VERSE: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (Jn. 11:25)
755*; 420; 552 (vv. 1, 9-10, 4); 548 in Lutheran Service Book
265*; 94; 113 in Lutheran Worship
Meditate on and learn by heart the hymn marked with an asterisk (*).
755*: In the Very Midst of Life
420: Christ the Life of all the Living
552: O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life
548: Thanks to Thee, O Christ, Victorious
Psalm 130
From the depths of helplessness the psalmist cries for mercy. There is nothing he can do to rescue himself, but God’s mercy and power are cause for hope. Because of his unfailing love our cause is not lost. “He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins” (v. 8). May this truth remain in our minds and on our hearts as we journey to the cross and empty tomb in the coming weeks.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
In the Valley of Dry Bones the LORD revealed to Ezekiel his power to give life, a power he exercises through his Word. Israel, in exile, had no hope. They sensed God had abandoned them and knew they were powerless to help themselves. But God assures Ezekiel that Israel does not lie beyond his ability to help. What a wonderful picture and promise the LORD provides here. May we never lose hope in his desire and power to help.
Romans 8:1-11
Paul contrasts life according to the sinful nature with life under the power of the Spirit of God. He makes it clear that there can be no peaceful coexistence between the two. Those who are in Christ, that is who trust in his righteousness for them, have forgiveness and life. Though the struggle against sin continues, Christ’s Spirit assures us of peace with God. God strengthen us to resist the sinful nature and rejoice in his gifts.
John 11:1-53
In a perverse way, the raising of Lazarus sets the stage for Jesus’ death. Fearing Jesus’ power and rising popularity, the leaders of the Jews determined, “Jesus has to die.” Caiaphas said: “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (v. 50), and in these words unwittingly spoke of God’s plan. Jesus’ death was for the people, so that no one need perish. His plan was not just to restore life to one man, Lazarus, but to win eternal life for all people. May God strengthen our trust in him as we prepare to celebrate again the central events of the faith—Jesus’ death and resurrection.
| Monday | Genesis 42:1-34, 38 | Mark 12:1-12 |
| Tuesday | Genesis 43:1-28 | Mark 12:13-27 |
| Wednesday | Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34 | Mark 12:28-44 |
| Thursday | Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28 | Mark 13:1-23 |
| Friday | Genesis 47:1-31 | Mark 13:24-37 |
| Saturday | Genesis 49:29-50:7, 14-26 | Mark 14:1-11 |
| Sunday | Exodus 1:1-22 | Mark 14:12-31 |
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written?
The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
THE COLLECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY [Fifth Sunday in Lent] “Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” AMEN
