Palm Sunday - study notes

Collect for Palm Sunday—Almighty and everlasting God the Father, who sent Your Son to take our nature upon Him and to suffer death on the cross that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ in His patience and also have our portion in His resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

PALM SUNDAY / SUNDAY OF THE PASSION

Series A 

Isaiah 50:4–9a
Philippians 2:5–11
Matthew 26:1—27:66 or Matthew 27:11–66 or John 12:20–43

 Now Is the Hour When the Son of Man Is Glorified

 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming.” He comes in gentle humility, “sitting on a donkey’s colt,” yet also as the King of Israel “in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13, 15). His royal glory is faithful obedience and self-sacrificing service “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). The love of God is manifested in the cross and Passion of His Son for the salvation of sinners. Since He has borne our sins and suffered our death, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9), and He exalts us in His resurrection. Our Lord did not hide His face “from disgrace and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6), but He trusted His God and Father, who raised Him from death and the grave and exalted Him to His right hand. This same King Jesus now comes to us in gentle humility in His Supper, where He feeds us with His body and cleanses and covers us with His blood, so that “after his resurrection” we also shall rise and enter the holy city (Matthew 27:52–53).

Series B

Zechariah 9:9–12
Philippians 2:5–11
Mark 14:1—15:47 or Mark 15:1–47 or John 12:20–43

The Son of David Ascends His Throne and Reigns in Love from His Cross

The Son of David comes in gentle humility, “sitting on a donkey’s colt,” yet as the King of Israel “in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13–15). He comes to be lifted up in glory on the cross in order to cast out “the ruler of this world” and draw all people to Himself (John 12:23–32). The Church is thus called to “rejoice greatly,” because her King comes with salvation, and “he shall speak peace to the nations” (Zechariah 9:9–10). As He is anointed “beforehand for burial” (Mark 14:8), He also ascends His royal throne as “the King of the Jews” by way of His Passion (Mark 15:2, 17–19, 26). He goes “as it is written of him,” wherefore “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power” (Mark 14:21, 62). For the glory of God is love, which crescendos in the humble obedience and voluntary self-sacrifice of the Son of God for the salvation of sinners. So, God the Father has “highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9), that He might reign over us in love with the forgiveness of His cross.   

Series C

Deuteronomy 32:36–39
Philippians 2:5–11
Luke 22:1–23:56 (or Luke 23:1–56 or John 12:20–43). Or John 12:12-19 

 The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory

 The King of Israel comes into His royal glory by the path of humble obedience “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). He “goes as it has been determined” (Luke 22:22), according to the Scriptures, willingly submitting to His Father’s plan for the salvation of sinners. “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). His suffering and death open the way of repentance for the forgiveness of sins because He goes to the cross bearing the sins of the world. In His resurrection, God the Father vindicates His people and has compassion on His servants (Deuteronomy 32:36). He kills to make alive; He wounds in order to heal. In remembrance of Him, we praise God, confessing “that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

John 12.12-19

John 12:12 – 

Τῇ ἐπαύριον ὁ ὄχλος πολὺς ὁ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ἔρχεται [b]ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα,

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

dative of time the crowd who was already there had heard...

John 12:13 –

ἔλαβον τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἐκραύγαζον· Ὡσαννά, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου, [d]καὶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ. 

 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

they took branches of the palm trees, they came out and began to cry out "hosanna blessed is the coming one..." 

This is what they would do to a returning King...and we shall greet Him when He comes and we shall meet Him...quoting Psalm 118:25-27   John the Baptist's question, "are you the Coming One..." 

How do they misunderstand this? What kind of Jews are these? Galileans, Zealots, a common crowd,  did they understand who He was?  The gospel He accomplishes all things in spite of people's understanding/expectations. See  "what tramp of feet"   See Lev. 23.40; 2 Maccabees 10; 1 Maccabees 13; - the feast of booths....did they get the holiday mixed up or was this merely a celebration...was this the day they selected the lamb...Selection Sunday...

John 12:14-15 –  

εὑρὼν δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὀνάριον ἐκάθισεν ἐπ’ αὐτό, καθώς ἐστιν γεγραμμένον· 15 Μὴ φοβοῦ, θυγάτηρ Σιών· ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεται, καθήμενος ἐπὶ πῶλον ὄνου.

 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!”

illustration Christ comes in on a young colt the new covenant now replaces the old. This is victory, but it doesn't fit people's expectations - He is a crazy, irresponsible,  reckless King illustrated by his parables. See Matthew's quote Zachariah 9, Isaiah 40:9,  see Luther's sermon on Advent 1 - the God Who comes to us. See also "Luther on the Psalms," see Ps. 113 

John 12:16 –

ταῦτα οὐκ ἔγνωσαν αὐτοῦ οἱ μαθηταὶ τὸ πρῶτον, ἀλλ’ ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη Ἰησοῦς τότε ἐμνήσθησαν ὅτι ταῦτα ἦν ἐπ’ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα καὶ ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ.  

His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 

at first his disciples didn't understand these things only after He had been glorified...in John's gospel "being glorified" always refers to good Friday.  cf. the Emmaus disciples event. John writes these event so we get it...see LSB setting #4  - John is admitting confusion here...we did not understand. 

John 12:17 – 

ἐμαρτύρει οὖν ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ὢν μετ’ αὐτοῦ ὅτε τὸν Λάζαρον ἐφώνησεν ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. 

The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 

therefore the crowd who was with him from the time of Lazarus.  Are there two crowds, one telling/confessing, the other seeking/coming.  

John 12:18 – 

διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ὄχλος ὅτι [h]ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον.

The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

many came out to greet him because of the miracle, see Vv. 9-11

John 12:19 –

οἱ οὖν Φαρισαῖοι εἶπαν πρὸς ἑαυτούς· Θεωρεῖτε ὅτι οὐκ ὠφελεῖτε οὐδέν· ἴδε ὁ [i]κόσμος ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ ἀπῆλθεν.

So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

this is getting us nowhere...see how the whole world is going after him.

Sources:
-The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

-ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Triumphal Entry’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

-LCMS Lectionary notes © 2018

-Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing

Saturday prior to Lent 5

-Isaiah 53:3-6, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 4:23- The hymn of the day is Stricken Smitten, and Afflicted (451 LSB). We move deeper into Lent and the cross now becomes the focal point of our Lenten journey. The cross cannot be denied the Savior. This week’s hymn is one of the most profound hymns written in the Lent and Holy Week section of the hymnal. It speaks for itself. Take some time as you prepare for worship tomorrow to contemplate all the Savior has done for you.

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,
See Him dying on the tree!
'Tis the Christ by man rejected;
Yes, my soul, 'tis He, 'tis He!
'Tis the long-expected prophet,
David's Son, yet David's Lord;
By His Son, God now has spoken
Tis the true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear him groaning,
Was there ever grief like his?
Friends thro' fear his cause disowning,
Foes insulting his distress;
Many hands were raised to wound him,
None would interpose to save;
But the deepest stroke that pierced him
Was the stroke that Justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly,
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed,
See who bears the awful load;
'Tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed,
Son of Man and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation,
Here the refuge of the lost;
Christ's the Rock of our salvation,
His the name of which we boast.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded,
Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded
Who on him their hope have built.

 

A prayer before worship – O Lord, our Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter, as we come to worship You in spirit and in truth, we humbly pray that You may open our hearts to the preaching of Your Word, so that we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior, and grow in grace and holiness. Hear us for His same.[1]  -

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[1] Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St,. Louis

Friday prior to Lent 5

Luke 20:9-20– “Forecast of the Future” – Judgment will come to those who reject God’s Son.

In the parable for this Sunday Jesus tells about the vineyard, think of God as the owner while the vineyard is Israel. The son is Jesus and the murder of the heir to the vineyard is, of course, a reference to the crucifixion. This interpretation tells us that the parable is probably frpm the early days of the church.

At this point in Jesus’ ministry, although he had gained a popularity with the people, the scribes and chief priests had been questioning His authority and even had begun to look for ways to kill Him. (19:47) Jesus spoke this parable, a depiction of God’s relationship with His people for the benefit of all within hearing range. He was fully away of the presence of those leaders who wanted so much to be rid of Him.

In the parable; packed with truths in allegorical form, the Savior teaches us.

He tells us about God – God is the owner of our world and is entitled to rent. God is patient with us.  

Three times, He sent a servant, then a son. God’s patience has an end-judgment that will be enacted. God has no other plan to reconcile us – Christ was His only Son. He can do no more. If the world does not accept Christ, nothing but destruction lies ahead.

He tells us about Christ. He is God’s Son. Others before Him were only “servants.” He holds a unique position with God the Father, an intimacy and a oneness. He was sent by God – to receive us our obligation to God. Jesus has a mission. He was obedient to God’s will. He knew that His end was death at the hands of wicked men. His death was not an accident, not bad luck, not forced. In obedience to God, He faced the cross courageously and voluntarily. The parable announces His approaching end.

He tells us about mankind. Man is only a steward, not the owner. As such, he owes God a return. Man is a rebel – in constant rebellion against God. He refuses to render to God what is God’s. He rejects servants and son. Man wants to be the owner-God.

He refuses to give God his portion and hopes to take over the vineyard by killing the son. Man is prone to violence – beating and killing servants and son. Elijah was driven into the wilderness. Isaiah was sawn asunder. Zachariah was stoned to death before the altar. John the Baptizer was beheaded. Jesus was crucified.

A prayer for help in times of temptation – Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for reconciliation - God of love, through Your Son You have commanded us to love one another. By the guidance of Your Word and Spirit, deliver us from impenitence and teach us the truth that we might conf3ess our sins, receive Your forgiveness and be reconciled to one another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [1]-

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[1] Collect for reconciliation and for help in times of temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Thursday prior to Lent 5

Philippians 3:8-14– “Forecast of the Future” – The Christian strains forward to the future goal of Christ.

In this reading, Paul shows us how the past, present, and future come together in a Christian’s life. We do not live in any one tense. All of time is involved in a Christian’s life. The past –we consider it refuse (verse 8).  The present – we have Christ by faith (verse 9).  The future – we look to the future goal of oneness in Christ (verses 12-14).

Paul announces he forgets the past and looks forward to the future. In looking back on his own life, Paul makes a strong confession of faith in the opening sentence of our lesson. Everything else was worth nothing compared to knowing Christ as Lord. He then continues his witness by saying that he has made the Gospel his own, only because Christ first made Paul Christ’s own.

A morning prayer – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [1]-

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[1] Lutheran Service Book © 2006  Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Wednesday prior to Lent 5

Isaiah 43:16-21– “Forecast for the Future” – The LORD will do a new good thing for his people

In this passage God asks us to stop thinking and talking about all the good things God did for us in the past such as the Exodus from Egypt. Something better is going to happen to us – a new and better Exodus from the slavery of sin. God promises to do a new thing (verse 19).  God will make a way out of bondage (verse 19).  God will provide provisions on the way (verse 20).   God will give you reason to praise Him (verse 21).

The LORD promises to do a new thing and recommends that His people forget the past. In terminology that would have been meaningful to the people who lived in the barren desert, the prophet proclaims that the LORD will bring water to the desert so that His chosen people might drink and praise Him. All this He will do so that His people will offer Him prayer and praise.

Collect for Lent 5 – Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen –[1]

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[1] Collect for Lent 5, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Tuesday prior to Lent 5

Psalm 126; key verse, verse 3:  The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126 is a song of joy for restoration to Zion. If not composed for those who returned from Babylonian exile, the place of exiles is not named; it surely served to voice the joy of the restored community. The psalm divides into two stanzas of four Hebrew lines each with their initial lines sharing a common theme. Thematic unity is further served by repetition and other key words.

Psalm 126 – Amazed at God’s Work

This psalm is titled A Song of Ascents. It is the seventh in the series of 15 songs for pilgrims coming to Jerusalem. This song likely was composed after the exile, in wondrous gratitude for God’s restoration, and in prayer for a furtherance of that work.

The LORD has done great things for them: The sense of joyful amazement was not confined to the people of God. On looking nations had to proclaim that the work belonged to Yahweh, and that the work was truly great.

“The liberty now granted was brought about in such an extraordinary way, that the very heathens saw that the hand of the great Jehovah must have been in it.”

“These foreigners were no dreamers; though they were only lookers-on, and not partakers in the surprising mercy, they plainly saw what had been done, and rightly ascribed it to the great Giver of all good.”

The LORD has done great things for us: The singer heard what the nations said, agreed with it, emphasized it with repetition, and personalized it. It became the declaration of what God had done for us.

“Their [reluctant] acknowledgment is caught up triumphantly by the singer. He, as it were, thanks the Gentiles for teaching him that word.”

One commentator suggested four occasions where many experience great joy and the sense that God has done great things in their Christian life:

· The joy of salvation.

· The joy of spiritual victory.

· The joy of Christian fellowship.

· The joy of a new work for God.

And we are glad: There is a joyful peace in the declaration. This is not a worked-up, hyped-up enthusiasm. This was the confident joy in what God had done, simply to declare we are glad.[1]

Collect for Psalm 126: Lord Jesus, our life and our resurrection, the ears you sowed in the sorrow of your Passion brought the earth to flower on Easter morning. Renew the wonders of your power in the Church, so that, after the sorrows of our exile, we may come home to you in gladness and praise you now and forever. [2]

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[1] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-126/

[2] Collect for Psalm 126, For All the Saints, a Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Monday prior to Lent 5

 

Psalm 3:3-6, Antiphon, Psalm 3:8, Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessings be on Your people! Though threatened by many foes, the psalmist prays confidently to the Lord. A common feature in the prayers of the Psalter is a concluding expression of confidence that the prayer will be heard. David’s confidence becomes a testimony to God’s people. As he stands before God, the psalmist, King David, prays on behalf of the nation.

Psalm 3 – Peace in the midst of a storm

This is the first psalm with a title: A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. James Montgomery Boice points out that since these titles are in the canonical text of the Hebrew Bible, “They are to be taken with absolute seriousness throughout.” The events are recorded in 2 Samuel 15-18, but the heart of David at that difficult time is recorded in this psalm.

Salvation belongs to the LORD: David understood that salvation – both in the ultimate and immediate sense – was God’s property. It isn’t the property of any one nation or sect, but of the LORD God. To be saved, one must deal with the LORD Himself.

Your blessing is upon Your people: This showed David’s heart in a time of personal calamity. He wasn’t only concerned for God’s hand upon himself, but upon all God’s people. He didn’t pray for preservation and victory in the trial with Absalom just for his own sake, but because it was best for the nation.[1]

The Theme for Lent 5, “Forecast of the Future,” helps us see the purpose and the necessity of the cross. It is a one-time act but has eternal consequences. In the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 43:16-21), God will do a new thing for His people.  He promises to do a new thing for His people, something good. In the Epistle lesson (Philippians 3:8-14), Christians strain forward to the future goal of Christ. Paul says that he forgets the past and looks forward to the future. In the Gospel lesson (Luke 20:9-19), judgment will come to those who reject God’s Son. This is brought out in the parable of the wicked tenants. The Hymn of the Day Stricken Smitten, and Afflicted is a contemplative hymn, which focuses on Christ’s crucifixion. It is one of the most powerful hymns in our hymnal.

Collect for Psalm 3: Lord God, king of the universe, you deliver your people from adversity even as you delivered your own Son from the grasp of death. Shield us from danger and raise us up on the last day with all your saints to dwell with you in your eternal kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [2]

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[1] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-3/

[2] Collect for Psalm 3; For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY