Palm Sunday and & The Passion of Our Lord - Online Worship - March 28, 2021

refrain:
All, glory, laud, and honor
To you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children,
Made sweet hosannas ring.

vs. 1
You are the King of Israel,
And David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming,
Our King and Blessed One.

(refrain)

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna to the Son of David!

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

Let us pray:

We praise you and thank you, our God, for your great acts of love to redeem us and to save us. As we remember your triumphant entry into Jerusalem, let us also remember your faithful passion to complete the Father’s mission of salvation. Jesus, you knew what would happen that week, and still you went forward. By your simple power and grace, bless us with faith to hold these branches, to lift up your name, with hearts full of praise, to see God’s grace through your trial, death and resurrection. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!

vs. 1
Hosanna, Hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna, Hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Lord we lift up your name,
With hearts full of praise:
Be exalted, oh, Lord my God!
Hosanna in the highest!

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

We gather today, to remember God’s power and renewing grace in the passion and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ; so we worship in the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.

“Jesus withdrew from the disciples, he knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will be done but your will be done.’”

Friends in Christ, let us offer silent prayers of confession and strength to stay awake and to keep watch through this Holy Week.

(silence for reflection)

Faithful Jesus, keep us faithful, grace us this week through your sacrifice, to be there with you in prayer and discipleship.

vs. 1
Were you thereW
When they crucified my Lord?
Were you there
When they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me
To tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there
When they crucified my Lord?

“One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus said, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’ The other protested saying, ‘Do you not fear God? We have been condemned justly and are getting what we deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”

Friends, trust when you call on Jesus you are remembered, when you feel far away from him, he is chasing after you.  Jesus today, we confess we are not always there for you, we do not always call on your name.  We thank you through your sacrifice and passion you tell us, “Today we are with you in paradise.”

vs. 2
Were you there
When they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there
When they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me
To tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there
When they nailed him to the tree?

“Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he died. When the centurion saw this, he praised God and said, ‘Surely this man was innocent.’”

Friends of the Savior, today we remember Jesus’ sacrifice included taking the form of a servant, laying down his life for his friends, and being obedient to the Father, even unto death. In the life-changing, amazing power and grace of our Savior, the message of the week to come is, this: God in Jesus Christ saves you, and Jesus, truly and completely, forgives you of all your sins, blessing you to more passionately trust God alone will be there with you, one and all!

vs. 3
Were you there
When they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there
When they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me
To tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there
When they laid him in the tomb?

Almighty God, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to be there for us, to take our lives upon himself as he went forward into Jerusalem to suffer death on the cross. Grant that through your passion and grace, we might receive mercy and faith for all eternity. In all that you finish, bless us anew by your grace alone. Give us courage and strength this week to be there for you, to obediently stay close to you, as we look to the glory of the resurrection. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes, and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the festival, he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For Pilate realized it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. Pilate spoke to the people again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call, the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!”

In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!

(New Revised Standard Version)

PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11; MATTHEW 21:1-11; MARK 15:1-39

“Where did that come from?”  Has something ever changed so quickly it surprised you?  Has someone ever done something so inconsistent, so unexpected, you did not see it coming?  Where did the Palm Sunday celebration go?  Did we miss something?  How did the faithful `Hosanna’ voices change so quickly to `Crucify’?  This week is about change.  This week changes just about everything.  Jesus came with passion not to change salvation, but to complete it.  Jesus came to endure the passion of his suffering so no matter how loud or how often `Crucify him’ is shouted, God’s grace alone would shout louder and longer.  Jesus’ passion is to change judgment into forgiveness, to change death into life, to change despair into hope, to change searching into truth!  As we share Holy Week, let us passionately trust The One who is faithfully passionate and gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love!  Journey this week, all eternity, in the passion of God’s grace alone!

1. Sometimes things happen so quickly, so unexpectedly, so inconsistently, that we find ourselves asking, `Where did that come from?’  `Was I suppose to see that coming?’  `Did I miss something?’ Matthew 21:1-11; Philippians 2:5, 7-8; Mark 15:13-15, 31-32

A. Where did Palm Sunday go?  It was here a moment ago.

B. Where did Judas and Peter and the others go?  They were here a moment ago.

C. Where did I go?  I was here a moment ago.

2. Jesus comes to change things, to makes things happen quickly.  Jesus came with passion not to change salvation, but to complete God’s gifts of salvation, forgiveness, hope and so much more, in God’s grace alone, in Jesus Christ!
Matthew 21:3; Philippians 2:7-8; Mark15:1-39

A. Jesus endures the passion of his suffering to beat suffering, to change what needed changing, to turn our heads and hearts, to help us see the unexpected, to know and believe forever: `Where did that come from?’  God’s grace in Christ alone!

i. Christ alone endures the passion of his suffering to change death into life.

ii. Christ alone endures the passion of his suffering to change judgment into forgiveness.

iii. Christ alone endures the passion of his suffering to change placing guilt and blame into accepting grace!

B. Christ alone endures the passion of his suffering so we know where grace comes from, where life comes from, where God’s need for us comes from, where passion and truth come from!

3. Return to The Lord your God!  God in grace is passionate about you! Jesus endures the passion of his suffering, so no matter how loud or how often `Crucify him’ is shouted, God’s grace would shout louder and longer!  This week, stay close to The One who passionately stays close to you in Christ alone!  Stay here and keep watch!  Know and believe, where it all comes from; you are alive and anew in the passion of God’s grace alone!
Philippians 2:9-11; Mark 15:38-39

Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.

Satan,
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down.
Satan,
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down.
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world;
Satan,
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down.

Satan,
We’re gonna pray your kingdom down.
Satan,
We’re gonna sing your kingdom down.
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world;
Satan,
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down.

Satan,
The cross has torn your kingdom down.
Satan,
The cross has torn your kingdom down.
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world;
Satan,
The cross has torn your kingdom down.

... as we pray to you, Jesus, . . . 

Worship Leaders Sing:

Jesus, remember me,
When you come into your Kingdom,
Jesus, remember me,
When you come into your Kingdom.

All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, and in the power and passion of your grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Holy Communion will take place after the closing Benediction. If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.

In order to better serve you in this troubling times, the way we receive Communion has changed slightly. You will be offered a self-contained Communion serving. Each capsule has two layers. The first layer is a thin, clear, cellophane layer which reveals the host. Under the second layer you will find the alcohol free juice. Volunteers will be happy to take you waste after you receive Communion.

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Again after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.

Friends, return to The Lord your God with all your heart; be alive and anew; take hold of the simple power and passion of God’s grace alone! The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor, and give you his peace. May one and all follow The Christ this week with renewed passion! In the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

vs. 1
Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again.
Increase in us, we pray.
Unveil why we’re made.
Come set our hearts
Ablaze with hope,
Like wildfire in our very souls;
Holy Spirit, come,
Invade us now.
We are Your church;
We need Your pow’r in us.

vs. 2
We seek Your kingdom first.
We hunger and we thirst;
Refuse to waste our lives,
For You’re our joy and prize.
To see the captives’
Hearts released;
The hurt, the sick,
The poor, at peace.
We lay down our lives
For heaven’s cause.
We are Your church;
We pray, revive this earth.

refrain:
Build Your kingdom here;
Let the darkness fear.
Show Your mighty hand;
Heal our streets and land.
Set Your church on fire;
Win this nation back.
Change the atmosphere;
Build Your kingdom here, we pray!

vs. 3
Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r,
Reaching the near and far.
   No force of hell can stop
Your beauty, changing hearts.
You made us for
Much more than this;
   Awake the kingdom
Seed in us.
   Fill us with the strength
And love of Christ.
   We are Your church;
We are the hope on earth.

(refrain)

Stay here and keep watch with me.
The hour has come.
Stay here and keep watch with me.
Watch and pray.

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Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!

Join us next Sunday, April 4, 9:30 a.m., as we celebrate Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord, “Alive And Anew, In Living Grace!” Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! Worship to be 30 minutes, and to conclude with Holy Communion! Join us in-person or via our live stream efforts on our Facebook page, under “videos.”

Maundy Thursday Service, Thursday, April 1:

Join us for a pre-recorded service on our Facebook page; (no in-person worship)

Good Friday, Friday, April 2, 7 p.m.:

In-person worship and Lord of Life LIVE on our facebook page

Easter Sunday, Sunday, April 4, 9:30 a.m.:

In-person worship and Lord of Life LIVE on our facebook page

Bulletins for Holy Week services available via daily devotions and on our Facebook page. You can also access the bulletins and our Facebook page on our website (lordoflifemn.org).

As a special way to share Holy Week, we invite you to receive a gift bag, including palms, communion, antique nails, and more. Holy Week bags are available today after worship, Sun., March 28, until 11 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, April 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and 6-7 p.m. A Holy Week bag can be delivered to you. See our signup sheet and website for details!

As we share worship in this new way, we are seeking volunteers to assist with greeting, ushering, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!

All who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion will be offered to you as you exit the sanctuary, as we share pre-packaged single servings of communion, including a wafer and grape juice. Carefully pull back the first tab to expose the host, the body of Christ, given for you; then pull back the second tab to expose the blood of Christ, shed for you! Please ask for assistance or clarification as you are served!

For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the building.

For those who are not able to join us for worship, you are invited to receive drive-through communion, available Sundays, 10:15-10:30 a.m. at the front curb near the church entrance.

We hope having the service provided for you in this way, will touch you, comfort you,
reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.

In this time when we are committed to safety and social distancing, please trust we are equally committed to keeping us socially and spiritually connected! On behalf of the Kingdom of God, thank you for the ways you make God and neighbor first!

From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org

We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love, and grace!

Acknowledgments for today’s service include:

A Litany of the Sacrifice & Passion of Jesus Christ – based on Luke 22:41-42; 23:39-43; 23:46-47. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “O God Beyond All Praising” Words © 1982 Michael Perry, Music Public Domain, CCLI #649532 “Lead On, O King Eternal!” Words and Music Public Domain “All Glory, Laud & Honor” Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #29509 “Hosanna” © 1985 MercyMe Music Shadow Spring Music CCLI #21545 “Were You There” © Words and Music Public Domain, arr. by F.J. Work, CCLI #29516 “Satan, We’re Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down” ©1999 Augburg Fortress, OL #72593 “Build Your Kingdom Here” © 2011 Thankyou Music CCLI #6186078 “Stay Here and Keep Watch With Me” © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, OL# 00152 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.