Description
Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiveness is like canceling a debt that is owed to you. In this parable, the wicked servant was given mercy, yet failed to show mercy to others. We are commanded to forgive one another just as Christ Jesus forgave us. In this way, we carry out the message of love to an undeserving world and offer the hope that only Jesus can give.
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
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
Praise the Lord!
Worshipers
Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy name!
Pastor / Worship Leader
He forgives our sins and heals our diseases.
Worshipers
Praise the Lord!
Pastor / Worship Leader
He redeems us from the pit of death and crowns us with love and compassion.
Worshipers
Praise the Lord!
Pastor / Worship Leader
He satisfies our desires with good things and renews us like the eagles.
Worshipers
Praise the Lord!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father God, You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. We deserve death, and You grant us life. Your love for us is as high as the heavens, as far as the east is from the west, and is from everlasting to everlasting. You are great and righteous, and we worship You, Lord.
Worshipers
Praise the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, praise His holy name! Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, like a father who has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on us. You know every intricate detail about us, because You are our Creator. You know our good thoughts and even our evil thoughts and yet You still love us, calling us to repentance. You beckon us to Your everlasting love.
Worshipers
You are loving, and we answer the call to repentance. We confess of our sins, the small ones and big ones, and admit that we are weak and need Your strength. Remove our transgressions from us, and help us to remember and obey Your law to love You first with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength. Then teach us to love our neighbors as You loved us first. Thank you for your forgiveness that brings comfort, peace, and eternal life. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Genesis 50:15-21
Joseph forgave his brothers even though the harm done to Joseph by them was extensive. He did not hold a grudge or accept their offer to make them his slaves. Instead, Joseph displayed the kindness of Father God and extended them mercy and grace.
15 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.
