Exploring the Sunday Gospel – Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, the day that marks the beginning of Holy Week. Today the events of Holy Week begin with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Each of the three synoptic Gospels tells the story in a slightly different way, but the key idea remains the same. Drawing on imagery from the Old Testament, the Gospel writers make it plain that Jesus is entering Jerusalem as Messiah. Some people spread their cloaks on the road. Other people spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. As Jesus rode on the donkey people shouted the salutation from Psalm 118

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

Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited you to reflect on the image of processional banners. Today’s picture of processional banners has been taken from the illustrated communion book, The Lord is Here!

Lord Jesus Christ,

you rode into Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna.

Ride into our lives and accept our praise.

Hosanna to the Son of David,

Hosanna in the highest heaven;

Hosanna now and always.

Amen.

Next Sunday, Easter Sunday, focuses our attention on the resurrection of Jesus. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is spring flowers. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Education Resources