Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for the fourth Sunday of Lent, March 10, 2024.
In today’s sermon on John 3:14-21, I invite us to examine Jesus’ transformative encounter with Nicodemus, and points us to the larger witness of his journey from skepticism to bold faith. Through Jesus’ teachings on the redemptive power of the cross and God’s love, Nicodemus evolves into a courageous defender of truth, inspiring us to embrace our own transformation and stand up for what is right.
And continuing today, after the 10:30am service coffee hour, those who wish to participate in our “Faith Around The Table” faith study based on the reflection questions below can gather in St. Mark’s Hall.
Today’s Opening Sentence
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3.16
Today’s Reading – John 3:14-21
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- How does Nicodemus’ journey of faith resonate with your own spiritual journey? In what ways have you experienced or witnessed transformation in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to further embrace this process?
- Consider Nicodemus’ initial hesitation and skepticism towards Jesus’ message. What barriers or doubts do you face in your own faith journey? Are there moments where you have felt hesitant or skeptical, yet ultimately experienced transformation through encountering Jesus?
- Reflect on Jesus’ comparison of the cross to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness (Num 21:7-9). What does this imagery evoke for you personally? How does it shape your understanding of the significance of the cross in your life?
- Like Nicodemus, we’re called to allow our encounter with Jesus to transform us from the inside out. Consider how you can embody the love and compassion exemplified by Jesus in your interactions with others. What practical steps can you take to stand up for what’s right and live out the message of the cross in your community?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.