Fourth Sunday In Lent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (C, E); 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 (RC)
Samuel anoints David to succeed Saul as king. Here is a story of a shepherd boy who is made a king. Because God was sorry he ever chose Saul to be the first king of Israel, he instructed Samuel to secretly anoint a successor to Saul. He is sent to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a replacement for Saul. Which of the eight sons of Jesse did God want as king? All seven sons were interviewed but none satisfied God's choice. The youngest, David, was in the fields caring for his father's sheep. Samuel ordered him brought to him. Seeing the handsome youth, Samuel at once recognized him as God's choice, anointed him king, and then departed. The Spirit that enlightened Samuel now rested mightily upon David.
Lesson 1: Hosea 5:15-6:2 (L)
When the people return, God heals and revives them.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8-14 (C, RC); Ephesians 5:(1-7), 8-14 (E)
Christians are the children of light. Paul writes to people who have become Christians. He refers to their former lives of sin as "darkness." Now they are children of light and are to live as lights in terms of what is good, right and true. There is a contrast between before and after Christ, between God and Satan, light and darkness, good and evil. Christians are to have no part in the works of darkness but rather they are to expose evil to the light. In his closing words Paul calls for the dead ("asleep") in sin to rise in the light of Christ.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:1-10 (L)
Christians live according to the Spirit, not the flesh.
Gospel:
John 9:1-41 (C, RC); John 9:1-13 (14-27), 28-38 (E)
A man born blind receives physical and spiritual sight. It takes a whole chapter to tell the story of how Jesus brings spiritual light to a man born blind. The actual miracle is told in a few verses, but the healing gives an occasion for Jesus to bring a man from agnosticism to faith. We see the formation of faith: from "the man called Jesus," to "prophet," to "a man from God" to "Son of Man." In contrast to the light of the healed man, the Pharisees are in the darkness of sin and unbelief.
Gospel:
Matthew 20:17-28 (L)
On the way to the cross, Jesus teaches that true greatness is in service.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 23 (C, E, RC) - "The Lord is my shepherd (v. 1)."
Psalm 43 (L) - "Oh, send out thy light and thy truth (v. 3)."
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all mercy, by your prayer to heal and to forgive, graciously cleanse us from all sin and make us strong."
Hymn Of The Day
"Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us"
Theme Of The Day: Light To See
Gospel - Jesus, the Light, gives spiritual vision - John 9:1-41
Lesson 1 - God gives light to see character - 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Lesson 2 - Christians live in the light of Christ - Ephesians 5:8-14
The fourth Sunday in Lent was formerly known as Laetare Sunday, taken from the first Latin word of the Introit, Laetare, meaning to "rejoice." It was also known as "Refreshment Sunday" because of the gospel lesson of the feeding of the 5,000. The second half of Lent begins in a lighter mood in preparation for the depth of sorrow coming in the Passion. Today's three Lessons harmonize on the theme of light, vision and insight. Samuel is given the insight to see that of all the sons of Jesse, David was the one to be king. Jesus brought spiritual vision to the man healed of blindness. Paul exhorts Christians as children of light to walk in the light of goodness. Since David was called to be the shepherd of Israel, Psalm 23 is appropriate. We pray in the Prayer that we may be cleansed from the darkness of sin that we may be children of the light which is Christ. For the light of spiritual vision, for the cure of our spiritual blindness, we can rejoice - Laetare!
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
John 9:1-41 (See Gospel, Lutheran, Lent 3)
Gospel:
Matthew 20:17-28 (L)
1. Ascent to the cross. This is the third prediction of the cross in Matthew. It was the goal of Jesus' mission. The cross was not an accident. Jesus was not a victim of circumstances. Jesus knew what was coming and he went on to meet it head-on. To walk into suffering and death in the full knowledge of what will happen is the ultimate test of courage. His going was voluntary because he was convinced the cross was God's will for the salvation of the world. Beyond the torture and the defeat of death was the assurance of the resurrection.
2. Greatness in the kingdom of God. It is human to be ambitious even in religion. We want top honors, chief seats and "First Church." Jesus does not condemn the ambition of James and John, but he asks if they are willing to pay the price of reaching the top. The price is drinking the cup of self-sacrifice. Coupled with sacrifice is service rendered in the humility of a slave. The last is first: the least is the greatest. Jesus is the pioneer and example by going to Jerusalem to give his life as a ransom.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
1. Grieve (v. 1). King Saul was a disappointment to God as well as to the prophet Samuel who, upon God's direction anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Fretting about the disobedience of Saul, apparently all Samuel did was worry about the nation's welfare. So God comes to him and asks him why he doesn't do something about Saul. Worry accomplishes nothing. God commands Samuel to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse even though Samuel has to risk his life to do it. Is God saying to us that he desires a change of govern-ment when a government does not obey his laws?
2. Heart (v. 7). When God wants a servant, what does he look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God's choice but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance but at the heart. David was chosen to be the next king because his heart was right. Yet, at the same time David is described as "handsome." When we go to choosing a ruler, do we look at the heart of the candidate or at his wealth, government experience and intelligence?
3. Youngest (v. 11). What humans consider unworthy, God counts as important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd's work was considered the lowest of occupations. David's youth was against him for a king needed experience and maturity. Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger, and died on a cross.
Lesson 1: Hosea 5:15--6:2 (L)
1. The hiddenness of God. There is truth in the claim that God hides himself and man therefore experiences the absence of God. Through Hosea, God says, "I will return again ,to my place." When humanity has the continual presence and blessing of God, he takes God for granted and becomes lax and wayward. To bring humanity back to him, God becomes distant and lets people go their own ways until they get into distress. Then they sense their need for God, confess their sins and repent.
2. God's strange ways. "He has torn that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." God must afflict us that we might be helped. God allows us to suffer that he might heal us. It is in weakness that God creates strength. Out of defeat God brings victory; out of death comes life. It is a theology of the cross.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8-14 (See Lesson 2, Lutheran, Lent 3)
Lesson 2: Romans 8:1-10 (L)
In this passage there is a whole packet of theology involving the incarnation, atonement and the Spirit. There is no condemnation for believers in Christ, for he liberated them from sin and death resulting from the law. Christ took flesh and fulfilled the law for us. By doing this he freed us from sin and death - condemnation. His death and resurrection brought life to us. By accepting Christ and being baptized in his name, the Christian received the Spirit who gives life, a life of righteousness. Thus, Christians live not according to the flesh (sin) but according to the Spirit (life).
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
God Has No Blind Children!
Need: Blindness is a terrible condition - life is full of darkness. Close your eyes and imagine living with this handicap the rest of your life. God is light and gives the light of vision to his children. In an average congregation, physical blindness may not be a problem, but there are other forms of blindness that are worse. People need to know how God can give them perfect vision that they do not stumble nor fall in life's journey.
Outline: God gives sight to the blind -
a. The physically blind - Gospel. In the world, 15 million people are blind. One out of every thousand Americans is legally blind. Here we can deal with our ministry to the blind and what we can do to protect and preserve our precious eyesight.
b. The spiritually blind - Lesson 1. These are people who have 20-20 vision but cannot see spiritual truth or values. In this passage God gives Samuel insight to see who is to be the next king of Israel. It is not observation of outward appearance but the insight into a person's character and potential. It answers the question often asked, "What did you see in him/her?"
c. The morally blind - Lesson 2. Evil-doers live in the darkness of sin. Christ gives light to his followers that they may walk in the path of righteousness.
Gospel:
John 9:1-41 (See Gospel, Lutheran, Lent 3)
Gospel:
Matthew 20:17-28 (L)
1. Private Preview of the Passion. 20:17-28.
Need: According to our text Jesus has a closed session with his disciples to tell them what is coming up in the very near future. He tells them factually of his coming fate in Jerusalem: trial, torture, death and resurrection. This Sunday may be a preparatory Sunday for Holy Week which will be observed in three weeks. We wonder how Jesus could face the future with peace and poise. This sermon is needed, not only as a review of the Passion facts, but also as encouragement to those who are also facing a dismal future.
Outline: How to face the future without fear.
a. Like Jesus, have courage - v. 18a. Courage results from a conviction that God goes with you and will see you through.
b. Like Jesus, know the good accomplished - v. 28. This sacrifice is worthy of the good to be done: salvation of the world.
C. Like Jesus, know the ultimate outcome - v. 19b. "On the third day he will rise again." For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross: after death comes life, victory and glory.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
1. The Ruler God Wants. 16:1-13
Need: Every one or two years Americans have the task and privilege of choosing a ruler of city, county or state. Every four years we have the right to choose a president of the country. At each election we need to ask, as Samuel did, "Is it time for a change in leadership?" If so, what person best fits into the person God wants in a particular office? In the text, it is God who chooses a successor to Saul through Samuel. How many citizens are concerned about the person God wants in office? Our text tells us the kind of person God wants as a ruler of his people.
Outline: God wants a ruler -
a. A God-chosen person - vv. 1, 12.
b. A humble person - v. 11.
C. A good-hearted person - v. 7.
d. A spirit-filled person - v. 13.
2. What Do You See in a Person? 16:6-13
Need: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend or ruler. What do you see in a person that you would choose the person to work for you, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king.
Outline: What do you see in a person -
a. Look at the person's background - v. 3; better yet -
b. Consider the person's occupation - v. 11; better yet -
c. Observe the person's appearance - v. 12; better yet -
d. Examine the person's heart and spirit - vv. 7, 13; the very best!
Lesson 1: Hosea 5:15-6:2 (L)
1. An Invitation You Can't Refuse. 6:1
Need: One cannot accept all invitations, but here is one that one cannot afford to decline. It is an invitation to return to God. A "return" implies we have been prodigal people. Lent is a time to return to God.
Outline: What is the invitation?
a. Come to Christ - "Come." The invitation of God is a sign of grace. He wants us to come to him that we might have new life and healing.
b. Come again - we came to God at the time of baptism and/or confirmation, and possibly at other times. We need to come again and again because we left the Father's house.
c. Come closer - even if you never left God, you need to come closer, ever nearer, to the Christ until one day you reach the goal: "I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me."
Lesson 2: Romans 8:1-10 (L)
Free at Last! 8:1-10
Need: "Thank God I am free at last" is carved on the tomb of Martin Luther King, Jr. It has a connotation of a black man's freedom from racial oppression. A Christian can have the same epitaph, but it would be far greater freedom, freedom from sin and death through the cross of Christ. Though they have the name of Christian, many Christians have not yet experienced this freedom. They do not understand the meaning of, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This sermon fills a need by many who want this liberating experience.
Outline: A free Christian is one who is -
a. Free from the bondage of the flesh - v. 2.
b. Freed by Christ - v. 3.
c. Free to live in the Spirit - v. 6.
Samuel anoints David to succeed Saul as king. Here is a story of a shepherd boy who is made a king. Because God was sorry he ever chose Saul to be the first king of Israel, he instructed Samuel to secretly anoint a successor to Saul. He is sent to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a replacement for Saul. Which of the eight sons of Jesse did God want as king? All seven sons were interviewed but none satisfied God's choice. The youngest, David, was in the fields caring for his father's sheep. Samuel ordered him brought to him. Seeing the handsome youth, Samuel at once recognized him as God's choice, anointed him king, and then departed. The Spirit that enlightened Samuel now rested mightily upon David.
Lesson 1: Hosea 5:15-6:2 (L)
When the people return, God heals and revives them.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8-14 (C, RC); Ephesians 5:(1-7), 8-14 (E)
Christians are the children of light. Paul writes to people who have become Christians. He refers to their former lives of sin as "darkness." Now they are children of light and are to live as lights in terms of what is good, right and true. There is a contrast between before and after Christ, between God and Satan, light and darkness, good and evil. Christians are to have no part in the works of darkness but rather they are to expose evil to the light. In his closing words Paul calls for the dead ("asleep") in sin to rise in the light of Christ.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:1-10 (L)
Christians live according to the Spirit, not the flesh.
Gospel:
John 9:1-41 (C, RC); John 9:1-13 (14-27), 28-38 (E)
A man born blind receives physical and spiritual sight. It takes a whole chapter to tell the story of how Jesus brings spiritual light to a man born blind. The actual miracle is told in a few verses, but the healing gives an occasion for Jesus to bring a man from agnosticism to faith. We see the formation of faith: from "the man called Jesus," to "prophet," to "a man from God" to "Son of Man." In contrast to the light of the healed man, the Pharisees are in the darkness of sin and unbelief.
Gospel:
Matthew 20:17-28 (L)
On the way to the cross, Jesus teaches that true greatness is in service.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 23 (C, E, RC) - "The Lord is my shepherd (v. 1)."
Psalm 43 (L) - "Oh, send out thy light and thy truth (v. 3)."
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all mercy, by your prayer to heal and to forgive, graciously cleanse us from all sin and make us strong."
Hymn Of The Day
"Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us"
Theme Of The Day: Light To See
Gospel - Jesus, the Light, gives spiritual vision - John 9:1-41
Lesson 1 - God gives light to see character - 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Lesson 2 - Christians live in the light of Christ - Ephesians 5:8-14
The fourth Sunday in Lent was formerly known as Laetare Sunday, taken from the first Latin word of the Introit, Laetare, meaning to "rejoice." It was also known as "Refreshment Sunday" because of the gospel lesson of the feeding of the 5,000. The second half of Lent begins in a lighter mood in preparation for the depth of sorrow coming in the Passion. Today's three Lessons harmonize on the theme of light, vision and insight. Samuel is given the insight to see that of all the sons of Jesse, David was the one to be king. Jesus brought spiritual vision to the man healed of blindness. Paul exhorts Christians as children of light to walk in the light of goodness. Since David was called to be the shepherd of Israel, Psalm 23 is appropriate. We pray in the Prayer that we may be cleansed from the darkness of sin that we may be children of the light which is Christ. For the light of spiritual vision, for the cure of our spiritual blindness, we can rejoice - Laetare!
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
John 9:1-41 (See Gospel, Lutheran, Lent 3)
Gospel:
Matthew 20:17-28 (L)
1. Ascent to the cross. This is the third prediction of the cross in Matthew. It was the goal of Jesus' mission. The cross was not an accident. Jesus was not a victim of circumstances. Jesus knew what was coming and he went on to meet it head-on. To walk into suffering and death in the full knowledge of what will happen is the ultimate test of courage. His going was voluntary because he was convinced the cross was God's will for the salvation of the world. Beyond the torture and the defeat of death was the assurance of the resurrection.
2. Greatness in the kingdom of God. It is human to be ambitious even in religion. We want top honors, chief seats and "First Church." Jesus does not condemn the ambition of James and John, but he asks if they are willing to pay the price of reaching the top. The price is drinking the cup of self-sacrifice. Coupled with sacrifice is service rendered in the humility of a slave. The last is first: the least is the greatest. Jesus is the pioneer and example by going to Jerusalem to give his life as a ransom.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
1. Grieve (v. 1). King Saul was a disappointment to God as well as to the prophet Samuel who, upon God's direction anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Fretting about the disobedience of Saul, apparently all Samuel did was worry about the nation's welfare. So God comes to him and asks him why he doesn't do something about Saul. Worry accomplishes nothing. God commands Samuel to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse even though Samuel has to risk his life to do it. Is God saying to us that he desires a change of govern-ment when a government does not obey his laws?
2. Heart (v. 7). When God wants a servant, what does he look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God's choice but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance but at the heart. David was chosen to be the next king because his heart was right. Yet, at the same time David is described as "handsome." When we go to choosing a ruler, do we look at the heart of the candidate or at his wealth, government experience and intelligence?
3. Youngest (v. 11). What humans consider unworthy, God counts as important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd's work was considered the lowest of occupations. David's youth was against him for a king needed experience and maturity. Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger, and died on a cross.
Lesson 1: Hosea 5:15--6:2 (L)
1. The hiddenness of God. There is truth in the claim that God hides himself and man therefore experiences the absence of God. Through Hosea, God says, "I will return again ,to my place." When humanity has the continual presence and blessing of God, he takes God for granted and becomes lax and wayward. To bring humanity back to him, God becomes distant and lets people go their own ways until they get into distress. Then they sense their need for God, confess their sins and repent.
2. God's strange ways. "He has torn that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." God must afflict us that we might be helped. God allows us to suffer that he might heal us. It is in weakness that God creates strength. Out of defeat God brings victory; out of death comes life. It is a theology of the cross.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8-14 (See Lesson 2, Lutheran, Lent 3)
Lesson 2: Romans 8:1-10 (L)
In this passage there is a whole packet of theology involving the incarnation, atonement and the Spirit. There is no condemnation for believers in Christ, for he liberated them from sin and death resulting from the law. Christ took flesh and fulfilled the law for us. By doing this he freed us from sin and death - condemnation. His death and resurrection brought life to us. By accepting Christ and being baptized in his name, the Christian received the Spirit who gives life, a life of righteousness. Thus, Christians live not according to the flesh (sin) but according to the Spirit (life).
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
God Has No Blind Children!
Need: Blindness is a terrible condition - life is full of darkness. Close your eyes and imagine living with this handicap the rest of your life. God is light and gives the light of vision to his children. In an average congregation, physical blindness may not be a problem, but there are other forms of blindness that are worse. People need to know how God can give them perfect vision that they do not stumble nor fall in life's journey.
Outline: God gives sight to the blind -
a. The physically blind - Gospel. In the world, 15 million people are blind. One out of every thousand Americans is legally blind. Here we can deal with our ministry to the blind and what we can do to protect and preserve our precious eyesight.
b. The spiritually blind - Lesson 1. These are people who have 20-20 vision but cannot see spiritual truth or values. In this passage God gives Samuel insight to see who is to be the next king of Israel. It is not observation of outward appearance but the insight into a person's character and potential. It answers the question often asked, "What did you see in him/her?"
c. The morally blind - Lesson 2. Evil-doers live in the darkness of sin. Christ gives light to his followers that they may walk in the path of righteousness.
Gospel:
John 9:1-41 (See Gospel, Lutheran, Lent 3)
Gospel:
Matthew 20:17-28 (L)
1. Private Preview of the Passion. 20:17-28.
Need: According to our text Jesus has a closed session with his disciples to tell them what is coming up in the very near future. He tells them factually of his coming fate in Jerusalem: trial, torture, death and resurrection. This Sunday may be a preparatory Sunday for Holy Week which will be observed in three weeks. We wonder how Jesus could face the future with peace and poise. This sermon is needed, not only as a review of the Passion facts, but also as encouragement to those who are also facing a dismal future.
Outline: How to face the future without fear.
a. Like Jesus, have courage - v. 18a. Courage results from a conviction that God goes with you and will see you through.
b. Like Jesus, know the good accomplished - v. 28. This sacrifice is worthy of the good to be done: salvation of the world.
C. Like Jesus, know the ultimate outcome - v. 19b. "On the third day he will rise again." For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross: after death comes life, victory and glory.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
1. The Ruler God Wants. 16:1-13
Need: Every one or two years Americans have the task and privilege of choosing a ruler of city, county or state. Every four years we have the right to choose a president of the country. At each election we need to ask, as Samuel did, "Is it time for a change in leadership?" If so, what person best fits into the person God wants in a particular office? In the text, it is God who chooses a successor to Saul through Samuel. How many citizens are concerned about the person God wants in office? Our text tells us the kind of person God wants as a ruler of his people.
Outline: God wants a ruler -
a. A God-chosen person - vv. 1, 12.
b. A humble person - v. 11.
C. A good-hearted person - v. 7.
d. A spirit-filled person - v. 13.
2. What Do You See in a Person? 16:6-13
Need: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend or ruler. What do you see in a person that you would choose the person to work for you, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king.
Outline: What do you see in a person -
a. Look at the person's background - v. 3; better yet -
b. Consider the person's occupation - v. 11; better yet -
c. Observe the person's appearance - v. 12; better yet -
d. Examine the person's heart and spirit - vv. 7, 13; the very best!
Lesson 1: Hosea 5:15-6:2 (L)
1. An Invitation You Can't Refuse. 6:1
Need: One cannot accept all invitations, but here is one that one cannot afford to decline. It is an invitation to return to God. A "return" implies we have been prodigal people. Lent is a time to return to God.
Outline: What is the invitation?
a. Come to Christ - "Come." The invitation of God is a sign of grace. He wants us to come to him that we might have new life and healing.
b. Come again - we came to God at the time of baptism and/or confirmation, and possibly at other times. We need to come again and again because we left the Father's house.
c. Come closer - even if you never left God, you need to come closer, ever nearer, to the Christ until one day you reach the goal: "I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me."
Lesson 2: Romans 8:1-10 (L)
Free at Last! 8:1-10
Need: "Thank God I am free at last" is carved on the tomb of Martin Luther King, Jr. It has a connotation of a black man's freedom from racial oppression. A Christian can have the same epitaph, but it would be far greater freedom, freedom from sin and death through the cross of Christ. Though they have the name of Christian, many Christians have not yet experienced this freedom. They do not understand the meaning of, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This sermon fills a need by many who want this liberating experience.
Outline: A free Christian is one who is -
a. Free from the bondage of the flesh - v. 2.
b. Freed by Christ - v. 3.
c. Free to live in the Spirit - v. 6.
