Easter Sunday Holy Communion

Welcome to Easter Sunday!

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Prayers at the Easter Garden

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.’

Matthew 28.5,6

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To you be glory now and for ever.

In your great mercy you have given us a new birth

into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

By your blessing, may we who have prepared this garden in celebration of his victory

be strengthened in faith,

know the power of his presence,

and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory.

Blessed be God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.

Risen Lord Jesus,

as Mary Magdalene met you in the garden

on the morning of your resurrection,

so may we meet you today and every day:

speak to us as you spoke to her;

reveal yourself as the living Lord;

renew our hope and kindle our joy;

and send us to share the good news with others.

Amen.

We return to the Church.

We light the Easter Candle

We put the nails into the symbol of the cross

By his Holy and Glorious wounds,

may Christ our Lord

guard us and keep us.

Alleluia Christ is Risen

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

We meet in the name of the Father,

and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Amen

Song: Thine be the Glory https://youtu.be/bmJgbpJQHYU

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed

for us.

Let us therefore rejoice by putting

away all malice and evil

and confessing our sins

with a sincere and true heart.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father

we have sinned against you,

through our own fault,

in thought, and word and deed and in what we have left undone.

We are heartily sorry

and repent of our sins.

For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,

forgive us all that is past;

and grant that we may serve you in newness of life

to the glory of your name.

Amen

May Almighty God

have mercy upon you,

forgive you your sins,

and bring you to everlasting life.

Amen

Song: I Reach Up High https://youtu.be/wXF-HAURxmg

The Collect

God of glory,

by the raising of your Son

you have broken the chains of death and hell:

fill your Church with faith and hope;

for a new day has dawned

and the way to life stands open

in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

First Reading: Acts 10:34-43

34 Peter began to speak: “I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to.

36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism.

38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him.

39 We are witnesses of everything that he did in the land of Israel and in Jerusalem. Then they put him to death by nailing him to a cross. 40 But God raised him from death three days later and caused him to appear, 41 not to everyone, but only to the witnesses that God had already chosen, that is, to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from death. 42 And he commanded us to preach the gospel to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead.

43 All the prophets spoke about him, saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name.”

This is the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Song: Lord I lift your name on high https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COQ6cni_TG8

Gospel Reading John 20:1-18 https://youtu.be/KWDUpelqKhc

Sermon

The empty tomb of Easter morning made public the victory of Good Friday and showed that the cross was not some great mistake but it also answered some of the questions and mysteries of this momentous weekend.

We’re thinking about:-

· Things that shocked !

· Things that confused?

· Things that were final.

· ! the horror of Good Friday. What did it all mean? Crucifixion was a cruel and shocking death. The faithful women who followed Jesus to the site of his cross were devasted, grief stricken. Watching Jesus die in agony must have been terrible.

· ? the confusion of the Easter Saturday. What now? The disciples hid, huddled together in the upper room. They had believed Jesus; they had followed Jesus; they had left everything for Jesus. And Jesus had died.

· . Does it mean the end of all their hopes. Death. Is that it? Any way forward from now seemed impossible. The tomb was guarded and sealed.

But there had also been the great cry from the cross at the end.

· ! = "It is finished!" - in the Greek, it is a word that suggests completion such as when a bill had been paid (i.e. account paid). A debt has been settled.

· ? The puzzle of the curtain in the temple being torn. How could that happen? It was huge and separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple. The High Priest went in only once a year. The curtain said No Entry to God’s presence- what did the tear mean?

· . The empty tomb says something final. However impossible, however extraordinary- the evidence is there before us. Or rather the body is not there at all.

In our reading from Acts, Peter is talking to the crowds – he says 3 times you know

You know the message

You know of the great event (Jesus’ ministry)

You know about Jesus of Nazareth – God was with him.

All these point forward to Jesus’ death and the events that followed.

Peter says we are witnesses- we were there and we saw it happen. We saw Jesus back to life after 3 days.

Many people think that the events of this story are just too much (!) to believe;

others are not sure and would like to believe it (?).

Peter, and all those who have come after him believe that this unique event is what turns life's full stop (.) into a comma (,). Death is not the end. Not for Jesus and not for us.

There is more. Our debt has been paid, access to God made possible and assurance of heaven is available. Amen!

Our Prayers https://studio.youtube.com/video/js5vXJA02Uo/edit

We pray to Jesus who is present with us to eternity.

Jesus, light of the world,

bring the light and peace of your gospel to the nations …

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, bread of life,

give food to the hungry …

and nourish us all with your word.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, our way, our truth, our life,

be with us and all who follow you in the way …

Deepen our appreciation of your truth

and fill us with your life.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, Good Shepherd who gave your life for the sheep,

recover the straggler,

bind up the injured,

strengthen the sick

and lead the healthy and strong to new pastures.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, the resurrection and the life,

we give you thanks for all who have lived and believed in you …

Raise us with them to eternal life.

Jesus, Lord of life,

in your mercy, hear us,

accept our prayers, and be with us always.

Amen.

The Peace

The Risen Christ came and stood among

his disciples and said,

Peace be with you.

Then they were glad when they saw the Lord.

Alleluia

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Song: O Happy Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWPGWfIvwU

Holy Communion

The Lord is here.

His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

And now we give you thanks

because through him you have given us eternal life and delivered us from the bondage of sin and the fear of death

into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord,

Holy is the Lord God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord

We praise and bless you, loving Father,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord;

and as we obey his command,

send your Holy Spirit,

that broken bread and wine outpoured

may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends

and, taking bread, he praised you.

He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:

Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;

do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.

Again he praised you, gave it to them and said: Drink this, all of you;

this is my blood of the new covenant,

which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,

in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice

made once for all upon the cross.

Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,

we proclaim his death and resurrection

until he comes in glory.

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life:

Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Lord of all life,

help us to work together for that day

when your kingdom comes

and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.

Look with favour on your people,

gather us in your loving arms

and bring us with all the saints

to feast at your table in heaven.

Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

We break this bread

to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us

Alleluia! Let us keep the feast!

Prayer of Spiritual Communion

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits you have given me,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,

I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen

Song: And Can it be? https://youtu.be/Tu2uA6U4Fxg

Father of all,

we give you thanks and praise,

that when we were still far off

you met us in your Son and brought us home.

Dying and living, he declared your love,

gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory.

May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life;

we who drink his cup bring life to others;

we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.

Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,

so we and all your children shall be free,

and the whole earth live to praise your name;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing

God the Father, by whose glory

Christ was raised from the dead,

strengthen you to walk with him in his risen life;

and the blessing of God Almighty

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now

And remain with you always.

Amen

Song O Praise the Namehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBpifDpNKc&ab_channel=HillsongWorship

Dismissal

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

God has claimed us as his own.

He has brought us out of darkness.

He has made us light to the world.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Maundy Thursday Service

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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with you

and also with you.

Song: Meekness and Majesty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tK1hQpacs8

First Reading Matt 26:17-25

Jesus Eats the Passover Meal with His Disciples

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, “Where do you want us to get the Passover meal ready for you?”

18 “Go to a certain man in the city,” he said to them, “and tell him: ‘The Teacher says, My hour has come; my disciples and I will celebrate the Passover at your house.’”

19 The disciples did as Jesus had told them and prepared the Passover meal.

20 When it was evening, Jesus and the twelve disciples sat down to eat. 21 During the meal Jesus said, “I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 The disciples were very upset and began to ask him, one after the other, “Surely, Lord, you don't mean me?”

23 Jesus answered, “One who dips his bread in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will die as the Scriptures say he will, but how terrible for that man who will betray the Son of Man! It would have been better for that man if he had never been born!”

25 Judas, the traitor, spoke up. “Surely, Teacher, you don't mean me?” he asked.

Jesus answered, “So you say.”

Prayers of Penitence

Our Lord Jesus Christ says:

‘If you love me, keep my commandments.’

‘Unless I wash you, you have no part in me.’

‘Let us confess to almighty God our sins against his love,

and ask him to cleanse us.

Have mercy on us, O God, in your great goodness;

according to the abundance of your compassion blot out our offences.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Against you only have we sinned

and done what is evil in your sight.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Purge us from our sin and we shall be clean;

wash us and we shall be whiter than snow.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

May the Father forgive us

by the death of his Son

and strengthen us

to live in the power of the Spirit

all our days.

Amen.

Second Reading Matthew 26:26-30

The Lord's Supper

26 While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. “Take and eat it,” he said; “this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. “Drink it, all of you,” he said; 28 “this is my blood, which seals God's covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine with you in my Father's Kingdom.”

30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

Song: Behold the Lamb https://youtu.be/XR77xKx_0CQ

Third Reading Matt 26:31-35

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night all of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, ‘God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised to life, I will go to Galilee ahead of you.”

33 Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!”

34 Jesus said to Peter, “I tell you that before the rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.”

35 Peter answered, “I will never say that, even if I have to die with you!”

And all the other disciples said the same thing.

Song: How Deep the Father’s Love for us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzQj7XvKFmA

Fourth Reading: Matt 26:36-46

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, 38 and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.”

40 Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 He returned once more and found the disciples asleep; they could not keep their eyes open.

44 Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. 46 Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!”

Our Prayers:

In the power of the Spirit let us pray to the Father

through Christ the saviour of the world.

Father,

on this, the night he was betrayed,

your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet.

We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service.

Lord, hear us

and humble us.

On this night, he prayed for his disciples to be one.

We pray for the unity of your Church.

Lord, hear us

and unite us.

On this night, he prayed for those who were to believe through his disciples’ message.

We pray for the mission of your Church.

Lord, hear us

and renew our zeal.

On this night, he commanded his disciples to love,

but suffered rejection himself.

We pray for the rejected and unloved.

Lord, hear us

and fill us with your love.

On this night, he reminded his disciples

that if the world hated them it hated him first.

We pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.

Lord, hear us

and give us your peace.

On this night, he accepted the cup of death

and looked forward to the new wine of the kingdom.

We remember those who have died in the peace of Christ.

Lord, hear us

and welcome all your children into paradise.

Reading 5 Matt 26:47-56

The Arrest of Jesus

47 Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and sent by the chief priests and the elders. 48 The traitor had given the crowd a signal: “The man I kiss is the one you want. Arrest him!”

49 Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him.

50 Jesus answered, “Be quick about it, friend!”[a]

Then they came up, arrested Jesus, and held him tight. 51 One of those who were with Jesus drew his sword and struck at the High Priest's slave, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “All who take the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don't you know that I could call on my Father for help, and at once he would send me more than twelve armies of angels? 54 But in that case, how could the Scriptures come true which say that this is what must happen?”

55 Then Jesus spoke to the crowd, “Did you have to come with swords and clubs to capture me, as though I were an outlaw? Every day I sat down and taught in the Temple, and you did not arrest me. 56 But all this has happened in order to make come true what the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.”

Then all the disciples left him and ran away.

Song: Who can sound the depths of sorrow? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU_Jc8apIEw

Reading 6 Matt 26:57-67

Jesus before the Council

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the teachers of the Law and the elders had gathered together. 58 Peter followed from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the High Priest's house. He went into the courtyard and sat down with the guards to see how it would all come out. 59 The chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some false evidence against Jesus to put him to death; 60 but they could not find any, even though many people came forward and told lies about him. Finally two men stepped up 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to tear down God's Temple and three days later build it back up.’”

62 The High Priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Have you no answer to give to this accusation against you?” 63 But Jesus kept quiet. Again the High Priest spoke to him, “In the name of the living God I now put you under oath: tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

64 Jesus answered him, “So you say. But I tell all of you: from this time on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of heaven!”

65 At this the High Priest tore his clothes and said, “Blasphemy! We don't need any more witnesses! You have just heard his blasphemy! 66 What do you think?”

They answered, “He is guilty and must die.”

67 Then they spat in his face and beat him; and those who slapped him 68 said, “Prophesy for us, Messiah! Guess who hit you!”

Song: O Sacred Head now wounded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRvMx8uWaX4

Reading 7 Matt 26:69-75

Peter Denies Jesus

69 Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard when one of the High Priest's servant women came to him and said, “You, too, were with Jesus of Galilee.”

70 But he denied it in front of them all. “I don't know what you are talking about,” he answered, 71 and went on out to the entrance of the courtyard. Another servant woman saw him and said to the men there, “He was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 Again Peter denied it and answered, “I swear that I don't know that man!”

73 After a little while the men standing there came to Peter. “Of course you are one of them,” they said. “After all, the way you speak gives you away!”

74 Then Peter said, “I swear that I am telling the truth! May God punish me if I am not! I do not know that man!”

Just then a rooster crowed, 75 and Peter remembered what Jesus had told him: “Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know me.” He went out and wept bitterly.

Lamentations:

How lonely sits the city that once was full of people!

How like a widow she has become,

she that was great among the nations!

She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks;

among all her lovers she has no one to comfort her.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to the festivals;

all her gates are desolate, her priests groan;

her young girls grieve, and her lot is bitter.

Her children have gone away, captives before the foe.

Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?

Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

From on high he sent fire; it went deep into my bones;

he spread a net for my feet; he turned me back;

he has left me stunned, faint all day long.

For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears;

for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my courage;

my children are desolate, for the enemy has prevailed.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

All who pass along the way clap their hands at you;

they hiss and wag their heads at daughter Jerusalem;

‘Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty,

the joy of all the earth?’

The thought of my affliction and homelessness is wormwood and gall.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,

‘therefore I will hope in him.’

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth,

to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it,

to put one’s mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope),

to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults.

For the Lord will not reject for ever.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.

We end in silence

Holy Communion for Palm Sunday

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Song: He has made me glad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUPihaH9p-Y

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel.

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

Hosanna in the highest.

Christ enters his own city to complete his work as our Saviour, to suffer, to die and to rise again. Let us go with him in faith and love, so that, united with him in his sufferings, we may share his risen life.

The Lord be with you.

and also with you.

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us admit to God the sin which always confronts us.

Lord God,

we have sinned against you;

we have done evil in your sight.

We are sorry and repent.

Have mercy on us according to your love.

Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.

Renew a right spirit within us

and restore us to the joy of your salvation,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy

Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy

May the God of all healing and forgiveness

draw you to himself,

and cleanse you from all your sins

that you may behold the glory of his Son,

the Word made flesh,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Song: Hosanna Praise is rising https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH5pVnP4ZGQ

The Collect

True and humble king,

hailed by the crowd as Messiah:

grant us the faith to know you and love you,

that we may be found beside you

on the way of the cross,

which is the path of glory.

Amen

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-24 A Song of Victory

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his steadfast love endures for ever!

Let Israel say,

‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’

Open to me the gates of righteousness,

that I may enter through them

and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord;

the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me

and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected

has become the chief cornerstone.

This is the Lord’s doing;

it is marvellous in our eyes.

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit Amen.

Gospel Video: Palm Sunday https://youtu.be/lTmbTuutBgg

Gospel Reading: Mark 11:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem, near the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, they came to the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of his disciples on ahead 2 with these instructions: “Go to the village there ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 And if someone asks you why you are doing that, say that the Master needs it and will send it back at once.”

4 So they went and found a colt out in the street, tied to the door of a house. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders asked them, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”

6 They answered just as Jesus had told them, and the crowd let them go. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the animal, and Jesus got on. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in the field and spread them on the road. 9 The people who were in front and those who followed behind began to shout, “Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise be to God!”

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem, went into the Temple, and looked around at everything. But since it was already late in the day, he went out to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

Sermon

Perhaps the story of Palm Sunday is very familiar to us. It’s certainly an important episode in Jesus’ life- all 4 gospel writers record it; their versions are told from different angles but the accounts describe the same event.

Jesus gives clear instructions to his disciples; they go and get a donkey for him to ride. Crowds gather and celebrate Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem like he is a conquering hero. Palm branches and clothes are waved then thrown down to cover the road.

People shout Hosanna!- which means save us now! And they quote from Psalm 118 – Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

What does this all mean? What does it tell us about Jesus?

Jesus is in control:

Jesus gives clear and detailed instructions to his followers about what they are to do- and with surprising authority. He wasn’t stealing something that wasn’t his - the owner or bystanders ask questions and get a clear answer. The Lord needs it and will return it. It seems that Jesus has supernatural knowledge or insight. It’s another demonstration of his power- pointing towards his true identity.

Jesus is reflecting the Old Testament:

Zech 9:9 Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion! Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you! He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a donkey— on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

This ancient prophesy points forward to the Messiah- the one long awaited, who would rescue God’s people – again Jesus’ identity as God’s chosen one is affirmed.

Jesus is acting like a king – in ancient civilisations, a conquering hero, a triumphant ruler would enter a city ceremonially, riding a war horse to show off their power and might. So by entering the City in a procession Jesus looks like a king.

But he’s not like a king, at the same time. Zechariah has already made the prophesy that the king would be riding on a donkey and not a warhorse. It’s a king with humility, a king coming in peace.

What about the people?

The crowds gather again. Before the Palm Sunday account in each of the gospels, miracles are recorded -the healing of a blind man and in John’s gospel, Lazarus comes back to life after being dead for 3 days. There must have been great excitement. For some, this would have been a political or religious solution to the issues of their nation; for others perhaps, hope for their own problems needing a miraculous solutions; others just curiosity and excitement- drawn along by the enthusiasm of the crowd itself.

They shout Hosanna! – which literally means save us now! It’s a shout used at Passover or the feast of Tabernacles and comes from the psalm we had earlier in the service- Ps 118. People would have shouted and waved palm branches in those festivals too. So it’s full of symbolism and hope- but for what?

The crowds that welcomed Jesus so fervently and freely on Palm Sunday, we know will turn against him by Good Friday.

We can only wonder what they really understood as they lined the streets. Were they just carried along with the emotion of it all? Perhaps they felt betrayed by Jesus when he didn’t do exactly as each one of them had wanted.

Mark writes his gospel account looking back on the events that happened. Perhaps it was in retrospect as the disciples gathered after Easter day, as they went over and over what they had seen and heard, that they put the pieces together.

As the crowds are living in the story, they miss the truth about what is really going on.

What about us? Can you think your way into the story… what would your reaction have been? Wildly enthusiastic for revolution? Desperately hoping for some miracle? Mildly curious or a bit cynical?

It strikes me again and again how quickly the crowds turn on Jesus by the end of the week. So many of those who welcomed him into Jerusalem wanted him dead.

So what does it mean to have Jesus as our King?

Jesus comes first:

In our thinking – when we make decisions about what’s right or wrong; how we treat other people. A good question is always- what would Jesus do?

In our habits or actions – turning to Jesus in prayer. We ask God for things all the time but we also thank him, worship him, read his word. And that changes us.

In our priorities. What we do with our time or money or resources or energies.

We focus in the coming week about Jesus’ sacrifice for the whole world and all too often the failings of ourselves and people in general.

But at the week we also celebrate Jesus’ triumph.

So there is much to consider about Jesus as our king- which mean what we do to submit to him. But in the end, Jesus is our King, the one who has died for us-

As Paul writes in Rom 8:32:

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Our prayers

Let us bring to the Father our prayers of intercession

through Christ who gave himself for the life of the world.

For forgiveness for the many times

we have denied Jesus,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For grace to seek out those habits of sin which

mean spiritual death,

and by prayer and self-discipline to overcome them,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For Christian people,

that through the suffering of disunity

there may grow a rich union in Christ,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them,

that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who still make Jerusalem a battleground,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who have the courage and honesty to work openly for

justice and peace,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those in the darkness and agony of isolation,

that they may find support and encouragement,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who, weighed down with hardship, failure, or sorrow,

feel that God is far from them,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who are tempted to give up the way of the cross,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

That we, with those who have died in faith,

may find mercy in the day of Christ,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Holy God,

holy and strong,

holy and immortal,

have mercy upon us. Amen

The Peace

Once we were far off,

but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Song: Meekness and Majesty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tK1hQpacs8&ab_channel=lionkingden

Holy Communion

The Lord is here

His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is right to praise you, Father, Lord of all creation;

in your love you made us for yourself.

And now we give you thanks because,

for our salvation,

he was obedient even to death on the cross.

The tree of shame was made the tree of glory; and where life was lost,

there life has been restored.

When we turned away

you did not reject us,

but came to meet us in your Son.

You embraced us as your children

and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.

In Christ you shared our life

that we might live in him and he in us.

He opened his arms of love upon the cross and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.

On the night he was betrayed,

at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks;

he broke it and gave it to them, saying:

Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;

do this in remembrance of me.

Father, we do this in remembrance of him:

his body is the bread of life.

At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine,

he gave you thanks, and said:

Drink this, all of you;

this is my blood of the new covenant,

which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins;

do this in remembrance of me.

Father, we do this in remembrance of him:

his blood is shed for all.

As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory,

send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine

may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son.

As we eat and drink these holy gifts

make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.

With your whole Church throughout the world

we offer you this sacrifice of praise

and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord,

Holy is the Lord God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

We break this bread

to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

Jesus, Lamb of God,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

grant us peace.

Prayer of Spiritual Communion

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits you have given me,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,

I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen

Song: Above All https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7EPZV56PuA&ab_channel=PraiseAdonai

Faithful God,

may we who share this banquet

glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

our salvation, life and hope,

who reigns as Lord now and for ever. Amen

Blessing of the Palms:

God our Saviour, whose Son Jesus Christ

entered Jerusalem as Messiah to suffer and to die,

let these Palms be for us a sign of victory;

and grant that we who bear them in his name

may ever hail him as your King and follow him

in the way that leads to eternal life. Amen

The Blessing

May the Father,

who so loved the world that he gave his only Son, bring you by faith to his eternal life.

Amen.

May Christ, who accepted the cup of sacrifice

in obedience to the Father’s will,

keep you steadfast as you walk with him the way of his cross.

Amen.

May the Spirit,

who strengthens us to suffer with Christ

that we may share his glory,

set your minds on life and peace.

Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you alway

Amen.

Song: O praise the name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBpifDpNKc