1. SING HOSANNA Mark 11:1-11

2. Introduction  Villages in Spain learnt that the king would be visiting them.  In more than a thousand years, no king has ever come to this village.  Very excited. Wanted to have a big celebration.  But it was a poor village.

3.  Had an idea. Many in the village made their own wine.  Each decided to bring a large cup and pour it in a large vat.  When the king draws to drink, it will be the very best.  The day before the king arrived, hundreds of people lined up.

4.  The king arrived. Given a silver cup.  He drew from the vat.  Expected wine but only water came out.  Everyone thought - one cup of water would not make a difference.  They would not know.  The problem – everyone thought the same.

5.  Palm Sunday is the day we honor the King of Kings.  It is the day we are to give our very best to the Lord.

6. A. Why is Palm Sunday Important?  It is the beginning of the end of Jesus’ earthly life.  First day of His last week.  He was looking at the cross and being raised to life.

7. B. What was Jesus’ Mission? – To Save  It was the Passover.  A day of remembering the mighty work of God.  How He freed the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.  A celebration of victory.  Yahweh had defeated the gods of Egypt.

8.  Luke 19:10 – “To seek and To save.”  People were in a joyous mood.  They were praising God by singing “Hosanna”.

9.  They placed their coats on the road, cut branches.  A red carpet welcome.  If Jesus were to walk by now, what will you lay down for Him?  Luke 19:40 – “Praise”

10. C. Our Mission – To Praise  Can be done privately or publicly.  Chosen for that very purpose – 1 Peter 2:9  What is standing in the way of my ability to praise God?

11. 1.Is it my pride?  Is pride standing in the way of my praise to God?  When parents do not sing, their children also do not sing.  If we do not praise Jesus in church, we probably would not praise Him elsewhere.

12. 2. Is fear in the way?  A good example is Peter.  He was with Jesus - Saw, heard experienced Him.  But when confronted – he was afraid.

13. 3. Was there preparation?  Branches were cut.  People were informed.  All took place before Jesus came to Jerusalem.  How prepared are you to praise Jesus this morning?  We often come to service with little preparation.

14. 4. Is there some burden, worry or sadness that is in the way?  Whatever it is, are you willing to lay it down?  Psalm 150:6  What is our sacrifice of praise this morning?