Law/Gospel Theme: Because God loves us and sent Jesus to us, we do not have to suffer. As a result, we should stay rooted in God. When we do, our lives will reflect Christ’s love and positive things will come out of them.
In today’s lesson we will see that God’s love allows us to receive the opposite of what we deserve for the things we’ve done. When we abide in God’s presence and live through Christ, our lives will be fruitful, meaning good things will come from them.
Prayer: O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of Your people. That we who suffer the consequences of this broken world may be mercifully delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name.
Hymn: Pg. 40 “How Firm a Foundation”
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.
And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
John 13: 1-9
There were some present at that very time
who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their
sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans
were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this
way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise
perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed
them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived
in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all
likewise perish.” 6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree
planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And
he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking
fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the
ground?’8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until
I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next
year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Galatians 5:22-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,
self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who
belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. -
Hymn: #39” Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God
Almighty”
What is the opposite of young? (old)
How about hot? (cold!)
What’s the opposite of short? (tall)
What’s the opposite of big? (small!)
What is the opposite of happy? (sad)
What’s the opposite of good? (bad)
What’s the opposite of a reward? (A
punishment)
What is the opposite of dead? (Alive)
Today our Gospel lesson talks about some
things that are opposites. And it has to do with how our lives are made
different with Jesus and His love for us.
Do you like fruit? I love fruit. When
fruit trees are planted in good soil and have water and sunshine, they give us
tasty things to eat and enjoy. We’re still a few months away but already I’m thinking
of what kinds of vegetables to grow in my tiny garden. Tomatoes, peppers,
onions, and herbs.
Well, the Bible tells us that when we are
rooted in God’s love, when we pray and read our Bibles and trust the Lord, our
lives will have good things come out of them.
In our lesson for today Jesus teaches
that we have received grace which is undeserved.
When the owner wanted to cut down the
unfruitful tree, the vine dresser said, “Leave it alone for now.” And
from the cross Jesus prayed “Father, forgive them.” This word – “Father,
forgive them,” is the same word, the same mercy, the same patient, gracious
love of God for all of us!
The great news is that because Jesus
suffered, died, and rose again we get the opposite of what we deserve. Because
of Jesus we get grace, mercy, peace, and life!
God promises that when we receive His
love and grace, He will give us His new life. And that includes producing
fruit! What kind of fruit do our lives produce?
Our fruit - your fruit - looks like the
very things that Jesus would demonstrate love, kindness, patience, joy,
gentleness, self-control…which means we care about other people, and we want
good things for their lives too.
Sometimes that might be the opposite of
what we want to do. But as we are truly connected to Christ, these fruits grow
naturally, and they help others.
Just as there are people here showing the
love of Jesus as the love and serve you. As John would explain in his letter, “We
love because He first loved us.” That is truly great news!”
Prayer: Thank you, LORD for sending
Jesus to save us. Thank you for
your grace. Thank you for forgiving our sins. Help us grow in you. So that we
can bear fruit. Thank you for your love and care. [1]
Collects for Lent 3: O God, whose
glory is always to have mercy. Be gracious to all who are lost but now found.
Bring us again with steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth
of Your Word through Jesus Christi our Lord. Amen
The Lord has given us one another and we
give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.
The Lord has given us the beauty of
worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for
gathering us on this day.
The Lord has given us neighbors, friends,
families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank
you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.
The Lord has given us a promise that
where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.
We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one
another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace,
hear our prayer.
Hymn: 37 “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
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