Login / Signup

John 20:19-23

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Receive -- John 20:19-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Breath of God -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
The wind of the Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
We can feel it when someone breathes on us. This is especially true when the person is nearby.
In all the world -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Materials:Paper (one per child, with Bible verse listed below printed at the top)

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Coming Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
As far as the earliest church was concerned, the ability to speak in tongues was the definitive even
Harvest time -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
An ancient Jewish legend declares, "Pentecost is the day on which Torah was given." One wonders whet
What's the good word? -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
I expect that our culture has become a rather cynical audience for speech.
The counterproductive sermon -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Accordingly, our first reading is the familiar story of
The signs of credibility -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-23 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
Last Sunday Mary Magdalene stood before us in her bereavement and met the Risen Jesus.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Looking For The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'receive the Holy Spirit.' (v.
The Power to Follow Jesus -- John 20:19-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
The Point: Jesus comes to us even when we are afraid and gives us the power to live as his fo
Receive -- John 20:19-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (v.
Breath of God -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the
The wind of the Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning, boys and girls! Today is Pentecost.
In all the world -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Did you ever think that you would like to be a missionary?

The Immediate Word

All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Treasure Praxis Found -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Praxis the colourful pixie was wandering through the woods by himself, gazing at the ground.

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2017) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2014) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Acts 2:1-21
Not all the disciples... -- John 20:19-23 -- Bob Ove -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Not all the disciples had seen the risen Lord, so they were still frightened of the powers that be.
The story is told... -- John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
The story is told how Satan called together a council of aides to discuss how to stop the Christians
NULL -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Acts 2:1-21
NULL -- John 20:19-23 -- Craig Kelly -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Fingerprints have long been used as a means of identification.
NULL -- John 20:19-23 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
When the risen Christ appeared to his disciples in the evening of the first day of the week, he said
My friends lived at the... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
My friends lived at the end of a dark, dead-end street a quarter mile from a prison. They
Most of us wonder what... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Most of us wonder what kind of life we'll have in heaven. Will we have an ethereal
One of the strongest statements... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
One of the strongest statements against war is that which Mark Twain wrote in the form
Acts 2:1-21 These... -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Acts 2:1-21
There is always a fresh... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1994
There is always a fresh, clean smell after a heavy summer rainstorm.
Many years ago there was... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1994
Many years ago there was an Easter Day episode in the comic strip called Graves, Inc. Mr.
Many of us could possibly... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1991
Many of us could possibly be categorized as cynical individuals, believing only in those things whic
One day as A. J... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1991
One day as A. J.
Tennyson wrote in his In... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1991
Tennyson wrote in his In Memoriam: "There is more faith in honest doubt, Believe me than in half the
John records Jesus' first words... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
John records Jesus' first words after the resurrection: "Peace ... peace ...
Have you ever known anyone... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Have you ever known anyone with agoraphobia? This is an irrational fear or dread of open places.
Peace be with you. (vv... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
"Peace be with you." (vv. 19, 21)
Jesus had an intimate and... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Jesus had an intimate and special relationship with the disciples.
There are some people who... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - C
There are some people who simply seem to bring "peace" with them wherever they go.
Breathe! the leader shouted. And... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
"Breathe!" the leader shouted.

The Immediate Word

Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

A Prayer By Cardinal Mercier... -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Jesus said to his apostles,'Peace be with you, peace.
Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Jesus said to his apostles,'Peace be with you, peace.
The Day of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1989
The atmospherewas full of fearthat awe-filled evening.The gath'ring room

Prayer

SermonStudio

THE GOOD NEWS OF FORGIVENESS -- John 20:19-23 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:19-23

Preaching

The Immediate Word

All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

Life And Forgiveness Come Easy When You're Filled With The Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Sp
Pentecost! Slow ... And Sure! -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal?
Receiving The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God.
The Office Of The Keys: Why Pastors? -- Exodus 32:1-14, John 20:19-23 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Office Of The Keys And Confession
Zapped By The Spirit: No Post-Easter Slump -- John 20:19-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost -- the "religious holiday" ignored by the mass media. Thank God!
A Blessing Behind Locked Doors -- John 20:19-23 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Every Sunday morning, the people of a church in the Pacific Northwest say, "Peace be with you." They
God's Descending Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
Even in the room's darkness Rachel's face was seen streaked with tears.
Like A Breath Of Fresh Air -- John 20:19-23 -- Larry M. Goodpaster -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
One of the several things we all have in common is the sheer enjoyment of receiving gifts.
The Greatest Wonder Of All! -- John 20:19-23 -- John M. Braaten -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
The celebration of Pentecost, with its mighty demonstration of power by the Holy Spirit, is a good t
Receive The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Larry D. Powell -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
"It is my heart-warming and world-embracing hope," said Mark Twain, "that all of us - the high, the
The Song in Search of a Voice -- John 20:19-23 -- James Weekley -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1987
Since the second great war of our century humankind has treated itself to seventy more armed conflic
Proclaim Peace -- Isaiah 57:14-19, John 20:19-23 -- Alan Bacon Bond -- 1986
The run-of-the-mill soldier belonged to a surly lot in the Tenth Roman Legion which occupied Israel

The Village Shepherd

Is Hearing God Like Playing Chinese Whispers? -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
For Christmas one year, I was given a very useful piece of computer software, which enables me t

Stories

StoryShare

A Planet-Sized Wind -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Contents"A Planet-Sized Wind" by Frank Ramirez* * * * * * *
Rauch -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Contents"Rauch" by C. David McKirachan "Claustrophobia" by David O. Bales
Would That All Were Prophets -- Numbers 11:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
The Coming and Presence of Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, John 7:37-39a, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Bulletin HeadingConsider this:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Ash Wednesday
43 – Sermons
110+ – Illustrations / Stories
28 – Children's Sermons / Resources
21 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 1
27 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
37 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
23 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
28 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

Free Access

First Sunday in Lent - A
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Ron Love
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
For March 1, 2020:
  • Right, Wrong, Whatever by Dean Feldmeyer — The fruit of the forbidden tree in the Eden story represents more than disobedience; it represents moral responsibility and Adam and Eve are hungry for it.
  • Second Thoughts: What Happens in the Silence by Mary Austin — Lent’s invitation is to love the quiet the way Jesus does, and to meet up with him there.

The Immediate Word

First Sunday in Lent - A
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Ron Love
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
For March 1, 2020:
  • Right, Wrong, Whatever by Dean Feldmeyer — The fruit of the forbidden tree in the Eden story represents more than disobedience; it represents moral responsibility and Adam and Eve are hungry for it.
  • Second Thoughts: What Happens in the Silence by Mary Austin — Lent’s invitation is to love the quiet the way Jesus does, and to meet up with him there.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

First Sunday in Lent - A
Sandra Herrmann
The scriptures for today bind together the beginning of sin in the world, our salvation from sin, and Jesus’ own vulnerability to the temptation of the devil. We see that the devil is very clever (or that we can be very clever in fooling ourselves about our motives and the possible ramifications of our attitudes and actions).  
First Sunday in Lent - A
Ron Love
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Psalm 32
Ash Wednesday - A
Mark Ellingsen
Ash Wednesday is time to stress our sorrow for sin and the way out, a chance to stimulate our awareness of sin as well as the need for and urgency of repentance, along with a Word of God’s forgiveness.

Joel 2:1-2,12-17
Ash Wednesday - A
Mark Ellingsen
Ron Love
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:1-2,12-17 
With the Presidential Primaries starting to shift into high gear, it is time for Americans to get serious about politics and the future of our nation, to seek to right the nation’s wrongs. For John Calvin this lesson is a message of urgency that we need.  He wrote:

The object of the narrative then, is to make the people sensible, that it was now no time for taking rest... (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XIV, p.44)

CSSPlus

First Sunday in Lent - A
Bethany Peerbolte
Jesus sets the bar high by resisting temptation even from the imagination of the devil. To show just how amazing that accomplishment is this lesson will put temptation in each kids’ hands. You may have seen the videos of kids in a room alone with a marshmallow. They are challenged to not eat the marshmallow then left alone in the room. The kids obviously struggle with the temptation to eat the marshmallow. For this lesson you can use marshmallows or Oreos, both are relatively allergen free.
Ash Wednesday - A
Bethany Peerbolte
Lent can be an odd time for church kids. They are intuitive and can sense that something has changed. If we do not seek to explain why the mood and tone of the community has changed it can be a scary time. We talk more about death, especially Jesus dying, so we need to prepare kids for what is coming.

Say something like:

StoryShare

First Sunday in Lent - A
David O. Bales
Contents
"Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human" by David O. Bales
"One Man" by David O. Bales



Thorough Temptation of the Thoroughly Human
by David O. Bales
Matthew 4:1-11
Ash Wednesday - A
Peter Andrew Smith
John knocked at the door and waited. His heart was pounding in his chest and he was sweating. He wouldn’t be surprised if Suzy slammed the door into his face. What he had done to her, what he had done to their marriage, was simply unforgivable. His heart leapt when the door started to open and he froze when Suzy’s father, Mark, stood before him. From the look on his father-in-law’s face there was no doubt that he knew what John had done.

The Village Shepherd

First Sunday in Lent - A
Janice B. Scott
We in the West have an interesting culture in which we quite like to be shocked. Many of us enjoy films which are shocking to a greater or lesser degree, and it sometimes seems to be that the higher the rating, the more popular the film. Even huge natural or man-made disasters have a worrying degree of entertainment value in the way they are presented to us over and over again on our television screens. We meanwhile sit in our armchairs munching our chocolates feeling scandalised or shocked or disturbed, but seldom switching off the set.

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday - A
Elizabeth Achtemeier
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, followed by a drought. That experience is described in Joel chapter 1. And certainly the people suffered under the dreadful effects of those disasters. But the message of the prophet Joel -- prompted not by the natural disasters, but given him as a revelation from the Lord -- is that the Israelites face a still more terrible disaster if they do not repent and return to their God. "The day of the Lord is coming, it is near" (2:1).

Special Occasion