April 5, 2009: THE FINAL WEEK
Palm/Passion Sunday, Mark texts
Eileen Parfrey -- Springwater Presbyterian Church
Introduction to a service
The point is experiencing “The Last Week” of Jesus’ life. What led up to the crucifixion on Friday is shown vividly through Mark’s skill as writer. It’s as if, from a literary standpoint, the crucifixion is almost inevitable. Theologically, however, you will have to judge for yourselves. The week moves from most public statement possible in 1st century Palestine—a parade—to an act of intimacy almost unthinkable in that time—Mary’s touch, as she anoints Jesus.
Put yourselves in a pilgrimage frame of mind. The service is designed to give a deeper understanding of how each event draws us into Friday. The Passion’s meaning is death-from-life, as well as life-from-death . As pilgrims, it is appropriate to identify with Christ as you participate in these events.
CALL TO WORSHIP: selections from Psalm 118 read responsively
SUNDAY Mark 11:1-11 Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
There were two parades that day. The Jews were a fractious bunch, and Rome knew that they were never more difficult to control than when they celebrated their religious holiday of freedom from slavery. When thousands of Jews assembled in Jerusalem every year to celebrate Passover, Rome’s governor’s knew it was in their best interest to make a show of force. Accordingly, there were two parades that day. Pilate, mounted on a war horse, accompanied by fully-armed soldiers, entered from one gate. Jesus, mounted a the poor person’s working mount, a donkey, entered from the other gate. Both moved through the streets, drawing crowds.
Palm procession, singing #88 PH “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Prayer of adoration
MONDAY: Mark 11:12-14, 20-26 Cursing the Fig Tree and Answered Prayer
What’s with the cursing? Most scholars say the tree said “no” to Jesus’ request for something to eat. Vestigial figs were possible that time of year. When the disciples draw Jesus’ attention to the “success” of his curse, Jesus makes one of the most audacious statements about prayer imaginable. And most of us, if we are honest, have been disappointed by Jesus’ claim. Is it our fault or God’s that our prayers aren’t answered? How much depends on our “believing in our hearts”?________________
Action: write prayer request and “need to forgive” on the bulletin insert. At the end of the service, drop this paper into the basket on the communion table (no one will read what you write).
Answered Prayer: Mark 11:12-14, 20-26 (from The Message)
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything.”
Write your prayer request as you enter the God-life of this week:
[Jesus continues] “And when you assume this posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
What or who do you need to forgive?
TUESDAY Mark 12:1-12: Parable of the Murderous Tenants
Jesus amps up his critique of those who oppose him and God’s empire. His critics are, for the most part, the religious establishment. So he tells this parable. How foolish can the owner get? To continue to send slaves to be abused and finally his son is either stupidity or misplaced trust. But what if the owner asks for the fruit (due to him by contract) out of love? What if the repeated sending of messengers was simply an act of love?
Sing “God Loved the World” (v 1, 2)
TUESDAY Mark 12:28-34: The First Commandment
This is Markan irony, as much a commentary on the parable of the murderous tenants as anything else.
Sing “Love Consecrates the Humblest Act”
Action: This is intended to be a way of making concrete what Jesus meant by “loving your neighbor.” Again, write on the paper, drop in the basket at the end of the service.
The First Commandment: Mark 12:28-34 (from The Message)
Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”
What are concrete ways you love others as well as you love yourself this week?
What are concrete ways you love yourself as well as you love other this week?
TUESDAY Mark 12:41-44: Not Far from the Kingdom
Offering, dedicating One Great Hour of Sharing offering. congregation singing “Seek Ye First”
WEDNESDAY Mark 14:3-9: Anointing at Bethany
In John, the “final straw” as far as Jesus’ fate is concerned, is the raising of Lazarus. In Mark, it’s this very intimate and worshipful act by Mary. While Jesus says she has anointed him for burial, anointing him on his head mimicked the royal anointing of kings. Furthermore, Jesus hushes his disciples with the words, “What she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” This enigmatic, mysterious statement: echoes the words of institution we use in the communion service, but is Mary’s act about adoration, single-minded selflessness? Or is it a prophetic act for which we remember her?
Sing “When Mary Bathed” (vv 1, 4, 5) (Tune #81 PH, words by Ruth Duck)
THURSDAY Mark 14:26-31: Denial at Dinner
[This text is not read, but is told as part of the communion service]
Congregation sings:
We remember you, We remember you.
By your sacrifice of love all glory now is due.
At this table here mercy hovers near.
Thanks are offered up. In this bread and cup we remember you.
[#132 LUYH]
Followed by:
Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.
FRIDAY Mark 15:1-47: Arrest, Crucifixion, Burial
Read with no comment.
Sing “Come and See”
Philippians 2:5-11
Read with no comment.
Congregation leaves in silence, bringing their prayer offerings to the heart basket, receiving a nail. |