April 2, 2023: Worship Service Family Worship Series No.8 ," Palm Sunday”　

2023-04-03

Family Worship Service (8) Title: " Palm Sunday”

Bible:

Matthew 21:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Prelude:

If anyone wishes to listen to the Japanese Voice Recording, please click.

Dad:

"All of you helped us with the storytelling. Thank you."

Sophia:

"Yes, I couldn't wait until summer vacation. It was fun."

Mom:

"I guess it wasn't an easy job. Because it took a lot of time, and it was hard to adjust to the different opinions that came up when everyone was working together, but I think this is also important."

Dad:

"What was the hardest part?"

James:

"The hardest part was deciding what to do with the story because Passion Week has been happening every day since this Palm Sunday and the next Sunday would be Easter."

Grace:

"I see. But as it turns out, each event has great significance, so we decided to take our time and not rush into it."

Mom:

"That's right. Thank you for your hard work."

Dad:

"Well, let's get started."

If anyone wishes to listen to the Japanese Voice Recording, please click.

Storyboard and narration:

Dad:

Passover was one of the important Jewish holidays.

People celebrated the Israelites' deliverance from slavery and their escape from Egypt. Many people went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the day. Jesus and his disciples also came to a village near Jerusalem.

James:

Jesus asked the two disciples, "Go to the village and lend me a donkey. Tell the owner the Lord needs it. We will take it back to you. I am sure the owner will lend it to you."

So they went out and did as Jesus said to the owner. The donkey owner immediately lent them the donkey. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

Grace:

Many people laid their clothes on the road or palm leaves and said, "Hosanna! Blessed be He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed be our father, David.The land to come! Hosanna on high!" They shouted enthusiastically.

Sophia:

However, the Scribes and Pharisees hated it. Because many people were shouting for joy and believed that Jesus was the Messiah. The Scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Please stop all this fuss." Jesus responded, "I cannot make them stop. Even if they quieted down, the stones would scream instead of them.

Mom:

Very well done. Good job! Now, here is a question. Why did Jesus ride on a donkey instead of a horse?

James:

If it were me, I would have thought a horse would have been more extravagant. A donkey is weak and looks shabby. But I guess they were wary that the Roman army might take notice of them if they entered the castle on horseback.

Sophia:

Jesus is a hero, but He is humble, so he must have chosen a donkey, right?

Grace:

A king who wins a battle rides a horse to triumph and show his power to everyone, but Jesus came as a king of peace rather than a victor of power.

Dad:

I see. All three of you are very convincing.

Mom:

Do you know what hosanna means?

Sophia:

Praise be to God! Does it mean, "Praise the Lord!"

Dad:

Yes. Hosanna in Hebrew means Lord, save us, please. But now, as Sophia said, means praise the Lord or Hallelujah.

Mom:

If the people were so happy to believe in Jesus as their Savior, why did they decide to 'Crucify Jesus' in less than a week?

James:

They had been suffering so much under the Roman Empire that they thought Jesus would solve their problems and become the king. But Jesus did not, so they were disappointed.

Grace:

It was true, but I think it was this God's plan. Because I have heard that in the Old Testament that Jesus would be crucified.

Mom:

Yes, It is true. That is foretold in Isaiah Chapter 53.

Isaiah 53

Dad:

Do we consider this kind of betrayal of Jesus as a sin only for the people of that time? What about us?

Sophia:

I don't want to betray Jesus, but I can't always keep what Jesus taught us.

James:

Sophia, don't cry. It makes me sad too.

Dad:

I'm sorry, guys. Maybe I asked a difficult question for kids.

Mom:

I know it's harsh, but the people at that time were the same as us. We offer praise like Hosanna and Hallelujah. When we have a problem, we pray to God for help. However, when God's answer does not come immediately, we may be frustrated and doubtful, asking, “Why?” and we may become dissatisfied or doubtful and disappointed. It is the same as the people of that time. It is because they cannot trust Jesus to the end. But Jesus was born into this world for such weak people like us, told us that heaven is like this, and gave love and mercy to us, right?

Finally, Jesus is going to be crucified on Friday.

As we had Palm Sunday, let us look at What Jesus had done for us. James, may I ask you to pray?

James:

Yes, Mom. I will. Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to us. Today we had the Palm Sunday service. Please forgive us for sometimes not believing in Jesus to the end. But we want to remember what Jesus has done for us and obey you. Please help us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Postlude: