“Greetings!” From the Risen Lord
Lets prepare our hearts and minds for this Sunday’s worship service and sermon by reviewing the bible readings, creed and reflection.
Bible Reading 1: John 20:11-18 (ESV)
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”— and that he had said these things to her.
Confession/Creed: Shorter Catechism Q. 28
Q. 28. Wherein consists Christ's exaltation?
A. Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day
Bible Reading 2: Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV)
The Resurrection
28 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Reflection
Winston Churchill gave instructions that at his funeral the military band should conclude the service by playing Reveille instead of Taps. Do you understand what he was saying? He was telling the world that his passing would signal “the beginning,” not “the end.” - Howard Donohue
See you Sunday at 10:00 AM!
We hope you can join us July 11 at 10:00 AM, in-person or via Livestream, as Pastor Martin speaks about these verses. Here are complete details for Sunday’s Service. The link for Sunday’s Livestream is below. Lastly, if you like, listen to Sunday’s song selection.
July 11 Sermon by Pastor John Yenchko is at 10:00 AM In-Person and here via YouTube.
Miss a recent service/sermon? Here is the "Worship Service Archive" page.