Description
Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus shared a parable about a king who forgave a massive debt owed by one of his servants, only for that servant to refuse to forgive a fellow servant’s small debt. This parable illustrates the importance of extending forgiveness to others, as God has forgiven us, and warns of the consequences of harboring unforgiveness in our hearts. We are called to let go of grudges, release the burden of unforgiveness, and choose to forgive knowing we have been abundantly forgiven.
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
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today as we gather to explore the theme of forgiveness, I pray that you may encounter the freedom of Christ’s abundant freedom in your own life.
Worshipers
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Time of Praise and Worship
The Father’s House
Benjamin Hastings, Cory Asbury, Ethan Hulse © 2019 Cory Asbury Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) SHOUT MP Brio (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) EGH Music Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing
Give Us Clean Hands
Charlie Hall, ©2000 worshiptogether.com Songs/sixsteps Music
Sweet Forgiveness
Brian Helming, ©1998 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)
[Traditional Options]
Where Charity and Love Prevail
BH 75 257; EH 581; ELW 359; HS 98 878; LBW 126; LSB 845; NCH 396; UMH 549
Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us
ELW 707; LBW 424; LW 402; LSB 851
Our Father, Who From Heaven Above
ELW 746; LSB 776; LW 430/431
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
May we be challenged by the truth that Scripture has to offer as we embrace forgiveness as a transformative work in our lives.
Worshipers
By the work accomplished on the cross, we are forgiven indeed.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
O Lord, we come humbly seeking your forgiveness and mercy today for our shortcomings. We ask that as we are refreshed by the truths found in Your Word, we would forgive those we haven’t yet and show them the same mercy and grace that you continually show us. Help us to be mindful of the sacrifice You made on the cross and may our hearts be open and willing to receive Your love so that we may share it with others.
Worshipers
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
It is good practice and our duty to confess our sins to the Lord. It keeps us humble and aware of our need for the Savior’s forgiveness. It reminds us that Christ belongs on the throne of our lives. So, let us confess humbly.
Worshipers
Merciful God, we confess that we have fallen short in extending forgiveness to others. We have chosen to hold grudges and harbor unforgiveness growing bitterness in our hearts. We have failed to follow the example set before us by Jesus. Forgive us, Lord, and empower us to be agents of reconciliation, showing grace and mercy as You have perfectly modeled for us.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Transform our hearts with forgiveness and help us to freely give it in the same way we’ve received it from You. In Jesus’ name we ask.
Worshipers
Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Genesis 50:15-21
After their father’s death, Joseph’s brothers feared retaliation for their past betrayal, so they approached him and asked for his forgiveness. Joseph, filled with compassion, assured them that what they meant for harm, God intended for good.
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
