Return to Year B: 2008-2009 Resource Index
Scriptures: I Kings 8:1, 6, 10–11, 22–30, 41–43; Psalm 84;
Ephesians 6:10–20;
John 6:56–69; II Nephi 9:51–53; Doctrine and Covenants 12:3
Prelude
Meditation
“God, our protector, keep us in mind; always give strength to your people. For if we can be with you even one day, it is better than a thousand without you.” —Psalm 84:10–11 adapted
Introit: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” HS 20
OR “We Are People of God’s Peace” SP 6
Welcome
Call to Worship: Psalm 84
*Hymn: “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing” SP 31
OR “Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Supreme” HS 40
*Invocation
*Response
We Open Ourselves to the Spirit see page 27
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture: II Nephi 9:51–53
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Hymn: “God, Who Touchest Earth with Beauty” HS 172
OR “O Christ, My Lord, Create in Me” HS 174
Sermon
Based on John 6:56–69
Prayer for Peace see page 27
*Hymn of Sending Forth: “Take the Path of the Disciple” R-19
OR “Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” HS 484
*Benediction: Doctrine and Covenants 12:3
*Postlude
Scriptures: I Kings 8:1, 6, 10–11, 22–30, 41–43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10–20; John 6:56–69
Exploring the Scriptures
The interaction between Jesus and the Jews, reflected in the text for this sermon, is an extension of the experience this group of followers had when they were a part of the miraculous feeding recorded in the beginning of chapter 6. In their lack of understanding of who he was, Jesus now confronts them and lays out the expectation that they must be willing to partake of his flesh and blood, if they are to follow him.
As the Jews and disciples listened to Jesus describe this outrageous claim, there were some who struggled in accepting what Jesus had to say. But when his own disciples had difficulty accepting Jesus’ claim, he simply challenged their understanding by saying, “Does this offend you?”
When we use the word “offend” in our language today, it means to be displeased, violated, or made angry. But in the Greek language the word “offend” means stumbling block, hindrance, or to cause one to distrust. So when Jesus challenges the disciples on their sense of being offended, he is saying, “Is this a barrier or stumbling block for you?” “Do my words cause you to distrust me?” In this challenge placed before the disciples, we, too, can find ourselves struggling when the message of Jesus’ life calls us to go deeper in our commitment and response to discipleship.
The scriptural passage for today has a powerful message about the Eucharist or Communion meal. Though this Sunday is not designated for this sacrament, there is still an important message about sharing in the body of Jesus. It is a message of invitation to experience the sacramental nature of God’s presence intersecting with our lives when we give place to feeding on the word of Jesus’ life. This author builds on his witness from chapter 1 when he states, “And the Word became flesh and lived among us” (v. 14). When Jesus calls us to share in his flesh and blood, it is the Word of his life that fills us. It is sharing in that Word of life where God abides with us and we abide with God and experience eternal life.
Does this message today offend us, or can we hear in these words of Jesus the invitation to share in an intimate relationship with him that takes us deeper into the experience of eternal life?
Central Ideas
Questions for the Speaker