🍞 THE LORD’S SUPPER 🍷
We believe that Jesus’ body and blood are really and truly present in the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is giving his real and true spiritual gifts to us through eating and drinking of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. What comfort we can find in this! (Matthew 26:17-30)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mhkHXxa5Fo-RZ9vDZlU1p6uao5zMylAW/view?usp=sharing
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotion based on Hebrews 4:14-16
See series: Devotions
A story is told of a soldier during the Civil War trying to see President Lincoln. The soldier’s mother was dying, and he wanted to leave to visit her. But, despite his persistence, the guards would not let him through to the president. As the man stood crying outside the White House, a boy came up and asked him what the matter was. After hearing his story, the boy led him by the hand, past the guards, and straight into Lincoln’s personal library. The boy said, “Father, I have brought someone to see you.” Lincoln listened to the soldier’s request and granted him a leave of absence, all because of the intercession of his son, Tad.
Whether this story is true or not, it illustrates the powerful truth of what Jesus has accomplished for us with his death and resurrection.
Our sins had barred us from entering heaven; mankind had lost its access to God because we had denied him first place in our lives. But God showed his eternal love for us by sending his Son. As true man, Jesus suffered with us, understanding what it means to be tempted by sin. And yet, as true God, he was able to resist all temptation. But because he suffered with us, Jesus, our high priest, was also able and willing to suffer for us. His death on the cross was the atoning sacrifice that pays for the disobedience of all people. His resurrection is proof that he was successful in his redeeming work and that he now serves as a mediator between us and our Heavenly Father. As a result, we can be confident that God will hear and answer all our prayers.
Prayer:
Lord, grant me grace and mercy for my every need, for the sake of Jesus your Son. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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JESUS: THE SERVANT
What was the significance of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet? Jesus reveals not only his true character but the character he wants to see in all who follow Him…Jesus leads by example. (John 13)
✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qMAilMRTM_zhoe9lnBwV4_vjpjOtyF6K/view?usp=sharing
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
Devotion based on Philippians 2:5-11
See series: Devotions
Jesus’ path to becoming King of your heart started long before Holy Week. He had announced his “candidacy” at different times. Months before his death and resurrection, Jesus told his disciples exactly what would happen. Decades before that, the Christmas angel announced a campaign slogan of sorts: “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” And centuries before that, our Savior-King released “press statements” of his promises through the prophets sent in his name.
The path Jesus took reveals much about his character. While every other person on earth gets caught up with self-promotion and “looking out for number one,” Jesus truly held the interests of others always ahead of his own. Rather than cling to his glory as the Son of God, he humbly set it aside so that he might serve us.
His path also tells us much about what he came to accomplish. His journey to the cross was both purposeful and fruitful. He was “obedient to death” so as to pay for the sins of all mankind. His name is above every name because “there is no other name on earth by which we must be saved.”
Finally, Jesus’ path to kingship reveals what it means to live in his kingdom. His is a kingdom that is never-ending but was brought about by death. Our king was cursed; we are blessed. In his kingdom, there is no place for shameless self-promotion, but only selflessness and self-sacrificial love for one another.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, grant me the same self-sacrificing attitude as you. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.Powered by WPeMatico
💜 WHAT IS LENT? 💜
Lent is an important season to Christians because we are given special opportunities to focus our attention on our Redeemer, Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. Jesus saved us by being our perfect substitute in life (Romans 5:19) and our innocent substitute in death (2 Corinthians 5:21). Lent furnishes opportunities to marvel at the forgiving, sacrificial love of God (Isaiah 53). The main focus of Lent is not what we give up for God. It is what God gave up for us on the cross, his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1esnzRsDShodLHKFfOcXqfMo-lSwic5iF/view?usp=sharing
Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:9,10
Devotion based on Mark 11:9,10
See series: Devotions
The crowds in Jerusalem that gathered for the Passover festival were riding a spiritual high. They were singing hosanna, waving palm branches, and acclaiming Jesus as their King and the promised Messiah. But by Monday, they were already starting to slip. By Tuesday, they weren’t so sure anymore about this Jesus fellow. And by Friday morning, many were screaming for his blood. Their Sunday “hosannas” were so quickly forgotten.
“Hosanna” is a Hebrew word which evolved in meaning and usage over time. Originally, hosanna was a kind of prayer, something like “Please save us!” But by the time of Jesus, it was mostly used as a joyful acclamation, like saying, “All hail!” So when the crowd shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” many were caught up in the moment of splendor and nationalistic pride, trying to recapture the glory days of King David.
Hosanna was, in fact, the word that should have been on their lips—not in boastful pride, but rather as a fervent plea by sinners who know they have no way to rescue themselves.
Like the crowd in Jerusalem, we so easily forget what we need Jesus for. It is essential that we understand this if our hosanna is going to last longer than a day. We must understand that the reason Jesus came was because of our sin. He didn’t come just to be worshiped and praised, but we praise, worship, and serve him because he came to die. Humbly laying down his innocent life to pay for our guilt, Jesus opened up heaven to all who repent and believe. When we keep all this in mind, our hosannas will ring truer and remain on our lips longer.
Prayer:
Blessed are you, Jesus, who came in the name of the Lord to save us! Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.Powered by WPeMatico
The 6th Sunday in Lent
Palm Sunday: The King Comes to Us
St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches
Montello & Mecan, WI
March 27, 2021
4:30p.m. St. John’s
March 28, 2021
8a.m. Emmanuel
10a.m. St. John’s
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church313 East Montello St.Montello, WI 53949 Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran ChurchW1568 Evergreen LaneMontello, WI 53949 |
| WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone viewing our recorded worship service today. The bulletin includes the complete order of service, hymns, psalm, Bible readings and announcements. For those without internet access to our website stjohnsmontello.org, DVDs and written sermons plus the bulletin are available. Just phone secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office (608) 297-2866 or contact Pastor Zietlow (talk or text) at (608) 408-7830. GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: Palm Sunday – Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die – So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus. Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes. Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most. It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” |
† P R E P A R A T I O N F O R W O R S H I P †
We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankfulness of praise.
PASTOR’S WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
M: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise in your gracious Word and Sacrament. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 131 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
*Sung by soloist.
1 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel And David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming, Our King and blessed one.
2 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
The company of angels Is praising you on high,
And we with all creation In chorus make reply.
3 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
The people of the Hebrews With palms before you went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before you we present.
4 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
To you before your passion They sang their hymns of praise;
To you, now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
5 All glory, laud, and honor To you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
As you received their praises, Accept the prayers we bring,
O Source of ev’ry blessing, Our good and gracious King.
Please stand.
INVOCATION
M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord, Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palm in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.
† T H E W O R D †
The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.
THE FIRST LESSON Zechariah 9:9, 10
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the warhorses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
PSALM OF THE DAY 24
*For your personal devotion at home.
Refrain
Let the Lord enter; he is the King of glory.
The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,*
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas*
and established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?*
Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,*
he will receive blessing from God his Savior.
Refrain
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,*
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?*
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,*
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?*
The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Refrain
THE SECOND LESSON Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mind set as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
VERSE OF THE DAY John 12:23
P: The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Please stand.
GOSPEL LESSON Mark 11:1-10 (today’s sermon text)
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Please be seated.
HYMN 134 O Bride of Christ, Rejoice
*Sung by soloist.
SERMON Mark 11:1-10
“Hands of the Passion”
NICENE CREED
*For your personal devotion at home
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PALM SUNDAY PRAYER & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
Please stand.
LORD’S PRAYER
*Spoken by congregation.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Words of Institution
Distribution
Thanksgiving
Please be seated.
At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service. See page 13 for communion schedule and distribution information.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
P: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for nourishing me in this sacrament with your body and blood. You have given me forgiveness, life and salvation. Let me always remain in you as a branch remains in the vine. Send me out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.
O living Bread from heaven, how richly you have fed your guest! The gifts you now have given have filled my heart with joy and rest. Lord, grant me that thus strengthened with heavenly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, I serve with holy fear. And when you call my spirit to leave this world below, I enter through your merit where joys unmingled flow. Amen.
BLESSING
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
Then Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN 130 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
*Sung by congregation.
| Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228.Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. |
† A N N O U N C E M E N T S †
March 28 – April 3
Sun. 8:00 a.m. Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.
Tues. 6:30 p.m. St. John’s Council meeting at St. John’s
Wed. 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Zoom meeting
11:40 a.m. Early School Release
Thurs. 8:00 a.m. Teen Confirmation
6:00 p.m. Griefshare at St. John’s
6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship at Emmanuel with communion
Fri. 1:00 p.m. Good Friday Worship at St. John’s with communion
2:00 p.m. Early School Release
Sat. 4:30 p.m. St. John’s Worship
Next week’s theme:
April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday:
Jesus Rises from the Grave
8:00 a.m. Emmanuel & St. John’s Worship
10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship
Jesus Humbly Rides Into Jerusalem To Die
The Sixth Sunday of Lent – B
Palm Sunday
God’s Word for Today
So different from earthly rulers is our Lord Jesus. Jesus was coming to finish the most important battle of time and eternity, yet he did not enter Jerusalem as a mighty warrior in the world’s eyes. Instead of coming with a huge army on mighty horses, Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with twelve men that weren’t anything special in the eyes of most. It was this humble King that the crowd greets with words that rang to the heavens then, and continue to be lifted to Jesus today, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
First Lesson (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Second Lesson (Philippians 2:5-11)
Gospel (Mark 11:1-10)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers:
🌿 THE KING COMES TO US 🌿
Today is Palm Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his journey to the cross.
✝️ Be sure to check our website (www.stjohnsmontello.org) and Facebook page for our daily Holy Week videos created by our very own church and school members. ✝️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kS2OanUd_obg92pgSA7zmw9mk2InT0sI/view?usp=sharing
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9
Devotion based on Zechariah 9:9
See series: Devotions
It was a very strange parade, a one-man procession into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. In today’s reading from the Bible, we view that Palm Sunday parade through the eyes of a prophet who lived five hundred years before the event occurred, yet he writes as though it’s already happening. The prophet Zechariah says, See your king.
We need Zechariah’s encouragement. We would never have put this king first in our hearts. We would have paid attention only to the events and the people who make us feel good about ourselves. We would have done so without ever noticing that our preoccupation with the things of this world is false worship, the worship of created things rather than of the One who created them. We would have dedicated ourselves fully to the here and now, and we would have forfeited the eternity God has in mind for us. Even when we know Jesus, we still struggle to appreciate him.
See! Says, Zechariah. Your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey. The approaching Savior rides a donkey, not a warhorse. He is gentle. He rides into Jerusalem to be betrayed and arrested and sentenced and crucified, all without putting up a fight. At the same time, he is righteous and having salvation. This gentle king is God’s Son from all eternity. With his death, he will take the rap for every sinner who has ever lived. This isn’t just a king on a donkey. This is the King on a donkey. This is the one who holds the universe in his hands, and he is at your service.
Rejoice greatly! Jesus has done what he came to do. By his death on the cross, Jesus has rescued you.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, by your death and resurrection you have rescued me from sin and death. Lead me to praise you with everything that I am and with everything that I have. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.Powered by WPeMatico
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah . . . For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:31,34
Devotion based on Jeremiah 31:31,34
See series: Devotions
Don’t you hate it when you can’t remember something? The car keys you just set down take an hour to find. The purpose for the errand escapes you. The appointment you made last week is missed. Memory loss, no matter what your age, sure can be frustrating!
Isn’t it ironic that while we can forget some things, other events remain crystal clear in our minds? Especially if we have been wronged, abused, or sinned against. These crystal-clear memories can bring resentment, bitterness, and a desire to get even. Imagine if God would keep a record of wrongs against him? What if he would save them in his mind only to eventually lash out in anger against us for them?
Thankfully, that is not what God has done. Instead, God promised, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” The prophet Jeremiah wrote these words to the nation of Israel that had many times sinned against each other and the Lord. As they turned to the Lord in repentance, what comfort it was for them to know the Lord would remember their sins no more! How could he do this? The Bible says that the “Lord has laid on Jesus the sins of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Our record is clean. God’s memory of our sin is gone! What true and lasting comfort we can have as we turn in repentance to the Lord to hear him tell us, “I have forgiven your wickedness and remember your sins no more.”
Prayer:
Thank you, gracious Lord, for forgetting my sins. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.Powered by WPeMatico
