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Woship Resources 2007-2008 — Year A: Passionate for Peace
Return to Year A: 2007-2008
Resource Index
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Morning Follows Mourning
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6–11;
John 11:1–45; Moroni 7:47–49; Doctrine and
Covenants 161:6
Sharing Christ’s Peace
There are additional sacred ministries that will spring
forth from the Temple as rivers of living water to help people soothe and
resolve the brokenness and pain in their lives. —Doctrine
and Covenants 163:8b
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship: Moroni 7:47–48
*Hymn of Invocation
“Thank You for Giving Me the Morning” HS 74
OR “Sing a New Song!” NS 1
*Invocation
*Response
Focus Moment
Have someone dressed as Jesus call for Lazarus to rise and come from
behind a sanctuary door. After Lazarus comes forth, ask the congregation,
“Who would have believed that a man who had been dead for three days could
come back to life?” Discuss what that means to us today.
Lenten Confession
Print Psalm 130:3–4 in the bulletin or have it read aloud. Invite
worshipers to offer silent prayers of confession.
Hymn
“What Wondrous Love Is This” HS 216
OR Ministry of Music: “Lonely People”
from Igniter Videos, Vol. 3, music by Jars of
Clay. Available at
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv or by contacting Igniter
Media Group, 9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75243; phone:
(214) 340-1826; toll-free: 866-340-1826; fax: (214) 341-7081.
Scripture Lesson: John 11:1–45
The Morning Message
Based on John 11:1–45
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. Offertory 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/offertory
to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial
officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture: Ezekial 37:13–14
Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes
*Hymn
“Mourning into Dancing” NS 39
OR “Now Let Our Hearts Within Us Burn” HS 495
*Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 161:6
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130;
Romans 8:6–11; John 11:1–45; Moroni 7:47–49; Doctrine and
Covenants 161:6
Exploring the Scriptures
The resurrection of Lazarus sets in motion the death of Jesus by those in
power who are threatened by his gospel message and reveals Jesus’ mission in
this powerful proclamation—
“I am the resurrection and the life.”
Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha, send a message to Jesus, telling him that
their brother is ill. Because they knew that Jesus’ life was in danger if he
traveled to their hometown of Bethany, they didn’t demand that he come, even
though the hope for his healing touch is implied.
When Jesus learns of Lazarus’s illness, he tells his followers, “This illness
does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may
be glorified through it” (v. 4). John’s understanding of “glory” does not point
to majesty but to lowly service ultimately revealed on the cross.
Jesus doesn’t rush off to heal Lazarus but stays in Jordon, waiting two days
before starting his journey. Some might conclude that Jesus wanted to make a big
display of his power to raise the dead. It’s hard to imagine that Jesus would
allow his friends to go through the grief of death to provide a major miracle.
Rather Jesus was acting in accordance with God’s will and in God’s time.
When Jesus arrives, he learns that Lazarus is dead. Martha greets him by
saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 20).
Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again, not in the resurrection on
the last day, but today. Jesus’ presence points to God’s presence in the midst
of death and grief. It also promises that resurrection can be a daily occurrence
for those who follow Jesus.
For in the midst of mourning, the Spirit of the living Christ comes, bringing
resurrection—new life, new understandings, and new beginnings. God’s promise of
resurrection in this life and the next banishes our mourning and brings a new
morning of possibilities to each day.
Central Ideas
1. True glory is expressed in humble service to others and in the cross
where Jesus gave his life for sinners.
2. Emmanuel, God with us, comes to us in our mourning, bringing peace,
reconciliation, and healing of the spirit.
Questions for the Speaker
1. When have you found new life in Jesus Christ?
2. When have you cried out to God, “If you had only been here!” and the
Spirit revealed that God was there?
3. When has resurrection come in the midst of your pain, confusion, and
suffering?
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