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John 12:20-33

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Children's sermon

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Now Is the Time! -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Object: This message makes a great role play.
Being Seed-y -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Object: A tomato seed and a tomato to cut open.
A Miracle Seed -- John 12:20-33 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
“Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains ju
The 'Lost' Fruit -- John 12:20-33 -- Anna Shirey -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: In just another two weeks we will be encountering the sorrow and loss of the
A seed multiplies -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls.

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

Children's Activity

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A seed multiplies -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Materials Small seeds (grass seed is a good choice) Small Styrofoam cups
Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: It is natural for people to want to see
One grain -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: Easter comes in two weeks.
A voice from heaven -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Teachers: In this scripture, Jesus speaks about his approaching death.
Bearing fruit -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Materials: Styrofoam cups Potting soil Marigold seeds

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Written On The Heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
This week’s lectionary scriptures invite us to seek perfection — not in the sense of being perfect,
With God, You Get More Than What You Asked For -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Crisis That Changed Everything -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
One of the German army prison camps during World War II was divided into two sections.
Glorifying God in difficult times -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- David Coffin -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Today’s texts afford the preacher an opportunity to identify which difficult times people in our con
When everything old becomes new -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Here's a parable: a man is convicted of a criminal act.
The magnetism of Jesus -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
I have always been fascinated by magnets.
Written on the heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
There are some experiences that make indelible marks on our lives.
To die is the only way to live -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
This passage from Jeremiah has been called the most important single teaching of his prophecy, and i
Magnetic appeal -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
One of the strange paradoxes of the human race is that we should be so strongly attracted to the cro
Sacrifice -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:7-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
There are those who get all tangled up in incorrect understandings of the sacrificial system of Juda

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2024) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2021) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2018) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2015) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”

Worship

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship A general Call To Worship. Leader:
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Now among those who went up to worship at the festival
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome to see Jesus, even though his glory is a cross and to follow

Sermon

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

SermonStudio

Some Greeks -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jesus was back in Jerusalem for another Passover.
Life Lived in Glory -- John 12:20-33 -- John W. Clarke -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Today our Lenten journey takes us to a festival and attending the festival are some Greeks.
We Wish To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21).
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news
The Ministry Of Fading -- John 12:20-33 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We could spend our sermon time talking with you about John's Christology and how our text indicates

Preaching

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day With God, you get more than what you asked for.
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jeremiah 31:31-34 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33
Burying The Seeds -- John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
She sat on the ground and watched the grass grow. The long green stalks were not good to eat.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new heart. -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new h

Stories

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”
A God of Second Chances -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Keith Wagner, John Fitzgerald -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “A God of Second Chances” by Keith Wagner
Written On Our Hearts -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Written on our Hearts" by Peter Andrew Smith
Questions For Lunch -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents "Questions for Lunch" by Keith Hewitt
Showing Them Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Larry Winebrenner, John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Showing Them Jesus" by Peter Andrew Smith

SermonStudio

Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.
The End -- John 12:20-33 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The End
A Blessed Harvest -- John 12:20-33 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It sounded like thunder. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that morning. The noise grew louder.
The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:20-33 -- John E. Sumwalt, Loxley Ann Schlosser -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified [my name], and I will glorify it again." The crowd

Drama

SermonStudio

God's Voice -- John 12:20-33 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme
A Single Granary -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- Andrew Daughters -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
A group of Gentiles came to Phillip.Greeks they were,

Prayer

SermonStudio

The fruit of life from the seed of death -- John 12:20-33 -- Dennis Koch -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage, in which John signals the "beginning of the end"

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- William W. Helland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 12:20-33

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Brings Some Friends -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Praxis the colourful pixie was a bright shining pink, with a tinge of orange around the edges.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of Glory... -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Beautiful Red Balloon -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: If we wish to see Jesus, we must be prepared to follow him so that
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
26 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
27 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For April 19, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
When Jesus broke bread in a house in Emmaus, the eyes of his companions were opened, and they recognized him. Let us try to recognise Jesus in our worship today.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm unable to see you or to discern your presence.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I refuse to wait around long enough for you show yourself to me.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I find it easier to ignore you than to seek for you.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Speak the Truth in Love" by John Smylie
"Recognizing the Christ" by Sandra Herrmann


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Lee Griess
It is perhaps one of the most compelling narratives in all of the scriptures. So fascinating is this scene, in fact, that the gospel writer Luke includes it in detail near the end of his gospel writing. It is a story known well and beloved in the church -- the story of two disciples walking down a dusty road to the village of Emmaus, the evening of that first Easter day.
Richard L. Sheffield
"People die. Don't ya know." That's what Cleopas and his friend said to Jesus on Easter afternoon on their way home. People die!

Don't believe it? Don't want to believe it? Read about it in The Lima News. And not just in the obits. This is my copy of The Lima News from Good Friday, the day we remember that Jesus died.

Page 1: Cult Died in Shifts

Page 2: A headline so gruesome, let's just say, "Wife kills husband."

Page 3: A list of the dead from page 1, by age, sex, and the state where they got their driver's license.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Is the life you lead one for which you want to be remembered? That very challenging and thought-provoking question certainly came to the mind of the famous Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel one day. In the common everyday exercise of reading the morning paper, Nobel discovered the challenge of God and the need for conversion before his very eyes.
Mark Ellingsen
"What happens to you when you die, Dad?" "Of course, son, if you believe in God, you go up to heaven where you will be with God and the angels."
Harry N. Huxhold
A rather insightful novel about the problem of Christian missions to Africa is Barbara Kingsolver's story The Poisonwood Bible. Kingsolver weaves her story around Nathan Price, a fundamentalist, legalistic preacher who takes his wife and four daughters to serve in the heart of the Belgian Congo. While they are there, in l960 Patrice Lumumba emerges as the leader of his people when Belgium grants the Congolese their independence. Soon after, Mobuto comes to power. Nathan Price decides to remain and serve with his family even when the resources of his sponsors are cut off.
Bill Mosley
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit. Br'er Fox catches Br'er Rabbit and is fixin' to cook him for supper. Rabbit kinda giggles behind his hand. Fox grabs him by the ear, and says, "Why you laughin'?"

Rabbit says, "Jus' thinkin' 'bout my Laughin' Place." Fox says, "What Laughin' Place?" Rabbit says, "Oh, I cain't tell you about it. I got to show you!"
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God may call.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering Litany
Begin instrumental music for the Hymn of Praise when the spoken litany begins. A solo flute would be excellent.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice that you have been raised from the dead.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice in the gift of your Holy Spirit.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice in your promise of baptism.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice that we are born anew eternally.

Hymn Of Praise

Emphasis Preaching Journal

William H. Shepherd
My friend was overwhelmed by his first church convention. "It's all so big," he wrote in his report. "There is so much going on. I wish I had a manual to instruct me on what to do, where to go, and how to vote."

Someone responded to his report with a letter to an editor. "How sad," said the letter, "that a leader of our church would not know that we Christians already have a manual on how to live the Christian life. It's called the Bible."
The best way to learn about modern culture is to have a teenager; you learn quickly what is valued highly. One of those things that a teenager can teach you is the extreme value of being cool. Now "cool" means different things in different contexts. In general, it means desirable. In talking about clothes, it means fashionable. For 14-year-old boys talking about girls, cool means attractive. But at its root, cool means ... the opposite of hot. It means the opposite of passion. It means looking like nothing will get you stirred up. Like nothing bothers you. Like nothing can affect you.

CSSPlus

Good morning! I have here a newspaper article about a kidnapping. It seems that ... (tell them about the story in the clipping). Now when somebody is kidnapped, the usual reason for kidnapping them is money. The kidnappers want somebody to pay them money to release the prisoner. Does anybody know what we call the money paid to get someone released from the kidnappers? (Let them answer.) It's called a "ransom." A ransom is paid in order to get someone released by the bad guys.
Good morning! Did you know that after Jesus was raised from the dead, he went around showing himself to some of his followers? Some of the disciples saw him and recognized him right away. One of the disciples, Thomas, recognized him but he didn't believe that it was really Jesus. He wanted proof before he would believe.
After the resurrection of Jesus -- but before it was known -- two of his followers were walking along a road. They were sad about the crucifixion and mourning that their friend was gone. Jesus joined them on the road, but they did not recognize him. He challenged their lack of belief in the resurrection. Didn't the prophecies say that the Messiah would be brought back from the dead? Why, then, didn't they believe them? Jesus tells them that they are slow to believe.

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