allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

The Humble King: A Sermon for Palm Sunday

A sermon for Palm Sunday, by Father Jerome Leckband.

In his homily for Palm Sunday, Father Leckband explores the striking contrast between the world’s definition of power and the “strange kingship” of Jesus Christ. As we enter Holy Week, we are invited to look past the waving palm branches to see the true nature of the King who comes to save us.

The Contrast of Kingship

The sermon highlights the intentional humility of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. While worldly kings ride on warhorses to demonstrate military might and dominance, Jesus arrives on a humble beast of burden. This is not a king who comes to be served, but one who comes to serve. His authority is not found in earthly political power, but in his perfect obedience to the Father.

The Mind of Christ

Drawing from St. Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2, Father Leckband reminds us that the “mind of Christ” is defined by self-emptying love.

  • The Descent: Christ, though being in the form of God, did not cling to his divine privileges but “made himself nothing.”
  • The Goal: His journey into Jerusalem is a deliberate step toward the cross. He does not enter the city to take a throne of gold, but to ascend a throne of wood.

Our Participation in His Passion

The Palm Sunday liturgy, with its shift from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him,” serves as a mirror for the human heart. We are reminded that the same crowd that welcomed him with joy soon turned against him. However, the message of the Gospel is that Christ remains steadfast. He enters Jerusalem knowing full well the cost, enduring the shame and the suffering for our sake.

Looking Toward the Cross

As we follow Jesus into this Holy Week, we are called to lay down our own pride and “palm branches” of self-righteousness. Our hope is not found in our own loyalty, which so often wavers, but in the unwavering faithfulness of the King who rode into the city to die so that we might live.

“He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

You can listen to the full homily below.

allsaintsjonesboro News

NEA Hymn-Sing and Organ Recital at Hope Lutheran Church – A Festival of Sacred Music

Join us for a joyful evening of sacred music and fellowship at Hope Lutheran Church in Batesville, Arkansas! On Sunday, June 8 at 4pm, we’re joining together for a Hymn-Sing and Organ Recital that will walk us through the festival half of the Church Year, celebrating the life of Christ through Scripture and song.

Featuring Special Guest Organists

We’re honored to welcome three talented organists who will lead us in music throughout the evening: Kristi Leckband, Malachi Heinecke, and Aaron Jackson.

Their performances will guide us through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost—each one reflected in beautiful hymns and organ works that draw us deeper into the story of our salvation in Christ.

Between congregational hymn singing, each organist will present pieces that highlight the rich traditions of sacred music and the theological depth embedded in the Church’s year.

Dinner and Fellowship

Following the music, a delicious dinner will be served, giving us a chance to enjoy fellowship with friends old and new. All are welcome—bring your family, friends, and neighbors for this uplifting evening.

Support Disaster Relief Through LERT

A free-will offering will be received during the event to support LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team). LERT provides practical assistance and the comfort of Christ to individuals and communities in our region affected by natural disasters. Your generosity will help bring hope and help to those in need.

📍 Hope Lutheran Church, Batesville, AR

📅 Sun., June 8, 4pm

🍽️ Dinner to follow the recital

💛 Free-will offering to benefit LERT

Come be encouraged by the beauty of sacred music, the joy of communal singing, and the fellowship of believers. We look forward to seeing you there!

Soli Deo Gloria!

allsaintsjonesboro Sermons

God is gone up with a triumphant shout!

What a blessing it was to be able to gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Zion Lutheran Church in Waldenburg yesterday to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord. In addition to being fed by Christ with His holy Word and blessed Sacrament in a wonderful Divine Service, we had the privilege of enjoying some hearty conversation and great food provided by the saints of Zion. God be praised!