Palm Sunday
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
Today we are using the passages from the Liturgy of the Palms
In verse 4 the act of teaching is linked to the ministry of “sustaining the weary.” How does a gifted teacher speak into the real-life situations, hurts, and weariness of those who listen? What distinguishes that kind of teaching from dry, empty words that do not effect life change?
Verse 4 refers to the “morning-by-morning” experience of hearing God’s voice. Is that something only reserved for those called to be prophets? How do we, as followers of Jesus, hear God’s voice each day? What disciplines and practices help us to have “open ears” as described in verse 5?
The imagery of “setting my face like flint” (v. 7) brings to mind Christ’s determination as he heads to Jerusalem and to the cross (Luke 9:51). How else does this passage bring the events of Holy Week to mind?
The Psalm begins with a responsive call to worship in verses 1-2. How does your experience of worship typically begin? What helps you enter into a proper frame of mind and heart for a time of worship?
This Psalm not only brings Palm Sunday to mind, it is a literal part of the Palm Sunday narrative as we listen to the shouts of the crowd in Jerusalem, which come from verses 25-26. What other language in this Psalm is helpful for us as we prepare for the reflections of Holy Week?
This Psalm is replete with language of gratitude. How does expressing gratitude shape us as followers of Jesus?
The servant nature of Christ is central to this part of Philippians. How do you understand Jesus as a servant? What passages of Scripture most reflect that for you?
Some believe this part of Philippians 2 is an early hymn or confession of faith being quoted by Paul. How does this passage function as an invitation to worship? How does it invite us to respond?
This passage is a powerful reminder of both Christ’s divinity and his humanity. How do you see those two natures in the person of Jesus? What stories in the gospels speak to one, the other, or both?
There is prophetic imagery coming alive as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Imagine you are a Jewish person, well-versed in the prophecies and hopes for a Messiah, watching this unfold on the first Palm Sunday. What is going through your mind? What are you expecting?
By riding into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey, Jesus announces he is arriving as a king of peace. He conquers not with instruments of war, but with the power of his sacrifice and the gift of his spirit. How does that shape our understanding of our salvation? Of our calling as Christians?
The shouts of “Hosanna!” are a cry for salvation. In what areas of life right now are you crying for God’s saving power to be manifest? How might you bring that to him in prayer today?
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.