“…It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.  We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”  (John 9: 3-4)

SCRIPTURE READINGS

•   Isaiah 42:14-21 
•   Ephesians 5:8-14
•   John 9

HYMNS FOR THE WEEK

• Opening |  Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding (LSB 345)
• Hymn of the Day |   “God Loved the World So That He Gave” (LSB 571)
• Communion Distribution Hymns
  • “Christ, the Life of All the Living” (LSB 420)
  • “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (LSB 398)
  • “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us” (LSB 851)
  • “O Son of God, in Galilee” (LSB 841)
  • “Word of God, Come Down on Earth” (LSB 545)
  • Closing Hymn | “Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing” LSB 421

fourth SUNDAY IN LENT

Sermon Starter

Last week’s Gospel lesson about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well concludes, “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”

Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Now today, we have a very similar conversation between Jesus and the man born blind.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out [of the synagogue], and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is He, sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him.

In both cases, Jesus has revealed Himself to a social outcast of sorts. In the case of the Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to a woman of ill repute from a land of undesirables. In the case of the man born blind, the Son of God heals and reveals Himself to a man whose being born blind is an obvious indication that he too, must be a despicable soul, worthy only of God’s wrath and judgment. At least that is what both the disciples and the Jewish religious leaders thought.

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.