The triumphal entry
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:1-17), it was a wonderful time of Family Worship - a large gathering of all ages having a great time with Jesus. When organising Family Services (or all-age worship times) you could apply the same principles that helped to make Jesus' triumphant entry to Jerusalem a special occasion.
- It began with the 'organisers' hearing from Jesus
- vl Jesus sent two disciples
- v6 The disciples went and did as Jesus instructed
- There was an appropriate biblical foundation for everything in the programme.
- 5 Say to the Daugther of Zion, See your King comes to you gentle end riding on a donkey
- The 'worship leaders' had prepared so that everything that was needed was there, and then they led by example.
- v7 They brought the donkey and the colt... they placed their cloaks on them
- There was opportunity for a variety of active participation by everyone there
- v8 spread their cloaks on the road; cut down branches; crowds went ahead, and those who followed shouted...
- The Word of God was shared concisely and in ways relevant for the situation
- v9 Son of David - who Jesus is; Hosanna - what he came to do (save now)
- v13 My house will be called a house of prayer but you are making it a den of thieves (Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11)
- v16 Have you never heard 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise' (Psalm 8:2)
- The focus of everything was clearly on Jesus and led others around to ask about him
- v10 The whole city was stirred and asked 'who is this?'
- Things which were not appropriate for the occasion were shifted out of the way
- v12,13 Jesus drove out those buying and selling and overturned the tables of the money changers
- There was time for prayer, and for joyful expressions from people of many different backgrounds
- v13 My house will be called a house of prayer ... for all nations (Isaiah 56:8)
- Opportunity was given for those in need to be ministered to
- v14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them
- Children as part of the congregation shared the experience of Jesus being with his people and they were actively involved
- v15 the children shouting in the temple area 'Hosanna to the Son of David'
- The contribution of the children was given it's true value
- v16 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise (because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger - Psalm 8:2)
This article is taken from the introduction to the songbook for Family Worship 2 - With One Voice.