Lakeshore Ave Baptist Church, Oakland

Our Palm Sunday tradition is to begin worship by gathering on the front steps of the church and processing into the sanctuary while singing “All Glory, Laud and Honor.”

The main point of my sermon that Jesus decision to enter Jerusalem was not a heedless act but a conscious decision, a decision that was representative of, and consistent with, the whole of Jesus life. It was was a decision to serve rather than be served. It was a decision to hang out with the common folk rather than to be seen with the captains and the kings. It was a decision to seek out places of struggle rather than avenues of escape. He made these choices in order to plant seeds of hope in the heart and mind of every person.

Three sentences sum up the essence of Palm Sunday. He walked toward us. He walked with us. He walked for us.

Update: Pastor Hopkins’ sermon is here.