracles and thinking, finally, maybe some relief is coming. Because they were only oppressed by Rome, which taxed the fool out of them, but also the religious authorities and Pharisees and Sadducees and temple priests who charged them a temple tax for their atonement of sins." [00:59:51] (41 seconds)
"In the midst of the noise though at this point Jesus himself remains mostly silent he does not rouse the crowd or call for action he does not defend himself or argue with the Pharisees his silence is powerful and purposeful now he will raise his voice later in the week I'm aware one time was the next day when he went to the temple and he overthrew the tables that the money changers they had there is Jesus stood up for the oppressed and those that had been kept away because of those finances but Jesus largely throughout this week watch it as you read through devotionally this week watch it as we get into Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Jesus himself is largely quiet and silent and there is power power in that silence Palm Sunday invites us to consider when our voices are needed and when silence speaks louder for all of us there may be a line in the sand of when we speak up against the injustices for some of us what is that line for you for Jesus it was that money changers in the temple what might it be for us we would stand up against empires there are moments when we must cry out against injustice raise our voices in praise and proclaim the good news of Christ but there are also moments when we must listen we must be still and allows God presence to speak in ways that are beyond words actions how we live our lives how we resist oppression speak louder than words and so two parades two parades which parade are you following in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen let's pray" [01:00:31] (159 seconds)
"God Palm Sunday is is such a beautiful celebratory day we love waving the palm branches we love seeing the children we love all the celebration that's followed with it Lord and rightly so it rightly so because we know now about Easter Sunday we know that Hosanna Lord save us is actually something that you fulfilled but help us to be mindful and to be in the text and in the context of the day to realize what lay ahead for Jesus and each day as we progress through this holy week Lord might we feel the presence of Jesus the man who bore our sins knew our sorrows help us and as we prepare to to come to his table on Maundy Thursday to be at the cross on Good Friday help us to be in each moment of those days so that as we as we gather here next Sunday we can celebrate the good news the glorious news of the resurrection that he has risen indeed in the name of Jesus we pray amen amen" [01:03:51] (93 seconds)
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