Fourth Sunday In Lent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13 (C, E); 1 Samuel 16:1, 6--7, 10--13 (RC)
Samuel anoints David to succeed Saul as king. Here is a story of a shepherd boy who is made a king. Because God was sorry he ever chose Saul to be the first king of Israel, he instructed Samuel to secretly anoint a successor to Saul. He is sent to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a replacement for Saul. Which one of the eight sons of Jesse did God want as king? All seven sons were interviewed but none satisfied God's choice. The youngest, David, was in the fields caring for his father's sheep. Samuel ordered him brought to him. Seeing the handsome youth, Samuel at once recognized him as God's choice, anointed him king, and then departed. The Spirit that enlightened Samuel now rested mightily upon David.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8--14 (C, RC); Ephesians 5:(1--7) 8--14 (E)
Christians are the children of light. Paul writes to people who have become Christians. He refers to their former lives of sin as "darkness." Now they are children of light and are to live as lights in terms of what is good, right, and true. There is a contrast between before and after Christ, between God and Satan, light and darkness, good and evil. Christians are to have no part in the works of darkness but rather they are to expose evil to the light. In his closing words, Paul calls for the dead ("asleep") in sin to rise in the light of Christ.
Gospel: John 9:1--41 (C, RC); John 9:1--13 (14--27) 28--38 (E)
A man born blind receives physical and spiritual sight. It takes a whole chapter to tell the story of how Jesus brings spiritual light to a man born blind. The actual miracle is told in a few verses, but the healing gives an occasion for Jesus to bring a man from agnosticism to faith. We see the formation of faith: from "the man called Jesus," to "prophet," to "a man from God" to "Son of Man." In contrast to the light of the healed man, the Pharisees are in the darkness of sin and unbelief.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 23 (C, RC, E) - "The Lord is my shepherd" (v. 1).
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all mercy, by your prayer to heal and to forgive, graciously cleanse us from all sin and makes us strong."
Hymn Of The Day
"Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us"
Theme Of The Day: Light To See
Gospel - Jesus, the Light, gives spiritual vision - John 9:1--41
Lesson 1 - God gives light to see character - 1 Samuel 16:1--13
Lesson 2 - Christians live in the light of Christ - Ephesians 5:8--14
The Fourth Sunday In Lent was formerly known as Laetare Sunday, taken from the first Latin word of the Introit, Laetare, meaning to "rejoice." It was also known as "Refreshment Sunday" because of the Gospel lesson of the feeding of the 5,000. The second half of Lent begins in a lighter mood in preparation for the depth of sorrow coming in the Passion. Today's three Lessons harmonize on the theme of light, vision, and insight. Samuel is given the insight to see that of all the sons of Jesse, David was the one to be king. Jesus brought spiritual vision to the man healed by blindness. Paul exhorts Christians as children of light to walk in the light of goodness. Since David was called to be the shepherd of Israel, Psalm 23 is appropriate. We pray in the Prayer that we may be cleansed from the darkness of sin that we may be children of the light which is Christ. From the light of spiritual vision, for the cure of our spiritual blindness, we can rejoice - Laetare!
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 9:1--41
1. Sin and suffering. In Jesus' day the popular view was that sin caused suffering. In the case of the man born blind, the disciples asked whose sin caused the handicap. Jesus answered that no one sinned in this case. Some suffering is caused by sin, but we should see suffering as an opportunity for God's healing.
2. Dualism. There is the dualism of light and darkness. Christ is the light and the world is darkness. Darkness may at times overcome the light. Jesus sees his upcoming death as the hour of darkness. Thus, he must work now while there is light. The light shall ultimately conquer the darkness of evil. Revelation portrays heaven as a place where there is no night.
3. Legalism. Because Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees could not accept Jesus as a man from God. In their view, a man of God does not break God's laws. Was this Sabbath law the law of man or of God? For Jesus, human values were higher and of more importance than legal matters. Man has a priority next to God, and laws are to serve the needs of man.
4. Compassion. Jesus comes to the rescue when a person is rejected. Because of his defense of Jesus, the healed man was excommunicated, ostracized, and cast out, a penalty next to death. From henceforth no one was to have any dealings with the man. When man comes to his extremity, Christ comes with compassion and support. Here is an insight into Jesus' love for the downtrodden and oppressed.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13
1. Grieve (v. 1). King Saul was a disappointment to God as well as to the prophet Samuel who, upon God's direction, anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Fretting about the disobedience of Saul, apparently all Samuel did was worry about the nation's welfare. So God comes to him and asks him why he doesn't do something about Saul. Worry accomplishes nothing. God commands Samuel to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse even though Samuel has to risk his life to do it. Is God saying to us that he desires a change of government when a government does not obey his laws?
2. Heart (v. 7). When God wants a servant, what does he look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God's choice, but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance, but at the heart. David was chosen to be the next king because his heart was right. Yet, at the same time David is described as "handsome." When we go to choosing a ruler, do we look at the heart of the candidate or at his wealth, government experience, and intelligence?
3. Youngest (v. 11). What humans consider unworthy, God counts as important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd's work was considered the lowest of occupations. David's youth was against him, for a king needed experience and maturity. Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger, and died on a cross.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8--14
Light. Christians are identified with light. They came out of the darkness of unbelief and wickedness. They are light because they are in Christ, the Light of the world. As people of light, Christians walk in the light in terms of virtuous living. They live in a dark world of evil. As their light shines, the darkness is exposed and scattered. The light of a Christian is not a natural endowment but is a reflection of the one light, Christ. Probably the reason evil flourishes is that the light of Christians is dimmed. For the Christian's light to give light, the Christian needs a closer relationship with the Light.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: 1 Samuel 16:1--13; Ephesians 5:8--14; John 9:1--41
God Has No Blind Children!
Need: Blindness is a terrible condition - life full of darkness. Close your eyes and imagine living with this handicap the rest of your life. God is light and gives the light of vision to his children. In an average congregation, physical blindness may not be a problem, but there are other forms of blindness that are worse. People need to know how God can give them perfect vision that they do not stumble nor fall in life's journey.
Outline: God gives sight to the blind -
a. The physically blind - Gospel. In the world, 15 million people are blind. One out of every 1,000 Americans is legally blind. Here we can deal with our ministry to the blind and what we can do to protect and preserve our precious eyesight.
b. The spiritually blind - Lesson 1. There are people who have 20/20 vision but cannot see spiritual truth or values. In this passage God gives Samuel insight to see who is to be the next king of Israel. It is not observation of outward appearance but the insight into a person's character and potential. It answers the question often asked, "What did you see in him/her?"
c. The morally blind - Lesson 2. Evil--doers live in the darkness of sin. Christ gives light to his followers that they may walk in the path of righteousness.
Gospel: John 1:1--41
1. You Light Up My Life. 9:1--41
Need: Debby Boone's 1977 hit song "You Light Up My Life" refers to the boy or girl who lights up the other's life. The lyric appeals: We want someone to light up our lives that we may have love and happiness. If a lover can light up a life, how much more can Christ, the Light of the world, bring light, love, joy, and truth to a person! In the Gospel, Jesus was the light of a blind beggar.
Outline: Jesus can light up your life.
a. Light up your darkness - v. 40. We may be blind and not know it. Before we can come to the light, we must be aware of our need of light.
b. Give light for you to see - v. 5.
1. Light to see who you are - v. 2.
2. Light to see the meaning of life - v. 25.
3. Light to see Jesus is the Savior - vv. 21--38.
2. Need Glasses? 9:1--12, 35--38
Need: The natural eye needs help to see things that cannot be seen with the lack of aids. As someone gets older, they find they cannot read fine print without glasses. There are many things we cannot see in life unless we have visual aids. If we would look at life through the eyes of Jesus, what wonders we would see!
Outline: We need help to see.
a. What we can see with physical aids.
1. Telescope - to see the stars.
2. Microscope - to see the tiny things of nature.
3. X--ray - to see through solids.
b. What we can see with the eyes of Jesus.
1. Our condition of blindness - v. 1.
2. Jesus' concern for our blindness - v. 35.
3. The nature of Jesus - vv. 35--38.
3. Are You Blind? 9:1--41
Need: That may be a ridiculous question. We may not even need glasses. Are we spiritually blind? To the Pharisees that was also a ridiculous question, for they considered themselves to be devout people of God. Could church members be blind spiritually and not know it? Here is an opportunity to teach how we can be as blind as the Pharisees of the Gospel lesson.
Outline: What makes us blind.
a. Blindness of ignorance: Disciples - v. 2.
b. Blindness of fear: Parents - v. 22.
c. Blindness of sin: Pharisees - vv. 16, 29, 41.
4. The Dawning Of The Light. 9:11, 17--35
Need: The light of faith may come gradually. This should speak to those who expect to have all faith and knowledge in one's experience. The blind beggar came to the fullness of faith in Jesus as Messiah gradually. His experience can be ours. We grow in faith. Like a dimmer switch, the light can be intensified slowly.
Outline: How the light of faith may dawn.
a. "The man names Jesus" - v. 11.
b. "He is a prophet" - v. 17.
c. "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" - v. 35.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13
1. The Ruler God Wants. 16:1--3
Need: Every one or two years Americans have the task and privilege of choosing a ruler of city, county, or state. Every four years we have the right to choose a president of the country. At each election we need to ask, as Samuel did, "Is it time for a change in leadership?" If so, what person best fits into the person God wants in a particular office? In the text, it is God who chooses a successor to Saul through Samuel. How many citizens are concerned about the person God wants in office? Our text tells us the kind of person God wants as a ruler of his people.
Outline: God wants a ruler -
a. A God--chosen person - vv. 1--12.
b. A humble person - v. 11.
c. A good--hearted person - v. 7.
d. A Spirit--filled person - v. 13.
2. What Do You See In A Person? 16:6--13
Need: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend, or ruler. What do you see in a person that you would choose that person to work for you, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he/she appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king.
Outline: What do you see in a person -
a. Look at the person's background - v. 3; better yet -
b. Consider the person's occupation - v. 11; better yet -
c. Observe the person's appearance - v. 12; better yet -
d. Examine the person's heart and spirit - vv. 7, 13; the very best!
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8--14
1. Let Your Light Shine! 5:8--14
Need: Jesus taught that his followers are the light of the world. In this lesson, Paul repeats the truth. It is not enough to state the fact, but people need to be shown how they can let their light shine around them.
Outline: You can let your light shine.
a. As a window - v. 8. A Christian is one who lets the light of Christ shine through him.
b. As a mirror - v. 8. "Walk as children of light." A mirror reflects the light. We do not have our own light. "You are light in the Lord" and then you are light in the world.
c. As a security light - v. 11. A security light exposes evil--doers and thereby protects people and property.
2. From Night To Day. 5:8
Need: In the '70s we witnessed dramatic life changes in prominent people: Charles Colson, Eldridge Cleaver, and Larry Flynt: from Watergate to Christ--gate, from Panther to disciple, from pornography to theology. These changes in well--known people are heard daily on the news channels, too numerous to mention. Paul expressed it: "darkness - light." The need here is to show people that their lives can change for the better.
Outline: You can change.
a. Be light in the Lord - v. 8.
b. Walk in the light of the Lord - v. 8.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13 (C, E); 1 Samuel 16:1, 6--7, 10--13 (RC)
Samuel anoints David to succeed Saul as king. Here is a story of a shepherd boy who is made a king. Because God was sorry he ever chose Saul to be the first king of Israel, he instructed Samuel to secretly anoint a successor to Saul. He is sent to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a replacement for Saul. Which one of the eight sons of Jesse did God want as king? All seven sons were interviewed but none satisfied God's choice. The youngest, David, was in the fields caring for his father's sheep. Samuel ordered him brought to him. Seeing the handsome youth, Samuel at once recognized him as God's choice, anointed him king, and then departed. The Spirit that enlightened Samuel now rested mightily upon David.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8--14 (C, RC); Ephesians 5:(1--7) 8--14 (E)
Christians are the children of light. Paul writes to people who have become Christians. He refers to their former lives of sin as "darkness." Now they are children of light and are to live as lights in terms of what is good, right, and true. There is a contrast between before and after Christ, between God and Satan, light and darkness, good and evil. Christians are to have no part in the works of darkness but rather they are to expose evil to the light. In his closing words, Paul calls for the dead ("asleep") in sin to rise in the light of Christ.
Gospel: John 9:1--41 (C, RC); John 9:1--13 (14--27) 28--38 (E)
A man born blind receives physical and spiritual sight. It takes a whole chapter to tell the story of how Jesus brings spiritual light to a man born blind. The actual miracle is told in a few verses, but the healing gives an occasion for Jesus to bring a man from agnosticism to faith. We see the formation of faith: from "the man called Jesus," to "prophet," to "a man from God" to "Son of Man." In contrast to the light of the healed man, the Pharisees are in the darkness of sin and unbelief.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 23 (C, RC, E) - "The Lord is my shepherd" (v. 1).
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all mercy, by your prayer to heal and to forgive, graciously cleanse us from all sin and makes us strong."
Hymn Of The Day
"Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us"
Theme Of The Day: Light To See
Gospel - Jesus, the Light, gives spiritual vision - John 9:1--41
Lesson 1 - God gives light to see character - 1 Samuel 16:1--13
Lesson 2 - Christians live in the light of Christ - Ephesians 5:8--14
The Fourth Sunday In Lent was formerly known as Laetare Sunday, taken from the first Latin word of the Introit, Laetare, meaning to "rejoice." It was also known as "Refreshment Sunday" because of the Gospel lesson of the feeding of the 5,000. The second half of Lent begins in a lighter mood in preparation for the depth of sorrow coming in the Passion. Today's three Lessons harmonize on the theme of light, vision, and insight. Samuel is given the insight to see that of all the sons of Jesse, David was the one to be king. Jesus brought spiritual vision to the man healed by blindness. Paul exhorts Christians as children of light to walk in the light of goodness. Since David was called to be the shepherd of Israel, Psalm 23 is appropriate. We pray in the Prayer that we may be cleansed from the darkness of sin that we may be children of the light which is Christ. From the light of spiritual vision, for the cure of our spiritual blindness, we can rejoice - Laetare!
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 9:1--41
1. Sin and suffering. In Jesus' day the popular view was that sin caused suffering. In the case of the man born blind, the disciples asked whose sin caused the handicap. Jesus answered that no one sinned in this case. Some suffering is caused by sin, but we should see suffering as an opportunity for God's healing.
2. Dualism. There is the dualism of light and darkness. Christ is the light and the world is darkness. Darkness may at times overcome the light. Jesus sees his upcoming death as the hour of darkness. Thus, he must work now while there is light. The light shall ultimately conquer the darkness of evil. Revelation portrays heaven as a place where there is no night.
3. Legalism. Because Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees could not accept Jesus as a man from God. In their view, a man of God does not break God's laws. Was this Sabbath law the law of man or of God? For Jesus, human values were higher and of more importance than legal matters. Man has a priority next to God, and laws are to serve the needs of man.
4. Compassion. Jesus comes to the rescue when a person is rejected. Because of his defense of Jesus, the healed man was excommunicated, ostracized, and cast out, a penalty next to death. From henceforth no one was to have any dealings with the man. When man comes to his extremity, Christ comes with compassion and support. Here is an insight into Jesus' love for the downtrodden and oppressed.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13
1. Grieve (v. 1). King Saul was a disappointment to God as well as to the prophet Samuel who, upon God's direction, anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Fretting about the disobedience of Saul, apparently all Samuel did was worry about the nation's welfare. So God comes to him and asks him why he doesn't do something about Saul. Worry accomplishes nothing. God commands Samuel to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse even though Samuel has to risk his life to do it. Is God saying to us that he desires a change of government when a government does not obey his laws?
2. Heart (v. 7). When God wants a servant, what does he look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God's choice, but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance, but at the heart. David was chosen to be the next king because his heart was right. Yet, at the same time David is described as "handsome." When we go to choosing a ruler, do we look at the heart of the candidate or at his wealth, government experience, and intelligence?
3. Youngest (v. 11). What humans consider unworthy, God counts as important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd's work was considered the lowest of occupations. David's youth was against him, for a king needed experience and maturity. Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger, and died on a cross.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8--14
Light. Christians are identified with light. They came out of the darkness of unbelief and wickedness. They are light because they are in Christ, the Light of the world. As people of light, Christians walk in the light in terms of virtuous living. They live in a dark world of evil. As their light shines, the darkness is exposed and scattered. The light of a Christian is not a natural endowment but is a reflection of the one light, Christ. Probably the reason evil flourishes is that the light of Christians is dimmed. For the Christian's light to give light, the Christian needs a closer relationship with the Light.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: 1 Samuel 16:1--13; Ephesians 5:8--14; John 9:1--41
God Has No Blind Children!
Need: Blindness is a terrible condition - life full of darkness. Close your eyes and imagine living with this handicap the rest of your life. God is light and gives the light of vision to his children. In an average congregation, physical blindness may not be a problem, but there are other forms of blindness that are worse. People need to know how God can give them perfect vision that they do not stumble nor fall in life's journey.
Outline: God gives sight to the blind -
a. The physically blind - Gospel. In the world, 15 million people are blind. One out of every 1,000 Americans is legally blind. Here we can deal with our ministry to the blind and what we can do to protect and preserve our precious eyesight.
b. The spiritually blind - Lesson 1. There are people who have 20/20 vision but cannot see spiritual truth or values. In this passage God gives Samuel insight to see who is to be the next king of Israel. It is not observation of outward appearance but the insight into a person's character and potential. It answers the question often asked, "What did you see in him/her?"
c. The morally blind - Lesson 2. Evil--doers live in the darkness of sin. Christ gives light to his followers that they may walk in the path of righteousness.
Gospel: John 1:1--41
1. You Light Up My Life. 9:1--41
Need: Debby Boone's 1977 hit song "You Light Up My Life" refers to the boy or girl who lights up the other's life. The lyric appeals: We want someone to light up our lives that we may have love and happiness. If a lover can light up a life, how much more can Christ, the Light of the world, bring light, love, joy, and truth to a person! In the Gospel, Jesus was the light of a blind beggar.
Outline: Jesus can light up your life.
a. Light up your darkness - v. 40. We may be blind and not know it. Before we can come to the light, we must be aware of our need of light.
b. Give light for you to see - v. 5.
1. Light to see who you are - v. 2.
2. Light to see the meaning of life - v. 25.
3. Light to see Jesus is the Savior - vv. 21--38.
2. Need Glasses? 9:1--12, 35--38
Need: The natural eye needs help to see things that cannot be seen with the lack of aids. As someone gets older, they find they cannot read fine print without glasses. There are many things we cannot see in life unless we have visual aids. If we would look at life through the eyes of Jesus, what wonders we would see!
Outline: We need help to see.
a. What we can see with physical aids.
1. Telescope - to see the stars.
2. Microscope - to see the tiny things of nature.
3. X--ray - to see through solids.
b. What we can see with the eyes of Jesus.
1. Our condition of blindness - v. 1.
2. Jesus' concern for our blindness - v. 35.
3. The nature of Jesus - vv. 35--38.
3. Are You Blind? 9:1--41
Need: That may be a ridiculous question. We may not even need glasses. Are we spiritually blind? To the Pharisees that was also a ridiculous question, for they considered themselves to be devout people of God. Could church members be blind spiritually and not know it? Here is an opportunity to teach how we can be as blind as the Pharisees of the Gospel lesson.
Outline: What makes us blind.
a. Blindness of ignorance: Disciples - v. 2.
b. Blindness of fear: Parents - v. 22.
c. Blindness of sin: Pharisees - vv. 16, 29, 41.
4. The Dawning Of The Light. 9:11, 17--35
Need: The light of faith may come gradually. This should speak to those who expect to have all faith and knowledge in one's experience. The blind beggar came to the fullness of faith in Jesus as Messiah gradually. His experience can be ours. We grow in faith. Like a dimmer switch, the light can be intensified slowly.
Outline: How the light of faith may dawn.
a. "The man names Jesus" - v. 11.
b. "He is a prophet" - v. 17.
c. "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" - v. 35.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 16:1--13
1. The Ruler God Wants. 16:1--3
Need: Every one or two years Americans have the task and privilege of choosing a ruler of city, county, or state. Every four years we have the right to choose a president of the country. At each election we need to ask, as Samuel did, "Is it time for a change in leadership?" If so, what person best fits into the person God wants in a particular office? In the text, it is God who chooses a successor to Saul through Samuel. How many citizens are concerned about the person God wants in office? Our text tells us the kind of person God wants as a ruler of his people.
Outline: God wants a ruler -
a. A God--chosen person - vv. 1--12.
b. A humble person - v. 11.
c. A good--hearted person - v. 7.
d. A Spirit--filled person - v. 13.
2. What Do You See In A Person? 16:6--13
Need: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend, or ruler. What do you see in a person that you would choose that person to work for you, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he/she appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king.
Outline: What do you see in a person -
a. Look at the person's background - v. 3; better yet -
b. Consider the person's occupation - v. 11; better yet -
c. Observe the person's appearance - v. 12; better yet -
d. Examine the person's heart and spirit - vv. 7, 13; the very best!
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:8--14
1. Let Your Light Shine! 5:8--14
Need: Jesus taught that his followers are the light of the world. In this lesson, Paul repeats the truth. It is not enough to state the fact, but people need to be shown how they can let their light shine around them.
Outline: You can let your light shine.
a. As a window - v. 8. A Christian is one who lets the light of Christ shine through him.
b. As a mirror - v. 8. "Walk as children of light." A mirror reflects the light. We do not have our own light. "You are light in the Lord" and then you are light in the world.
c. As a security light - v. 11. A security light exposes evil--doers and thereby protects people and property.
2. From Night To Day. 5:8
Need: In the '70s we witnessed dramatic life changes in prominent people: Charles Colson, Eldridge Cleaver, and Larry Flynt: from Watergate to Christ--gate, from Panther to disciple, from pornography to theology. These changes in well--known people are heard daily on the news channels, too numerous to mention. Paul expressed it: "darkness - light." The need here is to show people that their lives can change for the better.
Outline: You can change.
a. Be light in the Lord - v. 8.
b. Walk in the light of the Lord - v. 8.
