March 8 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, March 8, 2026
Scripture Reading: Genesis 33:1-11
Sermon: Hearts Afire, Courage to Repair
Genesis 33:1-11
1 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids. 2 He put the maids with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. 3 He himself went on ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the maids drew near, they and their children, and bowed down; 7 Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down; and finally Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. 8 Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor with my lord.” 9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” 10 Jacob said, “No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand, for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me with such favor. 11 Please accept my gift that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have everything I want.” So he urged him, and he took it.
Key Idea of the Sermon
We are seeking more courage as disciples of Jesus as we follow him to the cross. So far, we have marveled at the courage of Mary to say Yes to God’s call to bear the Son of God. We have also been inspired by Daniel whose trust in God gave him the courage to face and overcome his enemies. Today, Jacob and Esau are our exemplars. These brothers had been estranged from one another as a result of Jacob’s deception, taking for his own what rightfully belonged to Esau. Despite Esau’s promise to kill Jacob, Jacob returned home with a humble spirit and Esau offered forgiveness. Courage is not always bold, sometimes it comes with vulnerability and humility.
Questions for Reflection
• Read Esau and Jacob’s backstory in Genesis 27. How would you have felt if you were Esau? Would your reaction to Jacob had been any different?
• How have you experienced the courage of being vulnerable and humble? What was the result of that courageous action?
A Poem for Reflection
Courage is neither armor nor protection.
Courage is not an impenetrable cloak
we wrap tightly about ourselves to keep out fear.
Courage is a hole in our chests,
a great spaciousness where,
like huge bright wings, God can unfurl. (From Drinking Pure Light by Tina Datsko de Sanchez)
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
