A Moment for Mission
“He answered [Jesus], I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.” — Luke 19: 40, CEB
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a humble donkey, the crowds gathered, waving palm branches and shouting, “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!” (Luke 19:38). It was a moment of great celebration, yet also one filled with tension. Not everyone in the crowd was pleased. The Pharisees urged Jesus to quiet the people, to keep things under control. But Jesus replied, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
This passage reminds us that God’s justice and truth cannot be silenced. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem was not just about celebration—it was a declaration that God’s kingdom is for all people, especially those who have been marginalized, overlooked, and silenced.
In The United Methodist Church, the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) continues this work by challenging and equipping the Church to be an intentionally diverse and inclusive body of Christ. Just as Jesus refused to quiet the voices of those proclaiming his mission, GCORR ensures that voices advocating for racial justice and equity within the Church are heard. GCORR provides tools to guide difficult conversations about race, equips leaders for cross-cultural ministry, and works toward systemic transformation so that all people—regardless of race or ethnicity—have an equal place in the Church.
Palm Sunday is a reminder that Christ’s kingdom is one of justice, inclusion, and bold witness. As we life our own symbolic palms today, may we ask ourselves: Where is God calling us to raise our voices for justice? How can we, like the General Commission on Religion and Race, be part of ensuring that the Church reflects the fullness of God’s diverse and beloved community?
Children’s Message
Title: Shouting for Jesus!
Materials: A small palm branch or a green piece of paper to wave
Good morning, friends! Have you ever been to a parade? What do people do at a parade? (Pause for answers—cheer, wave, clap.) Parades are exciting! Today, we’re going to talk about a special parade for Jesus.
Think of Palm Sunday like a big parade for Jesus! On that special day, Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem. But guess what? He wasn’t on a big, fancy horse like a king in a parade—he was riding a humble donkey! Everyone was so excited to see him that they took palm branches and waved them in the air, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” They knew Jesus was special, and they wanted to celebrate him.
But some people didn’t like the noise. They told Jesus to make the people be quiet. Do you know what Jesus said? He said, “If they keep quiet, even the stones will start shouting!” (Luke 19:40). Wow! Jesus was saying that nothing could stop people from praising him!
Jesus loves when we celebrate him, too. We can shout, sing, and tell others about his love. And we don’t have to wait for a parade—every day is a chance to show Jesus how much we love him!
(Have the children wave their hands or a piece of paper like a palm branch and say “Hosanna!” together.)
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being our King! Help us to praise you with our voices, our hearts, and in everything we do. We love you! Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we give thanks for Your kingdom—a kingdom where all people are valued, included, and loved. As we bring our gifts before You today, may they be used to further Your work of justice, reconciliation, and inclusion in the world.
Bless these offerings and the work of the General Commission on Religion and Race, as they lead the Church in becoming a more just and diverse reflection of Your people. May our giving be an act of faith, a commitment to raising our voices for love and justice, and a response to Your call to proclaim truth in all we do.
Use these gifts, Lord, to build a world that mirrors Your grace and unity. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
God of Peace, who reigns in unexpected ways, we gather before you in this season of Lent, bringing our gifts as an offering of our hearts. Just as the crowd welcomed Jesus with shouts of praise, we offer our lives in service to your kingdom. Use these gifts to bring hope, healing, and love to a world longing for your peace. Guide us to give generously with joyful hearts, knowing that in our giving, we proclaim your reign of grace. Bless these offerings and all who give in the name of Christ, our Savior. Amen. (Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Luke 19:28-40)
Newsletter Nugget
On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds greeted him with joy, waving palm branches and shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38). Yet, not everyone was happy—some wanted to silence the celebration. But Jesus reminded them that God’s truth cannot be quieted: “…I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout” (Luke 19:40).
This moment is a reminder for us today: Are we lifting our voices for Jesus? Do our words and actions reflect his love, justice, and peace? How can we, like the General Commission on Religion and Race, be part of ensuring that the Church reflects the fullness of God’s diverse and beloved community? As we wave our symbolic palms, let us also commit to welcoming Jesus into our lives, speaking up for what is right, and sharing his message with the world.