Description
Luke 23:23-43
The loud cry of mourning and wailing followed the exhausted Jesus as He made His way to Calvary. After being crucified, Jesus hung on the cross between two thieves as insults were hurled at Him. Jesus asked God to forgive them, even as the mocking continued. A notice hung above His head which read, “This is the King of the Jews.” One criminal claimed Jesus to be innocent, and asked Him to save him. Even in our sin, Jesus sees us. Even in our sin, Jesus died for us. Jesus invites us to come to Him and receive forgiveness, even in our sin.
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 has done!
Worshipers
He is exalted among the nations. We lift Him up and praise His name.
Pastor / Worship Leader
He ceases wars and is our fortress.
Worshipers
He makes His name known, even to our enemies.
Pastor / Worship Leader
He says to us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Worshipers
So we will not fear, for the Lord is with us.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we seek Your love and compassion, Your protection and shielding, and Your peace and strength. You are in all things, but we have trouble seeing through the thickness of our own sin. Remove the blinders from our eyes. Help us to see You and follow Your example. Be with us now and this time that we are together in Your name.
Worshipers
In the name of Jesus we are gathered. Holy Spirit, You are welcome here in this place, in our hearts, and in our minds. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
A distinction will be made between the sheep and the goats.
Worshipers
Spare us, God, from Your wrath.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We go astray as many sheep do.
Worshipers
Call us back home, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
You are our compassionate Shepherd, full of grace and mercy. When we sin, You still chase after us to bring us back to where we belong- in Your care and safekeeping.
Worshipers
Forgive us, Lord, even in our sin. We admit our faults and desperately need You.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We are Yours, Lord. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 23:1-6
The Lord will gather His flock and place shepherds over them to keep them safe. Jesus is our Great Shepherd, and He will keep us safe.
“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.
