Description
Luke 23:33-43
In the most physically painful situation, Jesus committed the most challenging act of kindness- forgiving those who mocked Him, hated Him, and wished evil upon Him. Two criminals witnessed this unfamiliar grace. One rejected Jesus while the other sought out His forgiveness. What about you? Have you accepted the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in all areas of your life?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Here I Am To Worship
Tim Hughes, ©2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
O Worship The King
Chris Tomlin, Johann Michael Haydn, & Robert Grant, ©2004 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Matthew Bridges & George Elvey
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
[Traditional Options]
Let All Together Praise Our God
ELW 287; LBW 47; LSB 389; LW 44
Come Thou Almighty King
BH 75 2; BH 91 247; CH 8; CHH 27; EH 365; ELW 408; HWC 26; HPW 3; HFG 341; HLC 4; HGP 53; HSP 11; LBW 522; LSB 905; LW 169; NCH 275; PH 139; RH 212; STTL 3; WC 5; UMH 61; WAR 148; WHM 3; WIS 21
Crown Him With Many Crowns
BH 75 52; BH 91 161; CH 45; CHH 234; EH 494; ELW 855; HWC 234; HFG 345; HLC 85; HGP 24; HSP 83; LBW 170; LSB 525; LW 278; NCH 301; PH 151; RH 192; RS 626; STTL 272; WC 92; UMH 327; WAR 317; WHM 51; WIS 162
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Come and see what the Lord is doing! He is with us.
Worshipers
He is our fortress and protector. He keeps us safe. We trust the Lord with all He is doing today.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
God above all, we are Your people and we are here to offer ourselves before You as Your vessels. Use us, fill us, guide us into righteousness. Protect us from evil and draw us near to You. No matter what we’ve done, You still love us. Thank you for Your power to forgive, love to conquer fear, and strength to endure in this dark world.
Worshipers
Help us to live fearlessly for Your Kingdom and glory. Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Gracious Lord, it is Your kindness that leads us to repentance. You’ve forgiven the adulterer, the murderer, and the liar. You forgive us through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You desire for us to confess, so we do that now.
Worshipers
(Allow time for reflection and repentance.)
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus Christ forgives us, and we are set free! One day we will meet Him face to face and live in His presence for eternity. Thank You for Your redemption, Lord. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 23:1-6
A warning from the Lord was sent to the shepherds who were destroying and scattering the Lord’s flock. The Lord promised the Great Shepherd was coming; His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. 2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. 5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
