First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a

Theme: From palms to Passion

Exegetical Note
The unpopularity of the prophet in this Third Servant Song of Second Isaiah, not to mention the anger and abuse that he has experienced, appears to differ markedly from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. If the palm-wavers were sincere (rather than sarcastic, as some suggest), their adoration was short-lived: their cries of exaltation soon became calls for execution.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 118)
Leader: This is the day that God has made!
People: LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Leader: This is God's house and the gateway to righteousness!
People: BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ENTER IN GOD'S NAME! 

Collect
Almighty God, you sent us a Christ whom we exalted and then executed. Give us at last the spirit of stea…