07/04/2019: He is Alive!
CALL TO WORSHIP: PSALM 126
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
- Think prayerfully about verses 5 and 6. Perhaps you need a special sense of God’s presence with you at this time, or you know of someone who does? Write your prayer here:
READING: Isaiah 43:16-21
16 Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings forth chariot and horse,
army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
18 “Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild beasts will honour me,
the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself
that they might declare my praise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
- What do you think Isaiah means with vs.19?
- Do you need the Lord to do a “new thing” in your life; in your family; in your church…?
READING: John 12:1-11
Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,
5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.
8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
The Plot to Kill Lazarus
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,
11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
- What is your reaction to the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet with her tears?
- Why do you think Judas reacted like he did?
SERMON NOTES:
The theme for this week deals with our need to learn to “celebrate the resurrection” on a daily basis. This might sound very strange to you, and a little difficult to put into practice. It will be helpful to keep the reading from John 12 in mind while you take on this challenge. Also, remember that the term “resurrection” means a “new life”!
- Would you agree/disagree with this statement: “before we can fully embrace a new life with Jesus, we must let go of all that hold us back.”? Is there anything holding you back at this time?
- Would you agree/disagree with this statement: “A resurrection life requires a change in approach and a new perspective!”? What might need to change in your life?
- S. Lewis wrote that: “The allegorical sense dawned on me the other day. The alabaster box which one must break over (Christ’s) holy feet is one’s heart… And the content becomes perfume only when it is broken. While they are safe inside, they are more like sewage.” What do you carry around inside you heart?
- What does “living a resurrection life” mean for you?
God bless,
Rev. Tim