Emphasis Contributors
Illustration Writers
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Passion Sunday - A
David Coffin
In most churches I have served this is the week of Palm Sunday. The congregation sings “All Glory Laud and Honor,” as either the youth or other members of the church process around the sanctuary waving their palms. The processional text is usually read and sermon topic is based on this text (Matthew 21:1-11). Such ministry is not mutually exclusive to this passion set of texts today. It depends on which theme one chooses to emphasize this Sunday.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 50:5-9a
The 2022 poll of the American Psychological Association revealed the highest levels of stress and weariness in the American population ever recorded. Commenting on this lesson and its reference to the need for the servant to sustain the weary (v.4), John Calvin observed that Christians “cannot escape this condition” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.VIII/2, pp.55-56), and then added:
However that may be, he always watches carefully and runs to give aid; and even when we fly and resist, he calls us to him that we may be refreshed by tasting his grace and kindness. (Ibid., p.54)
Commenting on Jesus’ suffering foretold in the text, Martin Luther observed:
... it hurts the Lord to see that we weep...
The 2022 poll of the American Psychological Association revealed the highest levels of stress and weariness in the American population ever recorded. Commenting on this lesson and its reference to the need for the servant to sustain the weary (v.4), John Calvin observed that Christians “cannot escape this condition” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.VIII/2, pp.55-56), and then added:
However that may be, he always watches carefully and runs to give aid; and even when we fly and resist, he calls us to him that we may be refreshed by tasting his grace and kindness. (Ibid., p.54)
Commenting on Jesus’ suffering foretold in the text, Martin Luther observed:
... it hurts the Lord to see that we weep...
Lectionary Commentary and Sermon Illustrations
Emphasis Preaching Journal provides in-depth lectionary-based commentary on lectionary texts, plus thousands of sermon illustrations to help you create riveting sermons.For over 45 years, Emphasis has provided subscribers with scripturally sound, lectionary-based commentaries and sermon illustrations that connect with the people in the pews.
For each week, Emphasis writers delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you with several fresh, solid ideas -- based squarely on the lectionary texts -- for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. They look for overall themes that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the themes and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single idea each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, writers suggest several, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
