Brothers and sisters, we are coming to the end of the Lenten season. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which in turn leads into the Easter season. Centuries ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the sound of cheers. Less than a week later, crowds were calling for Him to be crucified. In His death, Jesus accomplishes God’s plan to redeem us from our sin. Jesus pays the penalty for your sin so you would have access to God. Come and worship; hear the good news and give thanks to Jesus your savior from sin, death, and the devil.
Please make note of a number of upcoming events.
In the evening of Palm Sunday, April 13 at 6:30, the Methodist Church in Brookshire will be hosting a community Lenten Cantata. You are invited to attend.
There will be no service on Wednesday 16th.. There will be a communion service at 6:30 on Maundy Thursday April 17. On Good Friday, April 18, we will host a brief service at noon, and a Tenebrae service at 6:30 pm. You are encouraged to read through the four Gospels during the week to better appreciate Jesus’ suffering and death for you.
On Easter Sunday April 20th we will gather to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Elders and their helpers plan to serve breakfast beginning around 8:45. We will offer an abbreviated Sunday School and Bible class at 9:30, and an egg hunt at 10. Worship is at 10:30. Please explain our communion practice to any of your visitors.
The sixth Sunday of Lent has been referred to historically as “Palm Sunday” and also as “Sunday of the Passion”. The order of service on the 13th will include references to both, and will make a transition of sorts in preparation for Easter. We will begin by reading St. John’s report of the first “Palm Sunday” celebration. Jesus came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The way He is welcomed as a king is a fulfillment of prophecy. The Passover points to Jesus as Lord of all, and as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. During the service we will also read St. Luke’s report of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial as events we should soberly consider in preparation for the surprising, miraculous, and joyous news of Easter.
We will follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #443 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna; #441 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty; #634 The Death of Jesus Christ Our Lord; and #440 Jesus, I Will Ponder Now. It is tradition to omit the Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) during Holy Week
Scriptures assigned to the day are John 12:12-19; Psalm 31:9-16; Deuteronomy 32:36-39, Philippians 2:5-11, and Luke 23:1-56.
Psalm 31 is a psalm of David. Through the words of the psalm, he acknowledges God as the great Protector, and prays that God would save him from the enemies that are pursuing him. The verses we will be reading also foreshadow the isolation and hatred Jesus suffered as His opponents mistreated Him and nailed Him to a cross.
In Deuteronomy 32, God reminds the tribes of Israel that He is a powerful judge. He kills, and He makes alive. False gods are of course no help to us. But Yahweh, the true God, will vindicate His people. Take notice of Him, for no thing and no one can deliver us from His hand. Only He, Himself, can rescue us from His wrath against sin. That rescue has been accomplished through the sacrificial death of Jesus. He lived under God’s Law like we do, except He kept it perfectly. And Jesus has exchanged your sin with His perfection.
In Philippians 2, St. Paul summarizes what Jesus has accomplished for us. Jesus humbles Himself, being obedient to God’s Law, not using His divine powers to escape, in order that He could serve all of us. He was put to death like a criminal so that we could have eternal life. Every knee will bow to Him, acknowledging His Lordship. Some will bow before Him in this life, expressing honor and gratitude. All others will bow down before Him on the Day of Judgment as he condemns those who failed to honor and thank Him earlier.
Luke 23:1-56 is a narrative of the “Passion” part of this Sunday, summarizing the events from the time of Jesus’ arrest to His burial. You should know that Jesus’ suffering and death was all part of God’s plan to rescue you from your sin.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests, or questions about schedules or the meaning of the Scripture reading. God bless you. Pastor Boster
