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John 2:13-22

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Children's sermon

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My Father's House! -- John 2:13-22 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Object: This message makes a good role play.
Real Value -- John 2:13-22 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tabl
Respecting God's House -- John 2:13-22 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at
Raising the Temple -- John 2:13-22 -- Anna Shirey -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: In order to teach this passage to our children, we need to discern the differ

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

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Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:

Children's Activity

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God's house is special -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Materials Pictures of a church, a school, and a house
He can do it! -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is
A sign -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: The people wanted to know that Jesus was truly God's Son and our Savior.
Sign of the cross -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Teachers: This week's story tells of Jesus driving people from the temple.
A house of worship -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 2:13-22 -- John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Lost... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Each of our lectionary readings for today reminds us that we have forgotten who we are.
The Ways of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
At the beginning of his masterpiece, Paradise Lost, John Milton articulates a part of his t
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Note: This piece was originally published in 1994.
New Creations -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In each of our lessons today, we encounter God’s people starting over and finding their way into
Foolish wisdom -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
I'm not that old, but I am still old enough to remember "Blue Laws" from my adolescence in northwest
Cut it out! -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
We began Lent with our baptisms and proceeded to a discussion of the faith that both motivates and s
Their Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
Until I sat at the feet of Dr. Carl A.
Scandalous behavior! -- Exodus 20:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
When Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to the Gentiles,"
What is the Law? -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:22-25, John 2:13-22 -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
One of the difficult things we do around the church is to use the same word when we mean different t

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Lost... -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Each of our lectionary readings for today reminds us that we have forgotten who we are.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2021) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2018) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2015) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Exodus 20:1-17

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:

Worship

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

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Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:

SermonStudio

Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Psalm 19:1-2 Leader:
You Shall ... -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- James R. Wilson -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all of God's people come together for worship and praise!
Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

Free Access

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.

SermonStudio

Zeal! -- John 2:13-22 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Have you ever had one of those times when you had just had enough?
Cleaning the Temple -- Cleansing Our Lives -- John 2:13-22 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Having heard the gospel this morning let me introduce a word from Paul when he said to the church in
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
Flipping Tables Sunday -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 7, 2021:
From the Outside In -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 4, 2018: From the Outside In by Mary A
Wiser Than Wisdom, Stronger Than Strength -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
As we know all too well from the headlines, many places in our world are extremely dangerous.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out

Free Access

Family Matters -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 3, 2024:
The Antidote To Anger -- John 2:13-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Look! God doesn't do things our way.
The Antidote To Anger -- John 2:13-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22

Drama

SermonStudio

Stand Up For Jesus -- John 2:13-22 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme Who will speak out for Jesus when it becomes necessary?
Sylvester, The Schizophrenic Solicitor -- Exodus 20:1-17, Romans 7:13-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19:7-14 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- Andrew Daughters -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
A space for God,I need a space to set aside,a room to prepare,

Prayer

SermonStudio

GRACE PLACE -- John 2:13-22 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 2:13-22
Old Temple, New Body -- John 2:13-22 -- Dennis Koch -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: John's version of the cleansing of the temple is distinctive

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22, Psalm 19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Exodus 20:1-17
Lent 3 -- John 2:13-22 -- William W. Helland -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 2:13-22

Stories

StoryShare

Forty Years Later -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“Forty Years Later” by David O. Bales
Kicking Over the Pulpit -- John 2:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents "Kicking Over the Pulpit" by C. David McKirachan
Maintaining The Sacred -- John 2:13-22 -- John Fitzgerald -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Maintaining the Sacred" by John Fitzgerald
The Test -- John 2:13-22, Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents "The Test" by Keith Hewitt "Glory Days" by C. David McKirachan
Reasons For Rules -- John 2:13-22, Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Larry Winebrenner, Craig Kelly, John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Reasons for Rules" by Larry Winebrenner
Traffic Control -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Constance Berg, Charles W. Byrd -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
This week's readings can be very unsettling, as Paul advises us to be fools for Christ while Jesus g

SermonStudio

Upside Down -- John 2:13-22 -- David O. Bales -- 2008
Chapter 22 Upside Down John 2:13-22
The Weight Of The Cross -- John 2:13-22 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The restoration of First Community Church had been completed.

Free Access

Traffic Control -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales, Constance Berg, Charles W. Byrd -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
This week's readings can be very unsettling, as Paul advises us to be fools for Christ while Jesus g

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Justin's Dilemma -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Justin sighed. It was time for yet another rugby lesson, and he hated playing rugby.

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Justin's Dilemma -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Justin sighed. It was time for yet another rugby lesson, and he hated playing rugby.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Unpredictable God... -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Gets Rich -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: As we listen today to the story of Jesus driving people out of the
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
For July 5, 2026:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls" by David O. Bales
"Pauls’ Innards" by David O. Bales
"A Little Bit of Heaven" by Keith Wagner
"A Glimpse of Hope" by Keith Wagner

Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls
by David O. Bales
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Frank Ramirez
Scott Dalgarno
There are many facets to the life we have in Christ, but one of the most important is joy. Joy is intrinsically connected with the Christian experience. However, many of us miss out on it. We may have the reverence part, the seeking-after-justice part, or even the devotion part, but many of us miss out on joy. Frank Ramirez explores the notion of play in worship and the joy it can bring with it in "Holy Games." Scott Dalgarno illustrates the joy we can experience knowing we're following the path and vocation God has set out for us in, "What Can Brown Do for You?"

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (v. 28)

Good morning girls and boys,

Do you ever get tired? So tired that you just want to lay down and take a nap? (children share) A lot of things in life can wear us out -- like too many chores, too much playing sports, too much homework, going on a long, boring trip? Sometimes people even get tired in church.

People get tired physically. People also get tired spiritually. Here's why:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
“Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” This week, we have the story of Abraham’s servant going “back home” to find a wife for his boss’ son juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about the criticism he and John the Baptist got for living in two diametrically opposed lifestyles. Jesus is, in effect, saying: “What do you expect? You went out to the wilderness to see John, who preached fear and the punishment sinners deserve, and wound up calling him a madman. You come to see me, and then criticize me for ministering to the outcasts, for eating and drinking like any normal person.
William H. Shepherd
One of the central concepts of the Bible is the "covenant." A covenant is a contract-plus. Like a contract, a covenant is an agreement between two parties to behave in a certain way: I'll do this, and you will do that. Unlike a contract, however, the two parties are not necessarily equals; a king, for example, could enter into a covenant with his people, while in no way ceding power to the people. Further, you can't just walk away from a covenant. A contract, sure -- just pay the penalties for breaking the agreement and you're off the hook.

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:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." In our worship today let us consider our own burdens and leave then behind at the feet of Jesus.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my problems.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I cling onto my difficulties.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, help me to let go of all my burdens.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
God has promised Abraham that he will be the forebear of many descendants. To begin to fulfill that promise, God has granted the aged Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac. That is the context of this story that must never be forgotten.
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22, Cycle B, for an alternative approach, emphasizing vv. 1-2 and 6-9.)
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 24:34--38, 42--49, 58--67 (C)
In his old age, Abraham sends his trusted servant back from the land of his origin to secure a wife for his son, Isaac, from his own people. He discovers Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel, who was Abraham's brother. When Isaac lays eyes on her, he is immediately smitten with love. The story assumes that all these events are due to divine design.

Lesson 1: Zechariah 9:9--10 (RC); Zechariah 9:9--12 (E, L)
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has. We need authority in our context, because to Jesus' mind we are a very confused, wayward generation. There was nothing to compare the people of his time to, nothing to compare us to.1 They and we are wayward, hardened, confused people. Inappropriate behavior seemed to be the order of the day in Jesus' view. The people of Israel were like children who were playing, but could get none of the other children to celebrate, even when they played music.
Stan Purdum
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until we "fall in love" with someone. By that, we usually mean that we wait for some kind of feeling, some emotional response to a person of the opposite sex that convinces us that we can never be truly happy again unless we can spend the future with that person. And often the feeling we experience is one of ecstatic joy and excitement.
Kristin Borsgard Wee
Early one morning several years ago, I was having coffee with a friend in her kitchen. Her youngest daughter came into the kitchen, dragging her favorite ragged blanket behind her. She looked at her mother with her big eyes and said, "Mommy, why did you marry daddy?" (I was surprised at such a serious question first thing in the morning!) My friend said, "Because I love him." The child's face broke into a smile, and she looked fondly at her blanket. "I love my blanket," she said. Her mother pulled her up into her lap, hugged her, and said, "I know you love your blanket.
William G. Carter
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession. She called the people to confess, reminding them of the sin within their hearts, and then all joined in reading the prayer of confession. She paused for the silent confession, and she kept pausing for a good long while. So long, in fact, that the people began to rustle as they waited for the next part of the service.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Hear the invitation of Jesus: "Come to me, all those whose work is hard, whose load is heavy; and I will give you relief. Bend your necks to my yoke, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted; and your souls will find relief. For my yoke is good to bear, my load is light."

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (LBW499, NCH459, PH356, CBH521, UM400)
Camina, Pueblo de Dios (Go Forth, O People Of God) (NCH614, UM305)
Make Me A Captive, Lord (CBH539, UM421, PH378)
How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord (CBH54, PH419)
There Is A Place Of Quiet Rest
(CBH5, UM472, PH527)
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say (NCH489, CBH493)
There Is A Balm In Gilead (NCH553, CBH627, UM375, PH394)
Just As I Am (CBH516, UM357, PH370)

Anthems
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness.


Collect
Lord, in our distress you found us and brought us together as your family in Christ. We praise you for your loving kindness. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession
Wildcard SSL