Preparation for Sunday Service
For Sunday the 29th of March, 2026 (Sunday of the Passion)
As we gather for worship the on the Sunday of the Passion, we will begin with the joyful shouts of the Palm Sunday crowd, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13). Soon, however, the cost this King will pay to establish His rule comes clearly into view. Christ, though very God of very God, must make Himself nothing and endure the humiliation of false accusation, unjust punishment, mockery and ridicule, and finally death—death on a cross. As we see this horror, however, the readings make clear that in all these things the Lord’s compassion is foremost. For the purpose and goal is not Jesus’ humiliation, but His exaltation to the highest place—and our inclusion with Him! One of our hymns catches the theme well: “Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die. Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain, Then take, O God, Thy pow’r and reign” (LSB 441.5)
