March 29, 2026

Service Leader

Call to Worship

“And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9)

What the crowds shouted at Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, we echo in our corporate worship of God today. Hosanna — a word that literally meant, "Save us!" came to be almost a political statement. It was something you would shout toward a leader. Used here, it is an expression of praise to God for sending the Messiah. The King who would deliver Israel. Those crowds spoke better than they knew. While most would have been looking for a mere political rescue, Jesus came to save them from their sins. Let's sing to one another of the greatness of our Saviour.

Service Leader

Corporate Reading

Please read out loud with me this hymn of praise to Christ from Colossians 1:15–20

"He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For by him all things were created,
in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—
all things were created through him and for him.
And he is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in everything he might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven,
making peace by the blood of his cross.
Amen

Service Leader

Confession of Sin

We believe great things about Jesus. So did others.

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

Yet some from these crowds joined in the mockery of Christ just days later.

“Matthew 27:39–40 And those who passed by [Jesus, on the cross,] derided him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’”

In fact, even the Apostle Peter had denied Jesus…

“John 18:25–27 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, ‘You also are not one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.” (John 12:12–13)

God is never impressed by people who give Christ attention only when it is easy or popular. Is that you? A person who shows up to church at Easter and Christmas? This will not do. Even those of us who love Christ can be fickle in our love and loyalty to him. One moment bold in our affection for Him, the next denying Him with our words or actions. Has your love been fickle lately? Even over the last year? Then join me in renouncing this sin and asking God to forgive us.

Service Leader

Confession of Sin

Lord God,
We have not loved you as we ought,
nor obeyed you as we should.
We have been disloyal in our love
and fickle in our obedience.
Please forgive us of our sins.
Remember Jesus, when you look at us.
We plead His work alone for our forgiveness.
We ask in His Name, Amen.

Service Leader

Assurance of Pardon

Brothers and Sisters, take heart. The Lord knows your weakness and remembers your frame. Even before we sin, he is ready to forgive. Before he denied Him, Jesus told Peter…

“‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail…’” (Luke 22:31–32)

Be sure of this: If you truly love the Lord, He will keep you faithful until the Last Day.

Complementary Scripture Reader

Complementary Reading

Listen to the Word of God:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23)

This reading was from Psalm 23.

Lead Elder

Pastoral Prayer

Lead Elder

Scripture Reading

Matthew 21:1–11

Preacher

Sermon

Matthew 21:1–11

Lead Elder

Benediction

Receive this blessing of the Lord, from his Word:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)