Saturday, April 2, 2022

Saturday of Lent 4




SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022                                                     Scripture Reading: John 11:45–57

Additional Scriptures: Exodus 12:21–27; Psalm 126

 [1]

Jesus said, Before Abraham was born, I am. This was not a statement of age, rather an astonishing proclamation: I am God! Jesus was claiming preexistence and Deity. This is why they picked up stones (Ex. 3:14; John 1:1-1; 8:24; 17:5).

They picked up stones to stone him. The offence of blasphemy was the worst one conceivable for a pious Jew at the time of Jesus. Claiming to be a messiah was not the problem; Jesus claimed to be God. However, carrying out such a sentence had to be done in a court of law, not in the streets. Their plot to kill Jesus would culminate in the crucifixion (Ex. 17:4; Lev. 24:16; Num. 14:10; 1 Sam. 30:6; Matt. 26:65; John 10:31;).

Lord Jesus Christ, Your body was anointed with holy oil by the woman at the house of Simon the leper to prepare it for burial. May Your Church continue to take care of Your Body as she feeds Your people the holy food of Your very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]


[1] Sacrament of the Altar copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[2] Collect for Saturday of Lent 4  Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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