Description
John 12:20-33
In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of a seed to illustrate that His upcoming death would bear much fruit. He taught His disciples that in order to gain eternal life, they must be willing to lose their lives. Through selfless living and obedience to Christ, we too, can bear much fruit that makes a lasting impact on both our own lives and the lives of others for Kingdom gains.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Welcome church members, friends, family, and strangers. Whether it’s your first time here or your one hundredth, we are so glad to be with you. We are gathered to worship God, to praise His holy name, and to be unified as the body of Christ. May all we do be glorifying unto the Lord today.
Worshipers
Lord, we are here for you! Be glorified.
Time of Praise and Worship
Holy Forever
Brian Johnson, Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson, Phil Wickham, © 2022 Brian and Jenn Publishing; Capitol CMG Paragon; S. D. G. Publishing; Be Essential Songs; My Magnolia Music; Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs; Bethel Music Publishing
What a Beautiful Name
Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Jesus Messiah
Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves, ©2008 Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services)
[Traditional Options]
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
BH91 551; EH 692; ELW 332,611; HWC 414; HFG 51; HLC 309; LBW 497; LSB 699; LW 348; NCH 489; WC 506; WIS 59
Go To Dark Gethsemane
BH 75 112; BH91 150; CCH 196; EH 171; ELW 347; HFG 281; HLC 147; LBW 109; LSB 436; LW 110; NCH 219; PH 97; WC 225; UMH 290; WAR 272
What God Ordains Is Always Good
ELW 776; LBW 446; LSB 760; LW 422; NCH 415; PH 284; WC 82
Christ Sits at God’s Right Hand
LSB 564
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
In the world today, we are accustomed to making a name for ourselves. But, Jesus showed us a different way to live. Through His death and resurrection, we see that selfless sacrifice is what makes an eternal impact. So, let’s make the name of the Lord famous in this place today!
Worshipers
May our worship echo past these walls into the darkness. May God be glorified!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, You are great and greatly to be praised! Your kingdom is marked by humility and service. All power and authority is Yours in heaven and on earth. We seek Your face, Your wisdom, Your guidance as we live as Your humble servants. We ask for You to be strong in our midst right now, and may our worship be pleasing to You.
Worshipers
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Before moving on, we must confess and repent. For we are sinful, and the Lord takes away our sin.
Worshipers
Merciful God, we confess that we often chase recognition and power. We desire positions, titles, and fame. Like the disciples, we can be blinded by the worldly definition of success, forgetting the sacrificial love and servant leadership modeled by Jesus is our eternal goal. Forgive us, Lord, for our imbalanced priorities and self-centered living.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Yes, Lord, forgive us, and remind us of the New Covenant offered to us through Jesus Christ, Your one and only Son, who gave up His life so that we may gain eternal life. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and paved the way for true greatness. Thank You for the mercy and grace and forgiveness You have given to us.
Worshipers
May Your love and example guide us now and always. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34
God spoke of a new covenant He would make with His people, distinct from the old covenant given at Mount Sinai. In this new covenant, God would write His law on the people’s hearts, ensuring a deep, personal relationship.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
