Lectionary readings  
Philippians 2:5–11
Luke 22.14-end of Ch 23

Sam’s sermon workshop for Palm Sunday 2025
Palm Sunday summary and sermon idea development

General Introduction

Palm Sunday’s Multivalence and Human Nature can be the time to discuss  significance of Palm Sunday and Holy Week, particularly in relation to the Holy Land. Explore  how to relate to these events in today’s context and how to approach Palm Sunday.

Sam highlighted the multivalence of Palm Sunday, emphasising the contrast between the epic and lyric dimensions of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. He also discussed the poignant moments of betrayal and denial, such as the Last Supper, and the complexity of Judas’ character. A time for a  conversation reflecting  on the extraordinary fickleness of human nature.

PONDER
What events in today’s context chime with Palm Sunday ?

Palm Sunday’s Profound Human Experience

Sam discussed the significance of Palm Sunday, highlighting its unique blend of profound human experience and cosmic reflection. He noted that it often takes him by surprise due to its high attendance and rich content. He also praised the recent addition of an actor to their community, which has brought a new dimension to their passion play.

QUESTION
Do you relate to Sam’s experience of Palm Sunday?  How might this affect what you might want to teach about this Sunday?

Sam’s Palm Sunday Performance Experience

Samuel discussed his experience with a solo performance of Palm Sunday at Duke, where he directed and wrote the script for a seminarian. He mentioned the addition of music and the emotional impact it had on the audience. He  also shared his thoughts on the length and content of sermons, suggesting a shorter homily to draw out themes. He compared this to the current practice at his current location, which includes music and the laying of Jesus on the altar. He  also mentioned the powerful visual of slamming the door when closing the tomb, which was not included in his previous performance.

QUESTION
Might you think about approaching worship on Palm Sunday with the use of drama and music ?

Violin String Connecting Heaven and Earth

Sam reflected  on a sermon he gave about Palm Sunday and Holy Week, using the metaphor of a violin string connecting heaven and earth to illustrate the complexity of human nature and God. He shares two stories to support his message: a public account of a man who became a human bridge during the Zeebrugge Ferry disaster in 1987, and a personal experience of nearly drowning with his father in a riptide. He reflected on  the latter incident, where he didn’t let go of his father : the thing he’s most proud of in his life.

Palm Sunday Reflections and Visual Aids

Samuel discussed the significance of Palm Sunday, emphasising the need for profound reflection on human nature and our relationship with God. He suggested that the sermon should focus on how Palm Sunday reveals truths about ourselves and God.

Regarding palm crosses, Sam proposed  using them as a visual aid to illustrate both the joyous and somber aspects of Holy Week. He also mentioned a memorable sermon about unique elements in the Palm Sunday story, such as the unridden colt, and suggests using simple, relatable imagery like Jesus riding a tractor instead of a tank to convey the message.

QUESTION :
Are there images, experienced  and metaphors that you might be tempted to use?

Symbolic Gestures in Political Events

Sam discussed the power of symbolic gestures in the context of political and religious events. He suggested that the church should focus on making memorable gestures, rather than solely relying on words or numbers. Samuel used examples from history, such as Pope John Paul II’s visit to Poland and Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom, to illustrate the impact of such gestures. He proposed that the church could make a significant statement by organising a symbolic event, like a pageant in Washington National Cathedral, to represent the diversity of America and challenge the current political climate.

QUESTION
What might these gestures be in your experience and context?

Crowds in Jesus’ Entry and Death

In the on line discussion Jolley and Samuel discussed the concept of crowds in the context of the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his subsequent death. Samuel clarified that the term “crowd” in the Gospels represents the common people who were not part of the elite or religious groups and were drawn to Jesus. He also emphasised that the transformation of the crowd from welcoming to hostile was not due to fickleness, but rather fear, threat, and peer pressure.

Philippians 2.

Sam  touched upon the themes of humility and the need for conversation in conflict situations, using the example of Philippians 2.

prayer material

Here is a set of Iona-style liturgical and prayer material to accompany your Palm Sunday Reflection: The Power of Humility.
The tone is rooted in community, simplicity, and poetic rhythm, suitable for use in worship before, during, or after your reflection.

WORSHIP

Leader:

We come this day, waving branches,
lifting hopes, singing praise.
But not for a king of war,
not for a throne of gold.

All:

We come to walk with Jesus,
on the road of palms and passion.

Leader:

He rides a borrowed donkey,
not a warhorse.
He comes with open hands,
not clenched fists.

All:

Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who shows us another way.
Let us follow.
Humble Christ,
riding into our cities,
our churches,
our hearts—
not in splendour,
but in surrender—
meet us where we are.

Not with power that shouts,
but with love that listens.
Not with force,
but with gentleness.

We come to walk with you:
from cheers to tears,
from palms to passion,
from safety to surrender.

Show us again the strength of humility,
and lead us in the way of peace.
Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

For those who walk in fear,
who long for courage—
may your humble strength be their companion.

For those who speak truth to power,
and are silenced or scorned—
may your voice rise with theirs.

For the powerful,
for those with choices—
may your way of surrender shape their actions.

For places torn by conflict—
Jerusalem, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan—
for every holy place made hostile,
may your peace come, unexpected and real.

For us, in this place,
as we choose whether to follow or turn away—
may we take one step closer to the way of the cross.

All:

Jesus, riding on a donkey,
lead us onward.
Jesus, humble and strong,
show us the way.
Amen.

Sending Out

Leader:

You have waved the palms.
Now walk the path.
You have heard the challenge.
Now live the change.

Go with the Christ who rides a donkey,
and follow him through the gates of the city,
into the heart of the world.

All:

We go in peace,
with courage shaped by love,
and love shaped by Christ.

Amen.