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John 8:31-36

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Children's Activity

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The truth will make you free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Teachers or Parents: Reformation Sunday provides us a wonderful
"The truth sets us free" -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Teachers or Parents: Both Gospel texts above speak to the
"The truth" -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
Teachers or Parents: Reformation Sunday is a good time to
Sunrise -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
Parents or Teachers: Today's lesson is about truth. The example used is
The truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Teachers or Parents: The fable of the chicken-eagle is an
Liar's memory -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Teachers or Parents: Lying is a sin and sin is a lie. Both
Freedom! -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
Teachers or Parents: If you have a Monopoly game, get the "Get
The truth makes us free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Teachers: For this activity you will need sticky labels, or
God's license plate -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Teachers: Help your students create a license plate based on

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Freedom! -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
The theme for this celebration of the Reformation is, appropriately enough, Freedom!
Tradition reworked -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- David Coffin -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2015
It finally has happened!
Re-forming the church -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Was the Christian church ever one?
Don't miss out on the coming reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Reformation Day always seemed to me to be the odd day out on the church calendar.
A necessary mid-course correction -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1994
About the author Michael L.
Look backward! Move Forward! -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
How things do change over time!

Free Access

Don't miss out on the coming reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Reformation Day always seemed to me to be the odd day out on the church calendar.

Children's sermon

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What Fun To Be Free! -- John 8:31-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (v. 36)
The truth will make you free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning! Today is Reformation Sunday. What does the
The truth sets us free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning! I have here a newspaper article about a
The truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
Good morning! I'd like to talk with you this morning about
Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
Good morning, boys and girls. Today is called Reformation Sunday.
The truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning! I brought a picture of an eagle with me today
Liar's memory -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning! Today I want to begin by telling you a story.
Freedom! -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C
When we think about freedom, we think of our country. We even
The truth sets you free -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever
Set free by the truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have taken a

SermonStudio

Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock

Drama

SermonStudio

Listening To God -- John 8:31-36 -- Pamela Urfer -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 1994
Cast: Two people of either gender, PAT and LEE, VOICEOVERLength:7 minutes

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2019) -- Psalm 46, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
Psalm 46
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2015
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Christian spirit has permeated... -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
The Christian spirit has permeated the Oval Office from the first day to the present.
Freedom is such a lovely word... -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Freedom is such a lovely word, a compelling concept. But what kind of freedom does Jesus afford?
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2013) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jesus is talking... -- John 8:31-36 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Jesus is talking to Jewish believers and makes the promise that if they are faithful to his teaching
One of the best... -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
One of the best illustrations of freedom in Christ comes from the life of Zacchaeus.
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Bob Ove -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Abraham was not perfect. He had his ups and downs!
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Hans Rosling, 63, is trained in statistics and medicine.
Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2011) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Five weeks before Benjamin Franklin's death... -- John 8:31-36 -- Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Five weeks before his death, Benjamin Franklin received an inquiry about his beliefs from a Congrega
It's warm and bright... -- John 8:31-36 -- Leah Thompson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
It's warm and bright. You're basking contentedly when someone walks up to you. "Here," they say.
America places an enormous emphasis on freedom... -- John 8:31-36 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Like many other nations, America places an enormous emphasis on freedom.
The value of opinion in... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
The value of "opinion" in our society has been so corrupted as to have taken on sinful
Sometimes we see a famous... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Sometimes we see a famous saying over the doors of libraries and various college and
It was another grim Sunday... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
It was another grim Sunday school teachers' meeting. There were no young children
James Lee Woodward was convicted... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
James Lee Woodward was convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 1980 in Dallas,
It was another grim Sunday... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
It was another grim Sunday school teachers' meeting.
James Lee Woodward was convicted... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
James Lee Woodward was convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 1980 in Dallas, Texas.
The United States lived through... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2001
The United States lived through the Clinton presidency with many questions about what constituted ap
My heart was filled with... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2001
My heart was filled with sympathy as I walked up Allan's sidewalk.
It is a powerful thing... -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2001
It is a powerful thing to set people free. James G.

Preaching

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayFreedom! Collect of the Day
Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayFreedom! Collect of the Day
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34 The promise of a new covenant.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day.Theme For The Day
The Church is renewed -- Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Church is renewed as it opens itself to the transforming power of the gospel
Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34The promise of a new covenant.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Virtually all Lutheran calendars and lectionaries make provision for the celebration of Reformation
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- George M. Bass -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - B
Theme For The Day

Sermon

SermonStudio

Being a True Disciple -- John 8:31-36 -- David G. Rogne -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly m
The Dangers of Being Religious -- John 8:31-36 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2011
Jeff Foxworthy has made a career of telling redneck jokes.
Getting Back Into Shape -- John 8:31-36 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly m
Ollie, Ollie, All In Free! -- John 8:31-36 -- Steven Molin -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
It is probably not theologically advisable to begin a sermon with a complaint, but I am going to def
Unwanted Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Chris Ewing -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
The trouble with words is that they can mean so many different things, depending on who is using the
The Freedom To Interpret -- John 8:31-36 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Reformation Sunday is one of those unique times in the church year when we take a moment to remember
The Radiating Reformation -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The assigned lesson reading from Romans for this festival worship includes these comments by Saint P
Why God Has No Grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences.
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- George L. Murphy -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
The key idea in this passage in the Fourth Gospel is truth.
How To Break A Bad Habit For Good! -- John 8:31-36 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
After helping his child with homework, a man said to his wife, "I wish we still had those kinds of p
Heart Transplant -- John 8:31-36 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Imagine the scene: you are in the doctor's office, an array of EKGs, echocardiograms, and other test
Free? Indeed! The Continuing Reformation Of The Church -- John 8:31-36 -- Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Julia, The Church Years
Telling the Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
You catch your child with his hand in the cookie jar just after you have told him, "Hands off!" But
Commitment One Way Or The Other -- John 8:31-36 -- Joseph M. Freeman -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1998
In this passage of John, claimed centuries later as a key passage for students of the Reformation, w
The Need to Feel that One Is Growing in Faith -- John 8:31-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Liberating Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- William G. Carter -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1996
During the 1960s, Sherwood Schwartz wrote and produced a number of hit television shows.
Caught By The Hook -- John 8:31-36 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- 1993
This is Reformation Sunday and it is fitting that we start with a quote from Martin Luther.
When Is Justification -- John 8:31-36 -- George S. Johnson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1992
By Faith A Heresy?
Winners -- Losers -- John 8:31-36 -- Thomas Peterson -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
The world is filled with winners and losers. Jesus knew all about being a winner.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Why God has no grandchildren -- John 8:31-36 -- Stan Purdum -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2006
Children of pastors have their share of strange experiences. As a teenager, I went one day

Stories

StoryShare

The Fortress -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Contents"The Fortress" by Sandra Herrmann* * * * * * *
Right Place, Right Time -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Wagner -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Contents"Right Place, Right Time" by Frank Ramirez
The Flower -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Flower" by Keith Hewitt
Lost -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith, Constance Berg, Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Contents "New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann "Lost" by Keith Hewitt
Mistaken Identity -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Argile Smith, John E. Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Mistaken Identity" by Argile Smith
A Born Leader -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Born Leader" by Sandra Herrmann
A Change Of Heart -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46 -- Scott Dalgarno, Gary L. Carver, Stan Purdum, David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2007
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "A Change of Heart" by Scott Dalgarno

SermonStudio

The Truth -- John 8:31-36 -- David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
One of the first Bible verses my mother taught me when I was a little boy was "Lying lips are an abo
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.
Set Free Through Grace -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
A seal, known as Martin Luther's Seal, is a world-wide symbol for many Lutherans.

Worship

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36, Psalm 46 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
Who is this king that forms another king out of the ground,
Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Choral Music "The House Of The Lord" -- Bradley Ellingboe (Neil A. Kjos Music)
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Be still!
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 8:31-36Theme: Here's The Key -- Let Yourself Out
The New Covenant In The Old -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: True DisciplesCall To Worship
I Will Be Your God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
A blessed nation -- Genesis 12:1-8, John 8:31-36 -- James R. Wilson -- 1997
Call To Worship
the Protestant Reformation -- John 8:31-36 -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 1990
Suggestion:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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29 – Sermons
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of Synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci went to a nearby tavern to celebrate the event with his friends. While in conversation and sipping a little of the local wine, Leonardo noticed that many in the tavern were making sport of an ugly fool who made his living going from tavern to tavern, entertaining patrons for a spare coin or a crust of bread. This man truly was an ugly person; he seemed to be more of a troll than a man. His small beady eyes were not centered in his oversized head.

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