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The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
This passage forms some of the earliest preaching of Jeremiah after his call in 626 B.C.
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Have you ever seen a potter at work at his wheel?
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12).
Trinity Sunday -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
This moving elegy is the passage from which the Negro spiritual, "There is a balm in Gilead," is tak
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Preaching Resurrection In John -- William H. Shepherd, Jr. -- 2003
Someone once complained that in the Gospel of John, Jesus walks two feet above the ground.
Proper 21 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
The time is 588 B.C. in our text.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
We are uncomfortable with tears and lamenting, aren't we?
The Sign Of The Fig Tree -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Preaching Resurrection Intertextually -- William H. Shepherd, Jr. -- 2003
In my beginning preaching classes, I have always taught students to deal with one biblical text care
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
The prominent people, the "best" people of Judah, were carried into Babylonian exile in the first de
The Blind Leading The Blind -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Proper 24 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
The lectionary has included two separate oracles in this reading, verses 27-30 and verses 31-34.
The Fruitless Fig Tree -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
1. Text

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Benediction -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
This sermon, on the confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David, and the sermon on Mary'
A Man For All Seasons -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
The enigma of human relationships and how that relates to the living God is all about us.
Belonging To The Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Stan Purdum -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
(Note: Although the lectionary reading stops at verse 37, I recommend reading through verse 38a, whi
Stewards Of Power -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2005
Stewards Of Power
Rejoice! -- Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
I keep coming back to it time after time, so it is never going to stop being one of the most signifi
Finding Jesus -- John 6:24-35 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Martin Hanford is the author of several popular children's books featuring "Waldo," a dapper little
Denial Ain't A River In Egypt -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Have you ever denied something that, deep down, you know to be true?
Plea For Discipline -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
In a way, Christians are all in the Olympics!
When Faith Is Difficult -- John 20:19-31 -- David T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
We've heard in sermons and Bible study groups that the scriptures become meaningful only when the Bi
The Underlying Mercy -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
The Underlying Mercy
Worship! -- Luke 1:26-56 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
"My soul magnifies the Lord," Mary said, and I think that she meant it.
Jesus -- The Bread Guy -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is often the "Bread Guy." Here he is different from the Jesus of Matthe
Apostolic Instruction -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Saint Paul is "on a roll!" He keeps on coming with what he expects of the followers of Christ, as he
Gift Of Positive Thinking -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
For generations the "power of positive thinking" has been touted throughout our land.
Really Believing In The Resurrection -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- David T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Apparently the early New Testament followers had difficulty believing in the resurrection.
An Odd Couple -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2005
An Odd Couple
Resisting Jesus -- John 6:51-58 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Sometimes people have difficulty understanding Jesus, or say they do.
What's So Amazing About Grace? -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
What's So Amazing About Grace?
Making Disciples -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
The fruit or lack of it in our ministries is ever before us.
Thanksgiving And Thanksliving -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Don't you just love times of thanksgiving?
Dave, Tell Me About The Cross -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John T. Ball -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Dave, having just finished seminary, and before leaving for doctoral studies on the west coast, drov
Those Other Sheep -- John 10:11-18 -- David T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Sometimes a familiar scriptural text begs for our attention. We may have read this text many times.
Being Good ... For Nothing -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
If I were to ask you to complete the sentence, "You know it is going to be a bad day when ..." how w
The Unsuccessful Jesus -- John 6:56-69 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
John 6:56-69 is a great passage from John's Gospel.
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Devil -- 1999
I preached in Wozi, Liberia, one night through an interpreter into the Loma language.
Advent -- 1999
At a church meal after a funeral a man told me they were expecting a baby any time now, so each nigh
Peacemaker -- 1999
I saw on the news tonight Bishop Tutu dressed in a purple cassock wading into a rioting crowd in Sou
Aunt Betty's Advice -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
On a warm August afternoon a large extended family gathered for a family reunion.
Danielle's Laughter -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Five-year-old Danielle, along with her younger sister and brother, arrived in time for Sunday School
Roller Coaster Ride -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
Rob was like any other teenager; he enjoyed doing the usual things that teenagers do.
Ida's Attic -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
What drew people to Ida was her cheerfulness.
The Exit Ramp -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
He stood there at the exit ramp, an imposing figure.
Carla's Persistence -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
Carla was a fighter. That much was evident from several telephone conversations.
Kevin's Vision -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
Kevin often daydreamed about mountain climbing, not just any mountain, but Mount Washington in upsta
Jane's Encounter -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Even though Jane's children were all grown and had families of their own, she still enjoyed attendin
Rally Day -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Plans for Rally Day were discussed at the Sunday School teachers meeting.
What No One Told Karen -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
Like countless others of her generation, Karen grew up attending Sunday School and church and then c
Mary's Christmas Letter -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
Mary was a loving, thoughtful woman who took the time to write personal notes with her Christmas car
Janice And The Bulldozer -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
The picture in the evening newspaper would certainly catch anyone's attention: three women sitting o
Christmas Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
Jeff and Cheryl had a dream. Actually they had the same dream.
Forest's Mark -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Forest never said much when he came to church.
The Defining Mark -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Rollin and Tom were colleagues at a small Christian college.
Vicki's First Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
Life was anything but easy for Vicki.
Jack's Surprise -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
Jack was one of those people that when you first met him you immediately liked him.
Amber's Stand -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Amber was thrilled when she made the girl's varsity basketball team in her junior year of high schoo
Take Me Out To The Ball Game! -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
Whenever visiting the community park he could not help but notice ten-year-old Tony and his younger
Ed's Vacation -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Ed and Darlene were looking forward to their summer vacation.
Home Movies -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
One evening, for some unknown reason, Kay found herself alone in her basement watching old home movi
Two Brothers -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Bobby and his brother Gordie were waiting to be picked up to attend Vacation Bible School at their n

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

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Wednesday Lent 1 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Proper 16 -- Psalm 124 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Theme: WorryCall To Worship
Proper 4 -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Theme: We Live By FaithCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love And MarriageCall To Worship
Ministering To The King -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: Ministering To The KingCall To Worship
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The Visit Of The Wise MenCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Call To Holy LivingCall To Worship
Conversation At A Rest Stop -- John 4 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
The Samaritan Woman Tells Her Story
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 15:4-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The God Of HopeCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Romans 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Our Hope -- Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 2 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Is CallingCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- Romans 7:15-25a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Theme: Inner ConflictCall To Worship
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Psalm 100 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Psalm 72:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Luke 24:13-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Walks With YouCall To Worship
Doubts From A Dungeon -- Matthew 11 and 14 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
John The Baptist Struggles To Believe
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Prepare The Way Of The LordCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- John 4:5-42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, Savior Of The WorldCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 3 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Proper 17 -- Romans 12:9-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Theme: Marks Of The True ChristianCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Theme: Bring Your Burdens To The LordCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: A New CovenantCall To Worship
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship

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Youth Resources

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Easter 2
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170+ – Illustrations / Stories
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John Jamison
Object: A sheep or lamb stuffed animal.

Note: For the best experience, when you ask the questions, take the time to draw the children out a bit and help them come up with answers. Make it more of a conversation if you can.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started! (Hold the sheep in your lap as you continue.)

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For May 4, 2025:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice… (vv. 11-12a)

Phillip Hasheider is a retired Wisconsin beef farmer and an award-winning author who was dead for six minutes and came back to tell about it. If you have ever thought about dying and wondered what it would be like, then Hasheider’s Six Minutes in Eternity is a book you will want to read.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
A medical worker is working long, hard, stress filled hours in an urban hospital setting. One day he or she is called into the administrator’s office to be terminated due to angering professionals in the upper echelon. The worker protests that it is, “My word against their word, why am I to be the scapegoat?” The administrator pulls rank! The worker is asked to turn in their badge and do not come into the premises again unless as a patient. The now unemployed medical worker still feels the calling to be a healer. So, they get a job at an alternative/natural health medicine store.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
Martin Luther believed that the story of Paul’s conversion demonstrates that there is no need for special revelation. The reformer commented:

Our Lord God does not purpose some special thing for each individual person, but gives to the whole world — one person like the next — his baptism and gospel. (Complete Sermons, Vol.7, p.271)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I've recently spent several hours by the lakeside, for I've been in retreat this past week in the little village of Hemingford Grey, in Huntingdonshire. A great delight for me was to walk to the flooded gravel pits, sit on a bench in glorious sunshine, and watch the water birds. For me, that's a wonderful way to become very aware of the presence of God through the beauty of his created world. And sitting like that for several hours, doing nothing but watching and waiting, I can't help but absorb the peace which passes all understanding.

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
When Beth was a teenager, she lived on the streets. She smoked cigarettes and drank beer and her parents had said that she had to choose: her friends or her family. Beth chose her friends and lived from house to house and eventually in homeless shelters. She barely avoided being raped at one point. About six months of shelter-hopping was all she could take, and she found a shelter that sponsored her until she took the GED. They told her she was brilliant: she was just bored and dissatisfied with the status quo. The shelter supervisors suggested she look into community college.
James Evans
(For alternative approaches, see Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B; and Proper 9/Pentecost 7/Ordinary Time 14, Cycle C.)

The main theme of this psalm is captured profoundly in the movement within a single verse: "Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with morning" (v. 5). Casting life experiences between light and dark is not unique or novel, of course, but the poet's treatment of these themes offers some fertile ground for reflection.

Elizabeth Achtemeier
We have three different accounts of the conversion of Saul in the Gospel according to Luke (9:1-20; 22:6-16; 26:12-18). They differ in a few minor details, but essentially they are the same. In addition, Paul writes of his conversion in Galatians 1:11-16, and in 1 Corinthians 9:1 and 15:8-9, stating that at the time of his conversion on the road to Damascus, he saw the Lord. For Paul, that made him an apostle, equal to the twelve. An apostle, in Paul's thought, was one who had seen the risen Christ and had been sent to announce that good news.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once in a far-off land, there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide. His power and authority were absolute. One day, as events would happen, a young man, a commoner, committed a grave offense against the king. In response, the king and his counselors gathered together to determine what should be done. They decided that since the offense was so grave and had been committed by a commoner against someone so august as the king, the only punishment that would satisfy justice was death.

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