Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

With nightfall our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’ commandment to love one another. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to follow his example as we humbly care for one another, especially the poor and the unloved. At the Lord’s table we remember Jesus’ sacrifice of his life, even as we are called to offer ourselves in love for the life of the world.

Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14

The passover of the Lord

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

The service of Christ: footwashing and meal

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

At the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the passion according to John, which proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from the cross. The ancient title for this day—the triumph of the cross—reminds us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the tree of life. In the ancient bidding prayer we offer petitions for all the world for whom Christ died. Today’s liturgy culminates in the Easter Vigil tomorrow evening.

Isaiah 52:13--53:12

The suffering servant

Hebrews 10:16-25

The way to God is opened by Jesus’ death

John 18:1--19:42

The passion and death of Christ

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

This year may be the one in which John’s resurrection account is likely to be chosen over Mark’s, perhaps because Mark’s gospel ends so abruptly, with astonishment and fear rather than joyful proclamation. Yet Mark may speak to our experience more directly than the other gospels. Corinthians and Acts fill out the story by telling of appearances of the risen Christ. Peter says we “ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” And so do we, in a foretaste of the mountaintop feast where death will be no more.

Acts 10:34-43

God raised Jesus on the third day

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Witnesses to the risen Christ

Mark 16:1-8

The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is one of terror and amazement.

Sermon: The Resistance - Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (B) by Pr. Jon Niketh