Palm Sunday

Radio 4’s Sunday Worship 

Palm Sunday Service – Life Church Bradford 

INTRO Jock James

Welcome to Life Church! I’m pastor Jock James and together with my wife Shirley I lead LIFE Church here in Bradford. We are so glad you’re with us today—whether you're here in person or listening wherever you are. 

At LIFE Church, we believe in the power of faith and community, and today is a significant day—Palm Sunday. This marks the beginning of Holy Week, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna!" as people waved palm branches, welcoming Him as King. But they didn’t yet understand the incredible sacrifice He was about to make. 

So, as we step into this time of worship and reflection, let’s open our hearts to what God wants to speak to us today. We’ll start with a prayer and then will join in worship with ‘Hosanna’ a modern worship song led for us by Philippa Hanna… 

PALM SUNDAY PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, 

Today, we remember the moment Jesus rode into Jerusalem, welcomed with joy and shouts of "Hosanna!" But we know that His journey was leading to the cross—for us. As we reflect on the significance of Palm Sunday, we also look forward to reflecting on all you’re doing in our community, across the City of Bradford and beyond. Help us to welcome you fully into our hearts and lives, not just today but every day. As we step into Holy Week, remind us of Your love, Your grace, and the incredible hope we have in Jesus. 

In Jesus name, Amen. 

MUSIC: Hosanna (Hillsong) - Philippa Hanna

 LINK: Philippa Hanna

 I’m Philippa Hanna, a singer-songwriter and worship leader, and LIFE Church is my home. One of the things that makes this church so special is the culture of worship that has been woven into our DNA for decades. For over 40 years, a legacy of passionate worship has emerged from this house. And while the sound continues to evolve, the heart remains the same—to glorify God. What I love most is how our worship reflects the beauty of the UK Church—different voices, styles, and expressions coming together as one. 

With Bradford set to be the UK City of Culture in 2025, it’s an exciting time to celebrate the richness of diversity in our city. Just as Bradford’s culture is shaped by many influences, so is our worship—drawing from different traditions, sounds, and nations. We see this reflected in our songwriting, in our church family, and in the powerful praise of cultures like Nigerian worship. 

None Like Jehovah is a song that carries this very heart—a bold, faith-filled declaration that there truly is no one like our God. He is mighty, unshakable, and moving in our lives right now. 

So let’s stand together, one church, one voice, and lift up the name of Jehovah! Led by Grace Olugunsi. 

 MUSIC: None Like Jehovah 

 LINK INTO READING: Nadine

Good morning, I’m Nadine - the Youth and Young adult Pastor at LIFE Church, delivering our reading today. I love moments like this in the Bible—moments that remind us of who Jesus really is. Today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, we’re looking at a powerful moment in Scripture—when Jesus entered Jerusalem, not on a war horse, not with an army, but on a donkey. It was the fulfillment of prophecy, the sign of a different kind of King. The people waved palm branches and shouted "Hosanna!", welcoming Him with joy. But in just a few days, those same voices would be crying out for His crucifixion. 

It’s a passage that makes us stop and think—who is Jesus to us? Do we welcome Him fully into our lives, not just in moments of celebration, but in the everyday, in the challenges, in the unknown? 

Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King. 

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 

5 “Say to Daughter Zion, 

‘See, your king comes to you, 

gentle and riding on a donkey, 

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 

“Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!” 

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c] 

“Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!” 

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 

MESSAGE: Jock James // ‘Who is this Jesus’

 Such a rich scripture

Jesus entry into Jerusalem - ultimately on His way to the cross 

As He arrived vs 10 people were stirred to ask ‘Who is this Jesus?” 

Such an important question - do we see him as a story - a historical figure or good person but could it be that He was who He said He was - the son of God, the one that came to bring us back into relationship with our Heavenly father 

Imagine the scene - Rumour has been spreading 

Miracles / tax collectors and fisherman / pharisees / Roman Empire (keep the peace)

He rides into the state and religious capital 

There were some who saw Him as the coming king

People would lay cloaks and palms on the ground - tradition 

they shouted - Hosanna. - means ‘Save now’ 

Saw Him as He is the saviour - it was the day 10th day of the month (Nisan) 4 days before Passover when the lamb to be sacrificed was chosen

Here comes Jesus the ultimate sacrifice - the one who would deal with sin and everything that separates us from a Holy God 

The one who had been spoken about in prophecy for hundreds of years earlier 

The one who came for ALL, for you and for me 

In his perfection he was to take our punishment so that we could go free 

He was the ultimate sacrifice - one person for all people, one time for all time

yet others looked on and did not know or accept Jesus 

who is this Jesus? 

This picture didnt look like they thought it should - they had an idea of how things should be and this did not fit for them

They expected a military leader - a mighty warrior yes Jesus came on a donkey - even a colt -

a beast of burden - peace & humility 

 that would bear sacrifice 

Jesus came into the city not to sit in a palace or parliament but rather he came in humility, in obedience even to death upon a cross……. 

Though ultimately he would sit in the place of all power and authority ….. for HE was to have the ultimate victory because on the third day He would rise again, proving he was indeed who he said he was - he defeated everything even death on a cross and so invites us to love the resurrection life with Him. 

Who is this Jesus 

a prophet or the fulfilment of promise 

So just a carpenter or the true King? 

Who is this Jesus? 

If you were in that crowd watching Him enter would you shout hosanna ? Would you receive Him as king?

Maybe it doesnt look like you thought it would look, maybe it seems too familiar…. Maybe it seems to strange or surprising but the Question ‘who is this Jesus? - demands and answer. 

As we remember Palm Sunday - as Jesus makes His entrance who do you say He is. 

You can receive Him as king today.

Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice and dealt with everything that separates us from our Father in heaven

Not because of who we are or anything we have done…… NO, but because of who He is and what He has done. 

We don’t need to be a certain type of person, or live a certain type of life or have a certain background - Jesus welcome all by His grace - we simply have to invite Him in , to receive Him as our king and saviour

The King is here - will you receive Him , will you receive the victory He has won for you - will you receive by grace His love, forgiveness, peace, purpose. 

Millions around the world at Easter will welcome Him in…. You can too.

‘We’re next going to hear from our head of Pastoral Care, Chris Sayburn, and first he’ll sing Graham Kendrick’s song that sums up Jesus’ role as the servant King.

MUSIC : Hymn - The Servant King (Graham Kendrick)// Chris Sayburn

LINK: Chris Sayburn 

We have heard how The Psalm Sunday Crowd raised their voices and laid down branches - believing Jesus to be their King. They thought He would be the one who would bring them freedom from powers that ruled over them. But Jesus came to bring freedom from the power that rules within them and within us - the power Sin that leads to Separation. But the Good news is that Jesus is the King who serves, and Jesus is the King who saves. He is the King who laid down His life on a cross once and for all so we can take up new life in Him. Christians have remembered and recited this Good news story for centuries through a statement of faith known as the “the Nicene Creed” (fun fact…which this year is 1700 years old this year) It includes, “For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven….He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;he suffered and was buried and on The third day he rose again…” 

It’s important we remember, this isn’t just “History” This is His-Story, It’s also ours for In Jesus we are united in His love and victory.
We’re gonna sing a LIFE worship song now that really captures this. It’s called One People

So let’s stand together, and lift up one voice in worship of the One who gave His all.

MUSIC: One people // Philippa Hanna 

LINK: Fee Baxter

Good morning everyone! I’m Fee Baxter, Head of Outreach here at LIFE Church. It’s great to be with you today and to share a little about the impact of our outreach work. 

At LIFE Church, we’re passionate about making a difference—not just inside these walls, but throughout our city. We believe church isn’t just about Sundays; it’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus every day, right where people are. 

One way we do this is through LIFE Play, our purpose-built play center where families can connect in a safe environment. It also includes a bespoke sensory room, providing a welcoming space for children with additional sensory or special educational needs. 

But that’s just one part of a bigger mission. Whether it’s partnering with local charities—like we did at Christmas, delivering thousands of gifts to families in need—or working on future plans for our community grocery, our heart is to bring hope to every corner of our city. 

As we go into our next song, King of Kings led by Eniola, let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for the incredible work You’re doing through all the outreach here at Life Church. We lift up every family, every child, and every person who walks through our doors—may they experience Your love, joy, and peace. Bless the teams who serve so faithfully, giving their time and energy to make a difference in our city. We pray that You would open more doors, bring more opportunities, and continue to use us to be a light in Bradford.

Amen. 

MUSIC: King of Kings (Hillsong)

PRAYERS: // Shirley James:

Heavenly Father, as we step into Holy Week, we lift up Your Church across the UK. In every city, every town, and every gathering, may Your name be lifted high. We pray for pastors, leaders, and congregations as they share the message of Jesus—may hearts be stirred, lives be changed, and people come to know You in a deeper way. Let this be a week where the Church shines brightly, where unity grows, and where hope is declared over our nation. 

And Lord, we pray for the community of Bradford—for families, for schools, for workplaces, for those in need. We ask for peace where there is struggle, for strength where there is weariness, and for Your love to be seen through the work of Your people. May Life Church, and every church in this city, be a light that points others to You. 

God, as we move towards the cross and the resurrection, remind us again of Your grace, Your sacrifice, and the victory we have in Jesus. 

We thank You, we trust You, and we give You all the glory. 

Amen. 

The Lord’s Prayer 

Our Father in heaven, 

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, 

your will be done, 

on earth as in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins 

as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Lead us not into temptation 

but deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, 

and the glory are yours 

now and for ever. 

Amen. 

 Jock James: 

It’s been such a great time together this morning. As we step into Holy Week, we remember that Palm Sunday was a moment of celebration—crowds cheering, hope in the air—but it was also the start of something much bigger. The journey ahead for Jesus wasn’t easy. He faced challenge, suffering, and sacrifice. 

And life can be like that too—moments of joy followed by challenges we didn’t see coming. But the story doesn’t end in struggle. Good Friday reminds us of sacrifice, but Easter reminds us that hope always has the final word. 

So as we go into this week, let’s reflect, let’s take time to pause, and let’s look ahead to the joy of what’s coming. Pastor Shirley is going to pray a blessing over us as we close. 

(Shirley James prays): 

Father, we thank You for this time together. 
As we go from here, may we carry peace in our hearts, strength for the week ahead, and a fresh sense of hope. In the moments of reflection, remind us of the bigger picture, and as Easter approaches, fill us with joy and gratitude. 

Bless each person, each family, and this city, and may Your love go with us. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

We end the service with a song by Bethel Music with the powerful lines -

You are lifted high, holy 

Holy forever! 

MUSIC to play out: Holy Forever (Bethel)