Lent Midweek Three February 28, 2018
Grace Lutheran Church Tucson, Arizona
Season of Lent The Lenten Season is observed during the six weeks prior to Easter. The traditional goal of Lent is to prepare believers for a proper celebration of the events of Holy Week, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The purple color of the altar paraments and vestments remind us that Lent is also a season of repentance. The Bible tells us that repentance is always the divine work of the Holy Spirit through the Law and the Gospel. The Law crucifies the old Adam, the sinful nature within us, and the Gospel raises up the new man, the new creation in us. For us, the Lenten focus on the cross and suffering of Jesus is not aimed at an emotional response. It is a pointed proclamation and confession of the Law and the Gospel, a preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Lent is properly a season of repentance when it brings the cross to sinners and sinners to the cross of Christ as the fountain and source of forgiveness, life, and salvation. When we speak or preach from the “Passion of Christ,” we are speaking or preaching about Christ’s suffering and death on Calvary’s cross for the sins of the world. Yes, the Passion is about the purple robe and the crown of thorns; Christ carrying his cross; the soldiers with their hammers, the nails, and the spear; and Christ’s words from the cross. But more than the objects and events, the Passion is about Jesus taking on himself the sins of the world and then experiencing to the fullest degree the Father’s just wrath upon that sin. It is about forgiveness and salvation graciously offered in view of the shed blood of Calvary.
Offerings in the 10:00 AM service An offering is not taken during the 10:00 AM service, but you may leave your gifts to the Lord in the offering plates near the exits.
Evangelical Heritage Version The Passion History readings we are using in our Lenten services this year are taken from a harmony (combination) of the four Gospels in the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV). This Bible translation is the work of a group of pastors and professors from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). An edition of the EHV including the full New Testament and the book of Psalms has been published and is available from Northwestern Publishing House (www.nph.net) or in the Kindle version from Amazon.com. More information about the EHV may be found at www.wartburgproject.org. 1
WELCOME TO WORSHIP OPENING HYMN
Drawn to the Cross Christian Worship #387
Branches Band will sing stanza 1, the congregation may join on remaining stanzas. Please stand
INVOCATION Minister: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen. CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION M: Let us come before the Lord with humble and penitent hearts. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands and purify your hearts. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:8,10) Have mercy, on me, O God, according to your love; Have mercy, on me, O God, and cleanse me from my sin.
Sung by Branches Band from Psalm 51
M: The Apostle John declares, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.� Together, we confess our sins. (1 John 1:9) C: We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to you. We are covered in shame because we have sinned against you. Lord, in keeping with your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath. Hear our prayers and petitions. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! (from Daniel 9) Have mercy, on me, O God, according to your love; Have mercy, on me, O God, and cleanse me from my sin.
Sung by Branches Band from Psalm 51
Silent Confession I was sinful at birth, from the time I was conceived. Yet you desired faith. Cleanse me; I will be clean. Wash me whiter than snow. Let the bones you crushed rejoice.
Sung by Branches Band from Psalm 51
M: My friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (Acts 13:38, Ephesians 2:13, 1 John 2:2) Create in me a pure heart. And renew a steadfast spirit. Sung by Branches Band Do not take your Holy Spirit from me. from Psalm 51 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, And grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. 2
RESPONSIVE READING FROM PSALM 34 M: Taste and see that the LORD is good; C: blessed are they who take refuge in him. M: The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous C: and his ears are attentive to their cry. M: The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, C: and he delivers them. M: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; C: he delivers them from all their troubles. M: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted C: and saves those who are crushed in spirit. M: The LORD redeems his servants; C: no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. PSALM PRAYER M: Dearest Lord, helper of the weary and the brokenhearted, we have tasted and seen that you are good and ready to help in times of trouble. Calm our minds with peace and make us radiant with joy, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. Please be seated
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PASSION HISTORY While they were eating, on the night when he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples. He said, “Take, eat, this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the new testament, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Dear children, I am going to be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter
asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” Jesus replied, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Simon, Simon, pay attention: Satan has asked to have you all, so that he may sift you as wheat. But I prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned to me, strengthen your brothers.” Peter answered him, “Even if all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Amen I tell you: Tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you.” And all the disciples said the same. He said to them, “When I sent you out without money bag, traveler’s bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they said. Then he told them, “But now, let the one who has a money bag take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must
be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ Indeed, what is written about me is going to have its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.” Then Jesus said to them, “This night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” After they sang a hymn, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, to the Mount of Olives, where there was a garden called Gethsemane. He and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who was betraying him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. When he reached the place, Jesus told his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray. Keep praying that you may not enter into temptation.” Then he took Peter, James, and John along with him and began to be troubled and distressed. He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” When he rose from prayer, he went to the disciples and found them sleeping as a result of sorrow. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Were you not strong enough to keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to pass from me unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Again he returned and found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what they should answer him. He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time. He said the same words as before. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. As he was in agony, he prayed more fervently. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise. Let us go. Look, my betrayer is near!” While Jesus was still speaking, suddenly Judas (one of the
Twelve) arrived. With him was a large crowd with lanterns, torches, swords, and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Judas was leading them. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus told them. Judas, the betrayer, was standing with them. When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they backed away and fell to the ground. Then Jesus asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they said. “I told you that I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the statement he had spoken: “I did not lose any of those you have given me.” Now the betrayer had given them a sign: “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him.” Immediately he went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Then they advanced, took hold of Jesus, and arrested him. When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, should we strike with a sword?” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. But Jesus responded, “Stop! No more of this! Put your sword back into its place, because all who take the sword will die by the sword. Do you not realize that I could call on my Father, and at once he would provide me with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. At that same time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out to arrest me with swords and clubs as if I were a robber? Day after day I was sitting in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. The company of soldiers, their commander, and the Jewish guards arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, because he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews, “It is better that one man die for the people.” 4
HYMN
In the Hour of Trial Christian Worship #116
Branches Band will sing stanza 1, the congregation may join on remaining stanzas.
SERMON
Herbrews 4:14-16 Jesus Is Our Compassionate High Priest
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been
tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
OFFERING (7:00 PM) Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the pew and pass it along. Thank You!
Please stand
If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code.
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER (sung by Branches Band)
CLOSING PRAYER M: Lord we thank you for this hour of worship—for speaking to us in your Word, and for giving us opportunity to praise your holy name. Be with us as we leave your house to live for you. C: Amen. BLESSING (sung by Branches Band) May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace; And give you peace. 5
Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN
What Wondrous Love Is This? Christian Worship #120
Branches Band will sing stanza 1, the congregation may join on remaining stanzas.
There will be a free-will door offering after the service to support the ministry of Branches Band. Feel free to visit their display for more information, CDs, and sheet music that Branches Band has produced.
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship Leader ....................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Guest Musicians .................................................... Andy and Rachel Braun, Branches Band
About Branches Band Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches ” (John 15:5). Branches Band, a Milwaukeebased music group, uses their love for music to identify the Savior of the world—Jesus! From ancient hymns to modern songs, from guitars and piano to percussion and vocal harmonies, the truth of God’s love and grace is at the root of the Branches Band ministry. Branches Band travels all over the United States and Canada with their repertoire including hundreds of hymns and songs. Branches Band has served over 450 WELS and ELS congregations by offering Christian concerts, assisting with worship, and developing music resources for today’s church leaders and worship teams. For more information, visit the Branches Band website (www.branchesband.com), or visit them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/branchesband).
Lenten Services Wednesday midweek services will be held at Grace-Benson, GraceSahuarita, and Grace-Tucson every Wednesday through March 21. The theme for our services is “Jesus Christ Is Our Great High Priest.” The sermons and service themes will rotate among the various sites, so worshipers who attend more than one site could hear a sermon repeated. See the schedule below for next week. March 7 Grace-Benson: Jesus Is Our Compassionate High Priest
6 PM 7 PM
Supper Worship
Grace-Sahuarita: Jesus Our Great High Priest Makes Us Priests
10 AM 6 PM 7 PM
Worship Supper Worship
Grace-Tucson: Jesus Is Our Self-Sacrificing High Priest
10 AM 6 PM 7 PM
Worship Supper Worship 6
Holy Week Schedule Maundy Thursday
Easter Sunday
Thursday, March 29
Sunday, April 1
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson 7:00 PM at Grace-Benson 7:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita
Grace-Benson Sunrise Worship—7:30 AM Easter Breakfast—8:30 AM
Good Friday
Grace-Sahuarita Outdoor Festival Worship—9:00 AM Easter Breakfast—10:00 AM
Friday, March 30 7:00 PM at Grace-Sahuarita Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness) 7:00 PM at Grace-Tucson Worshippers are asked to leave this church service in silence, leaving in stillness and darkness until the dawn of a glorious Easter Day. Please visit with friends and family prior to entering church for worship.
Grace-Tucson Sunrise Worship—7:00 AM Easter Breakfast—8:00 AM Easter Concert—9:00 AM Festival Worship—10:00 AM Grace-Vail Easter Breakfast—9:00 AM Festival Worship—10:00 AM
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling— encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world. For more information about our synod and what we believe visit: www.wels.net