Pr. DFD

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Wednesday of Holy Week

“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Each of us is terminal - all of us share two common realities - We're all sinners. Not a single person can claim to be perfect. Every man, every woman, every boy and every girl - we're all sinners.

The second reality common to us all is that death is a reality for each must die. "The wages of sin is death" the Bible tells us. Each of us will face our end. When we close our eyes to death then we will meet our maker. Then what? This thief in calling out to Jesus reveals the recognition of his own guilt. He comes to the realization that he is a sinner. He comes to his senses and realizes his own mortality. In calling out to Jesus, he realizes that his sins have condemned him! All he can request is that Jesus remember him. "Lord, remember me when you enter into Your kingdom!"

Jesus' reaction reveals the nature of His work. He came to seek and to save that which is lost. He went to the bloody cross to offer us Himself as a sacrifice for sin. In Jesus Christ all sin is forgiven - period! In speaking to this thief he shows him the reward of all who call upon the name of the Lord - they shall be saved! Christ's reaction shows us the place of the dead believer. We shall be with Christ eternally! Mark the Savior's words. Today you will be with Me in paradise. Death defined by the Christian is the separation of the soul from the body. Death to the Christian is our entrance into glory. Every day is a gift. Every day is an opportunity to do good, to make a difference, to dream big and to act. In Jesus Christ our destiny is secure - make good use of the present as you anticipate eternity.

Lord, accept our prayers and worship and have mercy on us. For us sinners, now and at all times, and at the hour of our death, for by Your death, death was abolished; have mercy upon us and grant us Your peace.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Jesus I will Ponder Now

Christ through whom we now are blessed
knew no evil doing.
Him at night they did arrest
like a thief pursuing.
Led before the godless throng
falsely was convicted.
Laughed at, scoffed at, spat upon,
As the Word predicted.

As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. –John 13:30

Introduction: In his St. John Passion J. S. Bach paints for us a picture of the arrest of Jesus which will trigger a series of events. These events will bring about the greatest travesty of justice – yet, at the same time will usher in the greatest demonstration of the Father’s love and faithfulness; faithfulness to His promise, faithfulness to His fallen children. For us; to receive the Father’s pardon, the Son of Man would have to be arrested, tried, crucified and killed.

Following the Passover celebration Jesus’ disciples sang a hymn. As they departed from the upper room - it was night. Christ the sinless Son of God is about to suffer for the crimes and sins of men.

I. “Christ through whom we now are blessed - knew no evil doing.”

A. In Christ we truly are blessed.
1. Blessed to know Him, blessed to be known by Him.
2. Blessed to have a relationship with Him.
3. Blessed to be brought into His family – the Church.

B. We are blessed because of Christ the sinless Son of God.
1. He knew no sin. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2. Yet He became sin for us. “At the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
3. He became a curse for us. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE "--
4. That we might become the righteousness of God through Him. “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord’.”

Transition: Christ the perfect holy Son of God blesses us. Our blessing came at the time of Jesus’ arrest when it was night.

II. “Him at night they did arrest - like a thief pursuing.”

A. His arrest happened at night. “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”
1. His arrest happened at night when the crowds who had come for the Passover festival would not so easily witness His arrest.
2. They arrested Jesus at night so they could hold a quick and speedy trial.

B. Like a thief they pursued Him.
1. How ironic – He who had committed no treachery becomes a wanted man; a thief, a criminal, a villain, a man they must pursue.
2. The enemies of the Christ will stop at nothing at having Him eliminated. It was necessary for this to happen they would argue. It was necessary for one man to die for the nation. “Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. The leadership had had their fill – He must be eliminated.

Transition: Having made His arrest His trial is set.

III. “Led before the godless throng - falsely was convicted.”

A. Christ was convicted falsely.
1. Two witnesses came forward. “Many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.”
2. Finally, the High Priest came forward and charged Him. “The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.”

B. These leaders stirred up the crowd for a conviction of convenience. It served their end.
1. “Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.”
2. “So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Pilate said “I find no fault in this man.”
3. But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

Transition: Having achieved their goal of a conviction the council will send Jesus to His death – But first He must be handed to the guard.

IV. “Laughed at, scoffed at, spat upon, - as the Word predicted.”

A. The guard will make sport of Him.
1. They want to publicly humiliate Him. “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they struck him in the face.”
2. They want so show their utter contempt for Him. “Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”

B. This was all predicted for us in Sacred Scripture.
1. “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”
2. “Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth…”
3. “He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself”.

Conclusion: After the Last Supper, events in our Lord’s life moved rapidly-- His prayer in Gethsemane, betrayal by Judas, arrest, mock trial, painful beating, the trudge to Golgotha and execution. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.” The events of Golgotha snuffed out the human life of Jesus, the Light of the World, as even creation was dark when He suffered.

Jesus, the innocent victim is sentenced to death – a death He did not deserve – yet a death He will bear for your salvation. In this most blessed Sacrament which He instituted before His arrest you receive the tokens of His sacrifice – His body, broken - His blood, shed - that you might receive absolution and clemency for your offenses. O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us and grant us Your peace.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-ohzLP7Zew

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tuesday of Holy Week

“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide His garments.” Luke 23:34

As He began His passion knowing all that was going to take place; knowing all that would be required of Him Jesus took the time to pray. It is a simple prayer yet a profound petition. It gives us an overall picture of what this Jesus is all about. Jesus - on the cross suspended between earth and heaven prays: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". The Savior prays for all who have in any way contributed to the sin load, which brought Him to the cross. The Savior, as He prays offers up this request to the Father for you and for me. All who are in need of the Savior's mercy are included in this petition. How good it was of the Savior to pray for you and me. This prayer was answered as all people have been forgiven - God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son - Now, people must simply receive the forgiveness, which has already been provided. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. "Whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life."

Father be merciful to me a poor sinful being. As Jesus prayed for mercy and for pardon so also may I learn of Your compassion.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Monday, April 2, 2012

Monday of Holy Week

“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68

These words of Peter, spoken from the perspective of faith stands as a confession of that faith, “Lord to whom shall we go?” The events of Holy Week, which culminates with the crucifixion of Jesus, leaves us with very few options. To whom shall we go. Man can look to himself with his own ideas, agendas, and plans. They cannot work. They cannot save. Therefore, we turn to Christ who has the words of eternal life. And having believed we come to know by faith that Jesus truly is the Holy One of God.

Lord, there is no one else to whom we can turn. You have the words of eternal life. Strengthen our faith that we might believe this in time and into eternity.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Palm Sunday

For our sake He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

In order to save us, it was necessary for Jesus to suffer what we should have suffered. Jesus became a human being to serve in our place. He took on flesh and blood and became completely obedient to the Father. He took upon Himself our sin that He might be able to suffer and die in our place. To redeem us from the cruse of the Law Jesus suffered in our place. He became human, took on flesh and blood, that He might be able to die, and through His death He has destroyed the devil who had the power of death. Now you and I receive what is His all the time – the righteousness of God. Glory be to God for this great exchange!

Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Time in the Word - Holy Week

Time in the Word

Father, Into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit

Readings & Prayers for Holy Week

April 2-7, 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012 – Monday of Holy Week – Isaiah 50:5-10 - My sin and the Savior’s obedience

The Antiphon: Continue Your love to those who know you, Your righteousness to the upright in heart. – Psalm 36:10

Prayer for Monday – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who amid so many adversities do fail through our own infirmities, may be restored through the Passion and intercession of Thine only-begotten Son.

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ chose to suffer pain before going up to joy, and crucifixion before entering into glory, mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find this path to be the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 – Tuesday of Holy Week – Jeremiah 11:18-20 – The plot against the Lord’s anointed

The Antiphon: In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. – Psalm 71:1

Prayer for Tuesday – Almighty and everlasting God, grant us grace to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s Passion that we may obtain the pardon of our sins.

Almighty and everlasting God, grant us grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord’s Passion that we may receive the pardon of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 – Wednesday of Holy Week – Isaiah 62:11; 63:1-7 – God’s day of vengeance and redemption

The Antiphon: Hasten, O God, to save me, O Lord, come quickly to help me. – Psalm 70:1

Prayer for Wednesday – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds are continually afflicted may mercifully be relieved by the Passion of Thine only – begotten Son.

Merciful and everlasting God the Father, who did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all that He might bear our sins on the cross, grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in our Savior that we may not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Thursday, April 5, 2012 – Maundy Thursday – 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 – A new covenant

The Antiphon: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. – Psalm 116:13

Prayer for Maundy Thursday – O Lord God, who hast left unto us in a wonderful Sacrament a memorial of Thy Passion, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so use this Sacrament of Thy body and blood that the fruits of Thy redemption may continually be manifest in us.

Friday, April 6, 2012 – Good Friday – Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12 – The suffering and glory of the servant Christ

The Antiphon: O Lord, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. – Psalm 22:19

Prayer for Good Friday – Almighty God, we beseech Thee, graciously to behold this Thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed and given up into the hands of wicked men and to suffer death upon the cross.

Saturday, April 7, 2012 – Holy Saturday, Easter Eve – 1 Peter 3:17-22 – The victory lap through Hell

The Antiphon: From the depths of the grace I called for help, and You listened to my cry. – Jonah 2:2b

Prayer for Easter Eve – O God, who didst enlighten this most holy night with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection, preserve in all Thy people the spirit of adoption which Thou hast given so that, renewed in body and soul, they may perform unto Thee a pure service.

Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with Your grace and goodness, with You holy Word and Sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us all the faithful through time and eternity.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use