Shipley Church Self-Service

Palm Sunday 28th March 2021

Thought for the week – Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem

The Passion narrative moves rapidly through the events of this week, as we journey with Jesus when he enters Jerusalem (Mark 1: 1-11), to the placing of his body in the tomb. In the best and most widely known hymns on the Crucifixion, attention is concentrated upon the unique nature of his sorrows and suffering. “See from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?”

He himself knew no sin, but sorrowed for those who did. It is well to realise that Jesus’ sufferings were occasioned by his genuine love and pity for mankind. He sorrowed on account of sin - not his own, but yours, and mine. At the Lord’s Supper, the eating of bread and drinking of wine, which all Christians do as a memorial of Christ’s “passion”, was also – according to Jesus himself – a foretaste of the glory of God’s Kingdom to come. (Matthew 26: 27-29) The momentous events of Palm Sunday remind us to ask ourselves, how should we prepare to honour Jesus as our King?

Hymn for the Day

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Come to the Cross

Fold a piece of A5 paper in half, vertically; then about one third of the way down, fold it horizontally. As it’s opened out again it will be marked with the shape of a cross.

Write: In the top left corner, a member of your family; In the top right, a particular friend; in the bottom left, someone you’ve heard of recently with problems to face; and in the bottom right, yourself. 

Prayer for the Day

Pray, Heavenly Father, we bring to your cross these people we know and care for, and ask you to show your love for them and for all humanity.

Note: The Gospel and readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.