Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Matthew 16)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lent beings. The Christian 40- day journey to Jesus’ Cross and Empty Tomb. 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 deterred. 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.’” (Matt. 4)
Jesus is relentless when it comes to you and your salvation. The Cross is His goal to do the salvation job completely.
He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53)
This Lent REJOICE that JESUS does all this FOR YOU. Jesus dies the death of a sinner. 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 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 ALL 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!
It is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. (Luke 24)
Rejoice in hearing a sermon all about Jesus FOR YOU. Rejoice in the GIFT of Holy Baptism. Baptism...now saves you. (1 Peter 3)
This Lent rejoice in your Savior Jesus Christ FOR YOU. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12)
Fix your eyes, ears and hearts on Christ our Crucified and Risen Lord serving YOU with life everlasting. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.