March 29 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 29, 2026
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9
Sermon: Hearts Afire, Courage to be a Servant
Isaiah 50:4-9
4 The Lord God has given me the wisdom of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. 5 The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn backward. 6 I gave my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. 7 The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; 8 he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand in court together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. 9 It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up
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. We studied the story of Jacob and Esau. We were reminded that God’s grace gives us the courage to bridge gaps with humility and forgiveness. Luke challenged us to have the courage to be included in community and to include others, especially those on the outside looking in, like Zacchaeus. Last Sunday we honored the courage of Shiphrah and Puah who disregarded the command of Pharaoh in favor of a higher calling and greater purpose, from God. On Palm Sunday we seek to follow Jesus to the cross with the courage of servant-leadership.
Questions for Reflection
• Today’s passage is one of the Servant Songs of Isaiah (see also Isaiah 42:1-4 and 52:13-53:12). These poems suggest that a righteous one who humbly accepts unmerited suffering is able by example to move the unrighteous to redemption and renewal of life. How has the example of a humble and faithful person inspired you?
• How do you make sense of the cross of Jesus? What is it about the cross that makes it such an important Christian symbol?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Set aside time this Holy Week to read and pray your way through the story of Jesus’ last week as recorded in Mark 11-16. Read it as a story to experience. If you like, make notes of the ideas you don’t understand to research later. While you read be open to the Spirit of Christ that can help you be a more faithful disciple.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
