October 18 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:16, John 19:23-30
Sermon: Ten Commands; Ten Ways of Being: Be Responsible
Deuteronomy 5:16 (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
Honor your father and mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
John 19:23-30 (The Message)
When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, “Let’s not tear it up. Let’s throw dice to see who gets it.” This confirmed the Scripture that said, “They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat.”
While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.
Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.” A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.
Key Idea of the Sermon:
Fifteen centuries prior to Jesus, God worked through Moses to liberate the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt. Moses also prepared God’s people for a return to a land of promise and a life of freedom with a set of ten key Divine commands. These commands have served as a reliable framework for a faithful relationship with God, as well as a helpful foundation for living in community. Each command is paired with a story of Jesus that shows us how to fulfill each command. God’s commands invite us to a way of being. Today we remember God’s command to honor our most important relationships. We are also humbled by the way Jesus fulfills this command on the cross and in his final moments.
Questions for Reflection
• The spirit of the fifth commandment encompasses all of our important relationships. We need each other and we need each other to be respectful and responsible. How have your important relationships taught you what to do and what not to do?
• We are imperfect and our relationships are too. What needs to change in your life to be more respectful and responsible?
• Though suffering and dying, Jesus was still thinking about his responsibility to others. This example emphasizes the significance of living in a community of love and care. What actions can you take to ensure love and care support respectful and responsible relationships at Friedens Church?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Jesus shows us how to face the passageway of death in a spirit of care for others. Create or review your plan for the way your important relationships will be responsibly cared for beyond your earthly journey.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
