Fourth Sunday Of Easter
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Luke describes the nature and functions of the apostolic church. Here is an idealistic description of the very first church. Unity was the primary characteristic. They were one in holding to apostolic teaching. They so loved Christ and each other that they had fellowship and shared all they had with each other. The first church was a happy one as they prayed and worshiped together. New converts were added daily as they were received by baptism. At this time Christians found favor with all the people.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--60 (E)
Stephen's election as a deacon and his martyrdom.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:19--25 (C, E); 1 Peter 2:20b--25 (RC)
Christ is our model for innocent and redemptive suffering. The setting for this passage is Peter's admonition to Christian slaves, who were badly treated by their masters, to endure patiently. He then applies the principle of patient endurance during innocent suffering to all Christians. If one is patient in suffering innocently, God gives his approval. Two characteristics of Jesus' suffering: (1) Jesus does not pay back, but absorbs the suffering; (2) Jesus' suffering was redemptive. Because of this, straying sheep come back to their Shepherd.
Gospel: John 10:1--10 (C, RC, E)
Jesus is the shepherd and door of the sheep. Today's Gospel consists of two parables (vv. 1--6 and 7--10). Jesus claims to be both the true shepherd and door of the sheep. As the true shepherd, he comes through the gate for his sheep while a false shepherd uses an illegitimate way to steal the sheep. As a true shepherd, Jesus is recognized and the sheep follow him. Moreover, Jesus is the door of the sheep in contrast to robbers. Through him, the door, the sheep gain salvation and sustenance which constitute abundant life.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 23 (C, RC, E) - "The Lord is my shepherd" (v. 1).
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all power, you called from death our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep. Send us shepherds to rescue the lost, to heal the injured, and to feed one another with knowledge and understanding."
Hymn Of The Day
"The King Of Love My Shepherd Is"
Theme Of The Day: The Good Shepherd And The Sheep
Gospel - The Shepherd leads the sheep to abundant life - John 10:1--10
Lesson 1 - The life of the sheep under their shepherds - Acts 2:42--47
Lesson 2 - The suffering Shepherd gathers his sheep - 1 Peter 2:19--25
Easter 4 in Cycle A, B, and C is known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." Accordingly, the great shepherd psalm (23) is used each year and the Gospels are taken from the Good Shepherd chapter (John 10). The Prayer refers to Jesus as our "great shepherd." The Hymn deals with the Shepherd's love. In the Gospel, Jesus is both shepherd and the door of salvation for the sheep. We see in Lesson 1 the life of the sheep under their shepherds, the apostles. Because of exemplary and redemptive suffering of the Shepherd, the sheep repent their waywardness and return to him.
Easter 4 And The Easter Season
What does Easter 4's theme of sheep and shepherd have to do with the Easter season's message of the resurrection? On the surface, there seems to be no connection. Why couldn't this theme of Jesus as shepherd serve to assure us of the nature of the risen Lord? Though he has risen in glory and is soon to ascend to the Father, Christ continues with us as a shepherd on earth, a shepherd who knows, cares, leads, and protects his sheep. Though risen in glory and absent in the body, Jesus continues as an abiding presence to care for his people. He is the good shepherd who died for his sheep to rescue them from the wolves. His resurrection confirms his victory and he continues to live as the shepherd of our souls.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 10:1--10
1. Thieves of religion. In the vernacular, we call them "sheep stealers." They are shepherds who jump the wall of a church to get sheep for themselves. It is proselytism. Most of us are agreed it is unchristian to steal members from one church for another church. We condemn the extreme evangelistic efforts of radical sects in seeking converts from mainline denominations. How far does this principle go? Does it apply to Christianity's program of evangelism and missions to non--Christian people?
2. Pluralism. Verses 7 and 9 teach that Jesus is the door to life and salvation. He is not one of a series of doors to God. In today's world, the emphasis is upon pluralism - one religion being as valid as the next one. Christianity is considered one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism. The door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for evangelism and missions to non--Christian people? It is not done in the interests of building up a monolithic religious organization in the hope of getting a monopoly, but of sharing good news of salvation through Christ.
3. Life. Jesus says in verse 10 that he came to bring abundant life to all people. What is life? The Greeks had two words for life: Bios and Zoe. The former is life as physical existence. Zoe life can be no life at all unless life (Bios) has "Life" (Zoe) in it.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
See Lesson 1, Easter 3.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--60 (E)
1. Growing pains. The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry is too busy and the spiritual functions are being neglected. Members are complaining about their being neglected. What church would not like to have a problem like that, such as lack of parking space on a Sunday morning, insufficient seating space for Sunday morning service, or crowded Sunday school rooms? Why was this church growing? What will make any church grow? "The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied" (v. 7).
2. Ministerial priorities. Today's ministry feels frustrated through the maceration of ministers. They claim to be involved in secondary matters of church administrations, program, and promotion to the neglect of that for which they were ordained: ministry of Word and sacraments. The apostles put the priorities of the ministry in proper order with the spiritual first and turning social service over to the lay people.
3. Leadership. What are the qualifications for church leadership? The early church faced the problem of choosing seven leaders. The apostles gave the people three criteria for their selection: good reputation, good common sense, and spirituality. Can these requirements be improved - character, judgment, and faith?
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:19--25
1. Suffering that counts. Peter is referring to the unjust suffering endured by Christians who were slaves in the Roman Empire. There are two kinds of suffering: The suffering we deserve because of our wrongdoing and the suffering innocently inflicted. The latter is Christian suffering, because it matches the suffering Christ experienced. It calls for patience, not revolution nor revenge. It is the suffering God approves.
2. Sin's dead--end. In verses 22--24 Peter describes what Jesus did with suffering. He absorbed, like a blotter, the evil visited upon him. He did not retaliate but took it all in himself. The sin stopped at the cross. Unless this is done, a feud continues as each one tries to return something worse than he received until it ends in death to one or both parties.
3. Why the cross? Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Why? To placate the anger of God? One purpose of the cross according to verse 24 was to make us new people by causing us to die to sin and live to goodness. The cross should lead to conversion, to a radical repentance, and to a new way of life.
4. Sheep. Sheep are associated with straying and wandering off from the shepherd and the flock until they get lost and in danger of their lives. Peter calls people straying sheep. It is our nature to wander into sin, to carelessly leave the leadership of God, and to go our own way. Modern people are known for their mobility, insecurity, restlessness, rootlessness, and loneliness.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Acts 2:42--47; 1 Peter 2:19--25; John 10:1--10
1. Going Back Home.
Need: It is human to leave home and go your own way. People are prone to forsake God for selfish pursuits. How many in the congregation come no more? How many are faithful in participation, worship, and stewardship?
Outline: In going back home to God -
a. Return home from straying - Lesson 2.
b. Accept Christ as the door to your home - Gospel.
c. Have a church home - Lesson 1.
2. Getting Back To God.
Need: "O for a closer walk with God." This is the longing of the faithful. Others outside the fold need to know they can become Christians.
Outline: This is the way -
a. Acknowledge your condition - "You were straying" (v. 25) - Lesson 2.
b. Use the only door to salvation - "I am the door" (v. 9) - Gospel.
c. Unite with the church - (v. 47) - Lesson 1.
Gospel: John 10:1--10
1. What Jesus Can Mean To You. 10:1--10
Need: What does Jesus mean to our people? From everything to nothing. This sermon is to help people see what Jesus can mean to them.
Outline: What Jesus can mean to you.
a. A voice - v. 3.
b. A shepherd - v. 4.
c. A door - v. 7.
2. Sheep In Search Of A Shepherd. 10:1--10; 1 Peter 2:25
Need: Are we sheep or shepherds? The texts refer to us as sheep but the Prayer of the Day calls us shepherds. We are sheep in need of a shepherd whom we can love and trust. Today there is a wholesale loss of confidence in leaders.
Outline: Possible relationships to a shepherd.
a. Sheep without a shepherd - v. 25.
b. Sheep with the wrong shepherd - vv. 1--6.
c. Sheep with the good shepherd - vv. 7--10.
3. The Red Door. 10:9--10
Need: Churches often have red doors, not to indicate they are in the "red" but to symbolize the door to the kingdom, made red by the blood shed on Calvary. A door is a means of entrance. Christ is the door to the kingdom of God. This sermon is to counteract the false tolerance and pluralism of the day which makes Christ just another religious leader.
Outline: Consider the door of the kingdom.
a. The one and only door - "the door" - v. 9.
b. The door to God - "he will be saved" - v. 9.
c. The door to freedom - "go in and out and find pasture" - v. 9.
d. The door to life - v. 10.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C)
1. A Community Of Faith. 2:42--47
Need: When believers in Christ get together, what happens? What do they do? How does faith function? In this Lesson we have a description of an early church, a body of believers in the risen Christ. It can serve as a model for today's church.
Outline: A community of faith is -
a. A learning community - v. 42.
b. A worshiping community - vv. 42, 46.
c. A caring community - vv. 42, 45.
d. A growing community - v. 47.
2. What Makes A Church Grow? 2:42--47
Need: With memberships declining in mainline denominations, we need to see what makes a church grow. This may explain why churches decline and what can be done to make a church grow.
Outline: The marks of a growing church.
a. A church that teaches apostolic truth - v. 42.
b. A church that cares for people's needs - vv. 44, 45.
c. A church that worships - v. 46.
d. A church that gains the favor of people - v. 47.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--50 (E)
1. The Problem Of A Growing Church. 6:1--4
Need: Who thinks of a growing church as a problem? If it is, what a nice problem to have! Most churches have the problem of a declining membership. In this Lesson, this Jerusalem church has a problem of an exploding membership. If we want our church to grow, are we prepared to face the problem?
Outline: The problem of a growing church -
a. Members complain - v. 1.
b. Pastor is misusing time and effort - vv. 2, 4.
c. Need for more leaders - v. 3.
2. Why You Were Chosen To Serve. 6:3
Need: Should church leaders fill certain qualifications for office? Too often leaders are chosen because of popularity and not ability. Others are chosen by default - no one else will consent to serve. As a result, the church ends up with inferior leadership. In this text we see the qualification needed for the church's first deacons.
Outline: To be chosen a leader, you need -
a. A good reputation - "good repute."
b. A sound mind - "wisdom."
c. A full heart - "full of the Spirit."
3. What Makes A Church Grow? 6:1--7
Need: With mainline churches declining in members and church--wide evangelistic efforts being made, we need to learn how and why the early church multiplied.
Outline: What makes a church grow?
a. Church has adequate leadership - v. 3.
b. Program of social service - v. 1.
c. Spiritual vitality - vv. 4, 7.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:19--25
1. The Return To Religion. 2:22--25
Need: In the 1960s we strayed from religion. The '70s witnessed more interest in religion. This was indicated by the charismatic movement and the popularity of "born again" people. Was it a real and genuine return? What would make a return the real thing? The '80s appeared to take a more self--centered turn toward many things. Some of this attention related to religion. In the '90s we saw a surge in the emphasis of "family values."
Outline: Why we have returned to the Shepherd.
a. He suffered innocently for us - vv. 22--23.
b. He bore our sins - v. 24.
c. He healed us by his wounds - v. 24.
2. The Suffering God Approves. 2:19--25
Need: God allows suffering, but does he approve it? Peter claims that if we suffer, we gain God's approval. Suffering is not all bad. Through suffering much good can be accomplished both for the sufferer and others. At one time Paul stated that his sufferings completed Christ's suffering (Colossians 1:24). Whether our suffering gains God's approval depends on the reason for our suffering and how we take the suffering.
Outline: The suffering God approves -
a. Innocent suffering - vv. 19--23.
b. Redemptive suffering - vv. 24--25.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Luke describes the nature and functions of the apostolic church. Here is an idealistic description of the very first church. Unity was the primary characteristic. They were one in holding to apostolic teaching. They so loved Christ and each other that they had fellowship and shared all they had with each other. The first church was a happy one as they prayed and worshiped together. New converts were added daily as they were received by baptism. At this time Christians found favor with all the people.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--60 (E)
Stephen's election as a deacon and his martyrdom.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:19--25 (C, E); 1 Peter 2:20b--25 (RC)
Christ is our model for innocent and redemptive suffering. The setting for this passage is Peter's admonition to Christian slaves, who were badly treated by their masters, to endure patiently. He then applies the principle of patient endurance during innocent suffering to all Christians. If one is patient in suffering innocently, God gives his approval. Two characteristics of Jesus' suffering: (1) Jesus does not pay back, but absorbs the suffering; (2) Jesus' suffering was redemptive. Because of this, straying sheep come back to their Shepherd.
Gospel: John 10:1--10 (C, RC, E)
Jesus is the shepherd and door of the sheep. Today's Gospel consists of two parables (vv. 1--6 and 7--10). Jesus claims to be both the true shepherd and door of the sheep. As the true shepherd, he comes through the gate for his sheep while a false shepherd uses an illegitimate way to steal the sheep. As a true shepherd, Jesus is recognized and the sheep follow him. Moreover, Jesus is the door of the sheep in contrast to robbers. Through him, the door, the sheep gain salvation and sustenance which constitute abundant life.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 23 (C, RC, E) - "The Lord is my shepherd" (v. 1).
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all power, you called from death our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep. Send us shepherds to rescue the lost, to heal the injured, and to feed one another with knowledge and understanding."
Hymn Of The Day
"The King Of Love My Shepherd Is"
Theme Of The Day: The Good Shepherd And The Sheep
Gospel - The Shepherd leads the sheep to abundant life - John 10:1--10
Lesson 1 - The life of the sheep under their shepherds - Acts 2:42--47
Lesson 2 - The suffering Shepherd gathers his sheep - 1 Peter 2:19--25
Easter 4 in Cycle A, B, and C is known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." Accordingly, the great shepherd psalm (23) is used each year and the Gospels are taken from the Good Shepherd chapter (John 10). The Prayer refers to Jesus as our "great shepherd." The Hymn deals with the Shepherd's love. In the Gospel, Jesus is both shepherd and the door of salvation for the sheep. We see in Lesson 1 the life of the sheep under their shepherds, the apostles. Because of exemplary and redemptive suffering of the Shepherd, the sheep repent their waywardness and return to him.
Easter 4 And The Easter Season
What does Easter 4's theme of sheep and shepherd have to do with the Easter season's message of the resurrection? On the surface, there seems to be no connection. Why couldn't this theme of Jesus as shepherd serve to assure us of the nature of the risen Lord? Though he has risen in glory and is soon to ascend to the Father, Christ continues with us as a shepherd on earth, a shepherd who knows, cares, leads, and protects his sheep. Though risen in glory and absent in the body, Jesus continues as an abiding presence to care for his people. He is the good shepherd who died for his sheep to rescue them from the wolves. His resurrection confirms his victory and he continues to live as the shepherd of our souls.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 10:1--10
1. Thieves of religion. In the vernacular, we call them "sheep stealers." They are shepherds who jump the wall of a church to get sheep for themselves. It is proselytism. Most of us are agreed it is unchristian to steal members from one church for another church. We condemn the extreme evangelistic efforts of radical sects in seeking converts from mainline denominations. How far does this principle go? Does it apply to Christianity's program of evangelism and missions to non--Christian people?
2. Pluralism. Verses 7 and 9 teach that Jesus is the door to life and salvation. He is not one of a series of doors to God. In today's world, the emphasis is upon pluralism - one religion being as valid as the next one. Christianity is considered one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism. The door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for evangelism and missions to non--Christian people? It is not done in the interests of building up a monolithic religious organization in the hope of getting a monopoly, but of sharing good news of salvation through Christ.
3. Life. Jesus says in verse 10 that he came to bring abundant life to all people. What is life? The Greeks had two words for life: Bios and Zoe. The former is life as physical existence. Zoe life can be no life at all unless life (Bios) has "Life" (Zoe) in it.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
See Lesson 1, Easter 3.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--60 (E)
1. Growing pains. The apostolic church has problems of growth. The ministry is too busy and the spiritual functions are being neglected. Members are complaining about their being neglected. What church would not like to have a problem like that, such as lack of parking space on a Sunday morning, insufficient seating space for Sunday morning service, or crowded Sunday school rooms? Why was this church growing? What will make any church grow? "The word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied" (v. 7).
2. Ministerial priorities. Today's ministry feels frustrated through the maceration of ministers. They claim to be involved in secondary matters of church administrations, program, and promotion to the neglect of that for which they were ordained: ministry of Word and sacraments. The apostles put the priorities of the ministry in proper order with the spiritual first and turning social service over to the lay people.
3. Leadership. What are the qualifications for church leadership? The early church faced the problem of choosing seven leaders. The apostles gave the people three criteria for their selection: good reputation, good common sense, and spirituality. Can these requirements be improved - character, judgment, and faith?
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:19--25
1. Suffering that counts. Peter is referring to the unjust suffering endured by Christians who were slaves in the Roman Empire. There are two kinds of suffering: The suffering we deserve because of our wrongdoing and the suffering innocently inflicted. The latter is Christian suffering, because it matches the suffering Christ experienced. It calls for patience, not revolution nor revenge. It is the suffering God approves.
2. Sin's dead--end. In verses 22--24 Peter describes what Jesus did with suffering. He absorbed, like a blotter, the evil visited upon him. He did not retaliate but took it all in himself. The sin stopped at the cross. Unless this is done, a feud continues as each one tries to return something worse than he received until it ends in death to one or both parties.
3. Why the cross? Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Why? To placate the anger of God? One purpose of the cross according to verse 24 was to make us new people by causing us to die to sin and live to goodness. The cross should lead to conversion, to a radical repentance, and to a new way of life.
4. Sheep. Sheep are associated with straying and wandering off from the shepherd and the flock until they get lost and in danger of their lives. Peter calls people straying sheep. It is our nature to wander into sin, to carelessly leave the leadership of God, and to go our own way. Modern people are known for their mobility, insecurity, restlessness, rootlessness, and loneliness.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Acts 2:42--47; 1 Peter 2:19--25; John 10:1--10
1. Going Back Home.
Need: It is human to leave home and go your own way. People are prone to forsake God for selfish pursuits. How many in the congregation come no more? How many are faithful in participation, worship, and stewardship?
Outline: In going back home to God -
a. Return home from straying - Lesson 2.
b. Accept Christ as the door to your home - Gospel.
c. Have a church home - Lesson 1.
2. Getting Back To God.
Need: "O for a closer walk with God." This is the longing of the faithful. Others outside the fold need to know they can become Christians.
Outline: This is the way -
a. Acknowledge your condition - "You were straying" (v. 25) - Lesson 2.
b. Use the only door to salvation - "I am the door" (v. 9) - Gospel.
c. Unite with the church - (v. 47) - Lesson 1.
Gospel: John 10:1--10
1. What Jesus Can Mean To You. 10:1--10
Need: What does Jesus mean to our people? From everything to nothing. This sermon is to help people see what Jesus can mean to them.
Outline: What Jesus can mean to you.
a. A voice - v. 3.
b. A shepherd - v. 4.
c. A door - v. 7.
2. Sheep In Search Of A Shepherd. 10:1--10; 1 Peter 2:25
Need: Are we sheep or shepherds? The texts refer to us as sheep but the Prayer of the Day calls us shepherds. We are sheep in need of a shepherd whom we can love and trust. Today there is a wholesale loss of confidence in leaders.
Outline: Possible relationships to a shepherd.
a. Sheep without a shepherd - v. 25.
b. Sheep with the wrong shepherd - vv. 1--6.
c. Sheep with the good shepherd - vv. 7--10.
3. The Red Door. 10:9--10
Need: Churches often have red doors, not to indicate they are in the "red" but to symbolize the door to the kingdom, made red by the blood shed on Calvary. A door is a means of entrance. Christ is the door to the kingdom of God. This sermon is to counteract the false tolerance and pluralism of the day which makes Christ just another religious leader.
Outline: Consider the door of the kingdom.
a. The one and only door - "the door" - v. 9.
b. The door to God - "he will be saved" - v. 9.
c. The door to freedom - "go in and out and find pasture" - v. 9.
d. The door to life - v. 10.
Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C)
1. A Community Of Faith. 2:42--47
Need: When believers in Christ get together, what happens? What do they do? How does faith function? In this Lesson we have a description of an early church, a body of believers in the risen Christ. It can serve as a model for today's church.
Outline: A community of faith is -
a. A learning community - v. 42.
b. A worshiping community - vv. 42, 46.
c. A caring community - vv. 42, 45.
d. A growing community - v. 47.
2. What Makes A Church Grow? 2:42--47
Need: With memberships declining in mainline denominations, we need to see what makes a church grow. This may explain why churches decline and what can be done to make a church grow.
Outline: The marks of a growing church.
a. A church that teaches apostolic truth - v. 42.
b. A church that cares for people's needs - vv. 44, 45.
c. A church that worships - v. 46.
d. A church that gains the favor of people - v. 47.
Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--50 (E)
1. The Problem Of A Growing Church. 6:1--4
Need: Who thinks of a growing church as a problem? If it is, what a nice problem to have! Most churches have the problem of a declining membership. In this Lesson, this Jerusalem church has a problem of an exploding membership. If we want our church to grow, are we prepared to face the problem?
Outline: The problem of a growing church -
a. Members complain - v. 1.
b. Pastor is misusing time and effort - vv. 2, 4.
c. Need for more leaders - v. 3.
2. Why You Were Chosen To Serve. 6:3
Need: Should church leaders fill certain qualifications for office? Too often leaders are chosen because of popularity and not ability. Others are chosen by default - no one else will consent to serve. As a result, the church ends up with inferior leadership. In this text we see the qualification needed for the church's first deacons.
Outline: To be chosen a leader, you need -
a. A good reputation - "good repute."
b. A sound mind - "wisdom."
c. A full heart - "full of the Spirit."
3. What Makes A Church Grow? 6:1--7
Need: With mainline churches declining in members and church--wide evangelistic efforts being made, we need to learn how and why the early church multiplied.
Outline: What makes a church grow?
a. Church has adequate leadership - v. 3.
b. Program of social service - v. 1.
c. Spiritual vitality - vv. 4, 7.
Lesson 2: 1 Peter 2:19--25
1. The Return To Religion. 2:22--25
Need: In the 1960s we strayed from religion. The '70s witnessed more interest in religion. This was indicated by the charismatic movement and the popularity of "born again" people. Was it a real and genuine return? What would make a return the real thing? The '80s appeared to take a more self--centered turn toward many things. Some of this attention related to religion. In the '90s we saw a surge in the emphasis of "family values."
Outline: Why we have returned to the Shepherd.
a. He suffered innocently for us - vv. 22--23.
b. He bore our sins - v. 24.
c. He healed us by his wounds - v. 24.
2. The Suffering God Approves. 2:19--25
Need: God allows suffering, but does he approve it? Peter claims that if we suffer, we gain God's approval. Suffering is not all bad. Through suffering much good can be accomplished both for the sufferer and others. At one time Paul stated that his sufferings completed Christ's suffering (Colossians 1:24). Whether our suffering gains God's approval depends on the reason for our suffering and how we take the suffering.
Outline: The suffering God approves -
a. Innocent suffering - vv. 19--23.
b. Redemptive suffering - vv. 24--25.
