—John 3:1–17—Another
man of Israel, Nicodemus, came to Jesus by night, probably because he feared
his fellow Pharisees. He had seen the signs (miracles) that Jesus was able to
do, and knew that such a one must have been sent by God. Jesus tells Nicodemus
how to be born from above, in Holy Baptism, the washing of water with the Word
of God. He also points to His own death, again in fulfillment of the Old
Testament Scriptures. As God showed His love to a rebellious, yet repentant
people in providing the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4–9),
so He shows His love by providing His Son, to take away a problem far worse
than snake bites, which kill only the body: Jesus Christ, lifted up on the
cross, takes away the sin of the world.
Collect
for Trinity Sunday—Almighty and everlasting God, You have given
us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a
true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us
steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.-28 May 2021
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