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Answers Versus Jesus

By Vicar Lisa

Sunday, March 26, Fifth Sunday in Lent

Last Sunday, we heard about the man, blind from birth, who was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, upsetting the Pharisees because Jesus broke the Sabbath by "working" on that day. The Pharisees knew all about the prophesied Messiah. But when Jesus came on the scene, they could not see He was the One. And instead of recognizing and celebrating the miracle for what it was, all they wanted were answers.

Sometimes it seems that we face one hardship after another. And sometimes, we wonder just how we are going to make it to the next hour, the next day. It’s hard to feel confident in the goodness of God when circumstances don’t feel good at all. We are often left thinking that if we could just figure out the “why,” then life would make more sense. Especially in the face of pain or suffering.

Have you ever found yourself asking God: Why would You allow this to happen? I certainly have. This is where we find the disciples in the ninth chapter of the book of John — holding out the question of why. Doesn’t that raise a few questions for us as well? What do we want most? What do we need most? Answers … or Jesus?

As much as we want answers for those hard life situations, what I want and need more is spiritual sight. I want to approach a situation that might look hopeless and see the spiritual potential. So how do we get this kind of spiritual sight?

We ask God for it. And sometimes that means surrendering our “whys” and instead choosing to ask, Will You help me see You, Lord? Even in this? He is the One who can illuminate the dark places for us. His presence alone has the power to bring us peace in the midst of our unanswered questions.

Let us be careful not to get stuck in our “whys.” Let’s not allow them to leave us blind to His presence, blind to His goodness, blind to His power, blind to the hope we have in Him. Let us be people who can see the Savior as he stands among us.     The One who reminds us that we don’t have to have answers to have His comfort. AMEN!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

--John 16:33

Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 26, 2023

10 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion

Sunday Bible Study: Our study is at 8:30 a.m., downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. We are studying Luther’s Small Catechism. If you are new to the Lutheran faith, considering membership or baptism, or want a refresher study, consider joining the study, which concludes on Sunday, April 2.

Fellowship Time: After worship today join us for coffee, conversation and Adult Education in the Fellowship Hall. We will begin our By Heart series in our Adult Education sessions at 11:30 following worship. This series will last approximately 7 weeks and will cover Conversations with Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. We will watch a quick video each week and then discuss.

Lenten Worship & Soup Suppers: Lenten Sunday worship continues through March 26. Palm Sunday is April 2 and Good Friday worship is at 7 p.m. April 7. Easter is April 9. During Lent, we share Lenten Soup Suppers at 6 p.m. each Wednesday. Our next Supper is on March 22.

Women's Bible Study: Our next study is at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, in the Fellowship Hall. Study is every other Friday. Join in person or via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87573014829?pwd=R3kzMUFxMTZMdEl5ZzVMeUdsVElGQT09 -- Meeting ID: 875 7301 4829 -- Passcode: 304100, or call in: 301-715-8592.

Easter Flowers: During Lent Zion's uses only greenery on the altar (see the March newsletter for a history of this practice). Consider signing up instead for Easter flowers. We have a special page in the flower book for Easter donations and there still is time to do so. Include your name and commemoration for inclusion in the Easter bulletin. The Flower Book is in the back of the sanctuary and envelopes for flower donations, which can be put in the offering plate, are there as well. The recommended minimum donation is $35.

E-formation – Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Bible readings this coming Sunday are for everyone who feels half dead, for everyone who sees death everywhere, as well as for everyone who is afraid to even think about death. Come to worship, to receive the breath of the Spirit, to hear the voice of Christ, to be fed at the table, and to celebrate the life God gives.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The last of the great signs in the gospel of John is the raising of Lazarus. The church sees in the narrative of the raising of Lazarus and in the vision of the dry bones metaphors for baptism and for the renewed life of faith that is the intention of Lent. The Vigil is coming soon.

John 11:1-45

The church has seen in this last great Johannine sign a picture of baptism: we too were dead, but the word of Christ has called us from death and restored us to life in the Spirit. Thus Lent is our annual emerging from the grave, our helping to unbind one another for vibrant life together.

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Christians have seen also in Ezekiel’s vision a picture of the resurrection of the dead at the end of time. Both now and at the end we rise up in response to the word of the Lord. Through the power of the Spirit’s breath, baptism begins our new life, a life that will never end.

Romans 8:6-11

In the last of our four Lenten readings from Romans, Paul uses the language of death and life to describe the radical nature of the effect of the indwelling of Christ’s Spirit. We are now dead to sin, and the new life of Christ is already experienced here and how.

 

Zion's Lutheran Church
zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785