April 4, 2012

Opening Hymn:
Bread of the World (Red Hymnal 624)

Scripture Reading:
John 13:1-17, 21-35

Message: Is it I?
Every year on Maundy Thursday my church that I went to as a child does the play “Is it I?” It is about this moment in scripture when Jesus says that one of His disciples will betray Him. Each of them questions themselves… while Judas knows that it is Him. He justifies why he is betraying Jesus. In this drama Judas states that he wants to see Jesus fight against Rome. He is not intending that Jesus will submit to death on the cross.

This play does a good job at covering a large part of the New Testament scripture. It lets us get to know each of Jesus’ disciples individually. It also helps us begin to look at ourselves differently. Instead of putting anger and blame on Judas we can look at ourselves during this Holy Week. We can look at our own shortcomings and praise God for His forgiveness of our sins. The play “Is it I” is a wonderful reminder not to judge and put blame on others. We are to focus on improving ourselves, and give love and support to our neighbors. Recognizing and growing from our own faults is one of the ways we can make this world a better place.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for forgiving us of all our sins. The sins that we have committed in the past, and the sins that we are yet to commit. Thank You for all the love that You have shown us. Thank You for patience and guidance. Help us to grow and learn from past mistakes so that we can better love and serve You and Your creation. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Red Hymnal 299)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God