Third Sunday in Lent
We continue our consideration of the journeys of Jesus. Merys will be sharing with us about two journeys Jesus made to events that are part of real life, events that we have all probably attended. Jesus went to a wedding with His earthly family and was late for a funeral! We will also be celebrating communion; you might like to get your bread and wine/juice ready now. Have your Bible open in the New Testament at John chapter 1.
Are you like me, even in lockdown the time flies and the days merge into each other. Let us still ourselves and focus on the Lord as we listen to the music and read the words of 'Holy, Holy, Holy Is The Lord' click on the link
Enid leads us in a prayer...
Almighty God, we come today to celebrate the wonder of your holiness, your glory, your power and your love. We rejoice that you offer us a peace that, in our own strength, we cannot win, deserve, or achieve. Thank you that Jesus has made peace between ourselves and you. May the worship we offer declare the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Our first hymn looks back to Jesus' journey in the wilderness and his victory over Satan's temptations - Praise To The Holiest In The Height click on the link
Merys shares with us about Jesus' first miracle, the wedding at Cana....
Last week we looked at the Baptism of Jesus which was immediately followed by His journey into the wilderness and His temptations. The next section of the life of Jesus tells us how He chose His disciples, an account of which is in John 1:35-50 The wedding in Cana occurs early in His ministry and is known as the first of the miracles that Jesus performed; please read John 2:1-12.
Here we see Jesus living as a human with His family. His mother had been invited to the wedding as had Jesus and His disciples. Wedding celebrations at that time were spread out over several days. Unlike today, when travel and communication are easy, it was difficult to predict when guests would show up. Traveling to the wedding venue could take days and the host was responsible for providing enough food and drink for all the guests.
On this occasion, it becomes clear to Jesus’ mother that there was not enough wine. She knew the terrible embarrassment it would be to the family who arranged it and knows Jesus can do something about it. Jesus at first questions the timing “Dear woman, why do you involve me, My time has not yet come." His mother must reckon it has! She tells the servants “Do whatever He tells you.”
Jesus’ act of turning water into wine, for the sake of the married couple, wasn't just a gift, it was a way to save them from a terrible embarrassment. It was also done in a quiet, almost secretive way. The way Jesus performed the miracle only a few of the disciples, and His mother Mary, and the servants even knew it happened. John's gospel is the only one that records this miracle.
Jesus' participation in a simple, joyful event also explains His compassion for people. Jesus loved His friends, family and everyone He met. Although He was initially reluctant to perform a miracle, He did, and it showed His Father’s glory.
Jesus not only preached His wonderful Gospel of hope, love, worship and sacrifice, He showed all around Him His personal love for them, while at the same time reflecting His Father's power.
On this occasion, it becomes clear to Jesus’ mother that there was not enough wine. She knew the terrible embarrassment it would be to the family who arranged it and knows Jesus can do something about it. Jesus at first questions the timing “Dear woman, why do you involve me, My time has not yet come." His mother must reckon it has! She tells the servants “Do whatever He tells you.”
Jesus’ act of turning water into wine, for the sake of the married couple, wasn't just a gift, it was a way to save them from a terrible embarrassment. It was also done in a quiet, almost secretive way. The way Jesus performed the miracle only a few of the disciples, and His mother Mary, and the servants even knew it happened. John's gospel is the only one that records this miracle.
Jesus' participation in a simple, joyful event also explains His compassion for people. Jesus loved His friends, family and everyone He met. Although He was initially reluctant to perform a miracle, He did, and it showed His Father’s glory.
Jesus not only preached His wonderful Gospel of hope, love, worship and sacrifice, He showed all around Him His personal love for them, while at the same time reflecting His Father's power.
Pause and think. For what reasons do you think Jesus turned the water into wine?
Here are some children giving us their answer to that question click on the link
We love to see flowers at weddings that reflect the bride's colour scheme. Do you remember, nearly a year ago, we made some tissue paper flowers? Levi and Elsie made some rainbow ones.
Would you like to make some flowers? Here are the instructions click on the link
We would all love to see your creations - please send us some photos. We've not had any for ages!
As well as looking at flowers, we love to sing at weddings. One hymn that is often chosen is 'Love divine' click on the link
Merys shares with us about another journey Jesus made - the one that Jesus took to Bethany when He heard that Lazarus was ill....
News came to Jesus that Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, had fallen ill - John Chapter 11:1-7. These siblings were close friends of Jesus and He was a welcome guest in their home. They believed that He was the Messiah and loved to hear Him teach. Initially Jesus did not hurry to see them, waiting again for God to show Him what to do. He tried to explain to His disciples why He was waiting and tried to reassure them that He would attend when the time was right. Aside from the power of the miracle He was about to perform, Jesus uses the opportunity to show us how much He cares for us and feels our pain.
When Jesus knew the time was right, He travelled to the home of Lazarus in Bethany to be told that Lazarus had been dead four days. Many had gathered to mourn with the sisters Mary and Martha and Lazarus had been laid in His grave.
John 11:33-36 "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Jesus loves us now as much as He loved Lazarus then. He wept in pain and sadness that His friend had died and that Mary and Martha and their friends and family were heartbroken. He wept for their loss, for their love for one another. As we continue to study and come to know Jesus better, take time to think of Him in His human form experiencing the feelings that we have. The parables that He uses to teach us were based on things He saw and experienced. The miracles that He performed showed the power of our Almighty God and also showed how Jesus cared for us and wanted to heal and comfort all who came to Him.
Jesus used His time on earth to spread the Good News to the people of Israel. As He journeys from place to place there would be excitement and joy as those hungry for His message gathered to meet Him. I remember clearly the excitement and chatter in my church as the deacon would announce that the service the following week would be taken by a visiting minister. We were eager to hear his words and host him in our homes. Not so different from the life of our saviour who lived amongst us and shared His ministry and humanity with us.
Pause and think. What reasons do you think Jesus had for not going straight to Bethany as soon as he received the news that Lazarus was ill?
This next video gives us one answer to this question. click on the link
We all experience the death of a loved one at some time or another. Jesus reassures us that death is not the end. In John 14:1-3, he says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am." And in John 11:25-26, he says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
Our next song is based on those words of Jesus - "I am the Resurrection and the Life" click on the link
Communion
Let us pray....
Almighty God and everlasting Father, in these forty days you lead us into the desert of repentance that through a pilgrimage of prayer and discipline we may grow in grace and learn to be your people once again. Through fasting, prayer and acts of service you bring us back to your generous heart. Through study of your holy word you open our eyes to your presence in the world. As we prepare to celebrate the Easter feast with joyful hearts and minds, we bless you for your mercy and remember, Lord Jesus, that your body was broken for us. click on the link
Most merciful Lord, your love compels us to come in. Our hands were unclean, our hearts were unprepared; we were not fit even to eat the crumbs from under your table. But you, Lord, are the God of our salvation, and share your bread with sinners. So cleanse and feed us with the precious body and blood of your Son, that he may live in us and we in him; and that we, with the whole company of Christ, may sit and eat in your kingdom. Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ on the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: "Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Take and eat the bread.
In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave thanks; he gave it to them, saying: "Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Take and drink the wine/juice.
Enid leads us in prayer...
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your body broken and your blood poured out for us, the salvation and forgiveness that you offer us. Holy Spirit, fill us with your power that we may live to the praise and glory of God our Father.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our church fellowship, so loving of each other, so prayerful for each other, and so looking forward to the day when we can all meet again and worship together, to see each other, to smile and laugh and hug each other. Thank you for the blessing of this church, Lord Jesus.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our families, whom we love and we pray for - each one of them: parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters, children, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Thank you for the blessing of our families, Lord Jesus.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our own lives. You have experienced the real world we live in. You know our ups and downs, our physical health and the responsibilities we have, the opportunities to show care for others and the times when we can tell of your saving grace. Thank you for these many blessings you give us, Lord Jesus.
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, that you came. Holy Spirit, won’t you tell me more about His lovely name. Amen.
Our closing hymn reminds us of the blessings that are ours because of what Jesus has done for us - 'In Christ Alone' click on the link
Benediction
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21
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