Discussion on Passion and Palm Sunday
Passion Sunday and Palm Sunday are two distinct, yet interconnected, celebrations within the Christian liturgical calendar. Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most solemn and sacred time of the year for the Church.
Palm Sunday, in the Processional Gospel of Luke 19:28-40 in the attached readings), commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and hailing him as the Messiah. This joyous occasion is recorded in all four Gospels and sets the stage for the events of the Passion, which unfold in the days that follow.
Passion Sunday, in the Gospel of Luke 22:14-23:56, focuses on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. “Maundy Thursday”, Luke 22:14-71, tells the story of the “Last Supper” and Jesus’ betrayal in Gethsemane. “Good Friday”, Luke 23:1-23:56, tells the story of Jesus’ Passion as captured in the “Stations of the Cross” and “The Seven Last Words of Jesus”.
It highlights the powerful mystery of the Incarnation, as the Son of God willingly embraces the cross to redeem humanity from sin and death. The readings and liturgy on Passion Sunday invite the faithful to reflect deeply on the Passion narrative, to accompany Jesus on his journey to Calvary, and to ponder the immense love that motivated his sacrifice.
While Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday are distinct, they are inextricably linked. The former celebrates the beginning of the Passion, Although the latter plunges us into the heart of this sacred mystery. Together, they form a seamless narrative that leads us from the joyous acclamation of the crowds to the somber contemplation of Christ’s suffering and death.
Bible Study for April 13,2025
Opening Prayer:
Creator of all, we thank you for the opportunity to gather in study. Open our minds and hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to the gospel and to walk humbly with you. Grant us your peace as we grow in wisdom and understanding. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Luke 23:1-9 How do you feel about Christ’s death?
Luke 23:1-49 is a pivotal passage that narrates the tragic yet ultimately triumphant climax of Jesus' earthly journey. It reveals the political and religious forces aligned against him, the injustice of his trial, the agony of his crucifixion, and the profound significance of his death. Through the lens of Luke's Gospel, we see Jesus as the innocent and righteous Son of God, who willingly endured suffering and death, even praying for his persecutors. The darkness, the torn curtain, and the centurion's confession hint at the cosmic and universal implications of his sacrifice, paving the way for the new creation and the offer of salvation to all who believe. The presence of the penitent thief offers a powerful reminder of God's boundless mercy, available even in the final moments of life. This passage compels us to reflect on the cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love demonstrated on the cross.
Philippians 2:5-11 When has conceit or pride prevented you from manifesting the mind of Christ?
This hymn presents a contrast between clinging to the honor that one might rightfully deserve and emptying oneself of all such claims for the sake of obedience to God. Jesus had the ultimate claim to honor—equality with God by virtue of existing in “the form of God”—and he chose to set aside His claims and their enjoyment for a greater good. These words must be heard in connection with 2:1-4, where Paul called his friends in Philippi to set aside ambition and conceit and choose to serve one another. By following Jesus’ actions here, a church can achieve that same unity of spirit that God intends for us, and that same love that we all desire.
Isaiah 50:4-9a How might the servant’s example—and that of Jesus as well—embolden and strengthen you own service to God?
This passage is the third of four “servant songs” found in Isaiah. There is a sharp debate among scholars concerning the identity of this “servant,” whether it be the prophet himself, Israel, or some future individual. Three aspects of the servant’s life are evident in this song: first, the servant listened to God. Second, nothing made the servant turn back from obedience to God’s voice, and the servant showed boldness in the face of all opposition. And third, the servant had absolute confidence in God’s justice and God’s commitment to vindicate him.
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