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<P>Holy Week and Easter: </P>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-10 -
<STRONG>The Good News of Easter</STRONG></DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> John 13:1-17, 31-35 -
<STRONG>Maundy Thursday: Seeing Ourselves in the Disciples</STRONG></DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> Luke 23:33-43 - <STRONG>Good
Friday: The Three Crosses</STRONG></DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">==================================</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Suggested Text: John 20:1-18 or Luke
24:1-10</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Lectionary Week: Easter</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">==================================</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Easter Sermon Opener</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">John 20, the sermon titled "The Good News of
Easter" </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=4
face="Times New Roman"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As I look around, I see great events playing
out on the world stage: </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Democracy is being brought to regions of the
world that never really understood the dignity of individual citizens or the joy
of liberty. Countries face off in tense negotiations over trade, border
disputes, and ancient grievances. A frightening nuclear disaster continues to
unfold in Japan.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">An unprecedented ability to communicate ideas
and beliefs to any part of the planet and to any person is quickly becoming
commonplace. And the ability to move produce and goods around the world makes it
possible as never before to bring significant relief to regions that suffer.
These world-shaping events are so important. They are literally changing the
course of history. And as I watch, I wonder. I wonder what I am doing here in
this pulpit. I wonder if the real action isn't out there doing the world
shaping. And then I am reminded of two things.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">First, I am reminded that no event in history
has shaped the world like the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">And Second I am reminded of this simple fact
about life. Life does not go on forever. There is death. Every one of us must
face our mortality. There is no military victory, no medical cure, no global
village that can prepare any individual to answer the ultimate questions in
life. And this morning I stand to proclaim Hope, the hope of His Resurrection.
There is death. Yes. But life is in Jesus Christ, the hope of our
resurrection.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Friends, you have come here this morning with a
sense of anticipation and longing. There are sobering questions on your mind and
much hangs in the balance. Is there hope? Is there new life? Is there reason for
joy? The answer to your questions has arrived this day. It is here waiting for
you.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It is a three-word message: Christ Is Risen!
Good news for the depressed. Good news for those who have lost loved ones.
Good news. Good news to those who have lost their joy, Christ is risen.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Consider with me this morning the implications
of Easter.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">1. First, because of the Resurrection the
disciples were changed.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">2. Secondly, because of the Resurrection our
view of death has changed.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">3. Because of the resurrection, our view of
Jesus has changed.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The rest of this sermon following the outline
above can be obtained by</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">joining <A
href="http://www.eSermons.com">www.eSermons.com</A>. </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">=================================</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Suggested Text: John 13:1-17, 31b-35</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Holy Week: Maundy Thursday</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">==================================</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Maundy Thursday Sermon Opener</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">John 13, the sermon titled "Maundy Thursday:
Seeing Ourselves In The Disciples" </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">We come together this evening to recall in our
hearts and minds the events that occurred on Thursday of what the church calls
Holy Week, the last week in the life of our Lord. One-third of all the events
that we have about Jesus' life occurred during this week: Reminding us of the
great significance of these last days. The disciples have gathered in a home,
whose we are not sure, but we do know that it had a furnished second
floor.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As they gather they participate in what is
called a Seder meal, one of the highlights of the Passover week. The Passover
festival, of course, had been done for centuries before Jesus came on the scene.
It commemorated that time when the Jews were in bondage in Egypt. Moses warned
Pharaoh to let his people go, but Pharaoh hardened his heart. So God sent a
death over the land of Egypt, but miraculously this death passed over the homes
of the Jews. Thus, the season of Passover was given birth.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The meal itself was a symbolic one reminding
the Jews of the sufferings of their forefathers and the power of God's
deliverance. The foods that were eaten were symbols to remind the Jews of their
captivity in Egypt. Apple sauce was eaten to remind them of brick mortar and the
fact that they were forced to make bricks with no straw. A bitter herb is eaten
to remind them of the bitterness of their captivity. It was this symbolic Seder
Meal that the disciples were partaking of that night in the upper room.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was at the conclusion of that meal that
Jesus himself added two more symbols. He took a loaf and broke it and gave it to
his disciples saying:</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Take eat, this is my body which is broken for
you, do this in remembrance of me. Then he took a cup with wine. He drank from
it and gave it to his disciples saying, "Drink ye all of this, for this is my
blood which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin." Thus was
born our sacrament of the Lord's Supper, out of the experience of an ancient
Jewish custom.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Leonardo da Vinci by his famous painting has
forever impressed upon on our minds the last supper of our Lord. The scene that
he depicts is that moment when Jesus announces his impending betrayal. The
disciples look at one another with great shock, all, that is, except Judas, who
refuses to look Jesus in the face and clutches his money to his breast. I wonder
as we look at those disciples around the table if we can see ourselves. For me
they represent all that is good and bad about our humanity.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Maybe we can see ourselves in Matthew...</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The rest of this brief 10 minute sermon looks
at 10 of the disciples sitting around the Passover Meal and how we can see our
own frailties and sinfulness reflected in them.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> This sermon can be used by joining <A
href="http://www.Sermons.com">www.Sermons.com</A>. </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">==================================</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Suggested Text: Luke 23:33-43</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Holy Week: Good Friday</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">==================================</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Good Friday Sermon Opener</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Luke 23, the sermon titled "Good Friday: The
Three Crosses" </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The Cross. It struck fear in the hearts of the
world. It was Rome's means of controlling the people. According to Roman custom,
the penalty of crucifixion was always preceded by scourging; after this
preliminary punishment, the condemned person had to carry the cross, or at least
the transverse beam of it, to the place of execution, exposed to the jibes and
insults of the people. On arrival at the place of execution the cross was
uplifted. Soon the sufferer, entirely naked, was bound to it with cords.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He was then, fastened with four nails to the
wood of the cross. Finally, a placard called the titulus bearing the name of the
condemned man and his sentence, was placed at the top of the cross. Slaves were
crucified outside of Rome in a place called Sessorium, beyond the Esquiline
Gate; their execution was entrusted to the carnifex servorum (the place of the
hangman).</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Eventually this wretched locality became a
forest of crosses, while the bodies of the victims were the pray of vultures and
other rapacious birds.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It often happened that the condemned man did
not die of hunger or thirst, but lingered on the cross for several days. To
shorten his punishment therefore, and lessen his terrible sufferings, his legs
were sometimes broken. This custom, exceptional among the Romans, was common
with the Jews.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">In this way it was possible to take down the
corpse on the very evening of the execution. Among the Romans, though, the
corpse could not be taken down, unless such removal had been specially
authorized in the sentence of death.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The corpse might also be buried if the sentence
permitted. It is remarkable that all of this the Bible records with the simple
words, "And they crucified Him." (Mark 15:24).</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> It is interesting that Jesus is
responsible for the abolishment of the cross as a means of capital punishment.
In the early part of the fourth century Constantine continued to inflict the
penalty of the cross on slaves guilty of, in the old Latin, delatio domini, i.e.
of denouncing their masters. But later on he abolished this infamous punishment,
in memory and in honor of the Passion of the Christ. From then on, this
punishment was very rarely inflicted and finally the practice faded into
history. But, oh, how history has remembered.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As the week of Jesus' Passion now closes, it is
well for us to reflect upon the cross. Martin Luther said, "Man must always have
a cross." Jesus said:</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Whoever does not bear his own cross and come
after me cannot be my disciple." Every one of us does have a cross to bear, but
which one? Is ours the cross on the right, the left, or the center? Let us
review for a moment this scene on Calvary.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">1. The first cross represents the cross of
rebellion.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">2. The second cross represents the cross of
repentance.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">3. The third cross, that of Jesus, represents
the cross of redemption.</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> The rest of this sermon following the
outline above can be obtained by joining <A href="http://www.sermons.com/"><FONT
color=#800080>http://www.Sermons.com</FONT></A>. </DIV>
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