Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
SERMON Join Pastor Marks stmatthew-lutheran.org/Worship/Sermons&Podcasts
HYMN OF THE DAY “There In God’s Garden” ELW 342
1. There in God's garden
stands the Tree of Wisdom,
whose leaves hold forth
the healing of the nations:
Tree of all knowledge,
Tree of all compassion,
Tree of all beauty.
2. Its name is Jesus,
name that says, "Our Savior!"
There on its branches
see the scars of suff'ring;
see where the tendrils
of our human selfhood
feed on its lifeblood.
3. Thorns not its own
are tangled in its foliage;
our greed has starved it,
our despite has choked it.
Yet, look! it lives!
its grief has not destroyed it
nor fire consumed it.
4. See how its branches
reach to us in welcome;
hear what the Voice says,
"Come to me, ye weary!
Give me your sickness,
give me all your sorrow,
I will give blessing."
5. This is my ending,
this my resurrection;
into your hands, Lord,
I commit my spirit.
This have I searched for;
now I can possess it.
This ground is holy.
6. All heav'n is singing,
"Thanks to Christ whose passion
offers in mercy
healing, strength, and pardon.
Peoples and nations,
take it, take it freely!"
Amen! My Master!
Text: Király Imre von Pécselyi, c. 1590-c. 1641; tr. Erik Routley, 1917-1982 Text © 1976 Hinshaw Music, Inc. Reprinted by permission Augsburg Fortress license #27660.
APOSTLES’ CREED
THE LORD’S PRAYER BLESSING
Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. Holy God, speaking, spoken, and inspiring, ☩ bless you, unbind you, and send you in love and in peace. Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.