A message from Pastor Berndt
Taking the twelve, Jesus said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” (Luke 18)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lent beings. 40 days journey to Jesus’ Cross and Empty Tomb. The high point of Jesus’ work for you and your salvation. The joy of Lent is that Jesus has come to save sinners.
Jesus is marching His way to Calvary. He will not be stopped. Peter tries, "may this never happen to you." Jesus tells him “get behind me Satan”. The Devil tried to stop Jesus with the temptation in the wilderness. Jesus answers Satan with the Word of God sending the Devil running. “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4)
Jesus is relentless when it comes to you and your salvation. The Cross is His goal to do the salvation job completely. I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (John 12)
This Lent rejoice that JESUS does all this FOR YOU. Jesus goes to the Cross to die the death of sinners. Jesus suffers the wrath of God FOR YOU. Jesus rose from the Grave FOR YOU. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5)
What Jesus has won with His all-sufficient death and glorious resurrection He delivers to you in His Word. The Scriptures are for your eyes, your ears and your heart. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1)
Rejoice in repenting of your sins. Rejoice in the gift of Holy Absolution. Your sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. We confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1)
I have Good News of great joy FOR YOU! Rejoice in coming to church to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ Crucified and Risen FOR YOU! ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding
feast.”’ (Matthew 22)
Rejoice in hearing a sermon all about Jesus FOR YOU. Rejoice in the gift of Holy Baptism all FOR YOU. Baptism...now saves you. (1 Peter 3) Rejoice in the feast of the Lord's Supper FOR YOU. Jesus’ Body and Blood given FOR YOU to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins.
This Lent rejoice in your Savior Jesus Christ FOR YOU. Fix your eyes, ears and hearts on Christ our Crucified and Risen Lord serving YOU with life everlasting. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
634 The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord LSB 634:1
The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
We celebrate with one accord;
It is our comfort in distress,
Our heart’s sweet joy and happiness.