Items in the sanctuary are intended to remind us of the events of Passion Week:

The Palms: When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him and cried out “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:12-14)

The Chalice: While they were eating, Jesus took break, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:26-30)

The Purple Robe and Crown of Thorns: Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. The soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. (John 19:1-2)

The Cross, Hammer and Nails: They took Jesus and led Him away. He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called The Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him. (John 19:17b-18a)

The White Garment: Then, the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it…” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” (John 19:23-24)

The Lamb: (John) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin off the world!” (John 1:29); He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter…” (Isaiah 53:5-7a); For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect. Through Him you believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” (I Peter 1:18-19, 21)

 

Songs: King of Kings, (Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-44), All Glory, Laude, and Honor, Surely the Presence, Open Our Eyes, Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Sermon: Praise From Unexpected Places – Luke 19:28-44; 20:17-18