Liturgy for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C (Luke)
What is the Fifth Sunday in Lent?
The Fifth Sunday in Lent calls us to reflect on the deep love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The lectionary readings focus on renewal, preparation for Christ’s sacrifice, and the theme of extravagant love. In John 12:1-8, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, demonstrating her love and devotion. In Isaiah 43:16-21, God speaks of making a way in the wilderness, showing His faithfulness to lead His people through difficult times. Psalm 126 celebrates the restoration of Israel, while Philippians 3:4b-14 emphasizes the importance of pressing forward toward the goal of knowing Christ more fully.
Scriptures for the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21
God declares that He is the one who makes a way in the wilderness and brings forth streams in the desert. This passage speaks of God’s faithfulness to restore and renew His people.
Psalm 126
This psalm is a song of restoration, celebrating the return of Israel from exile. It reflects on God’s great work in bringing His people back and calls for joyful thanksgiving.
Philippians 3:4b-14
Paul urges believers to forget what lies behind and press forward toward the goal of knowing Christ. He speaks of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection.
Read more of Philippians 3:4b-14 here.
John 12:1-8
In John 12:1-8, the anointing takes place at a dinner in Bethany, hosted by Simon the leper. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair. Judas Iscariot protests, suggesting the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor, but Jesus defends Mary’s actions, saying that she has anointed him in preparation for his burial.
In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is anointed with perfume, and it occurs in the house of a Pharisee named Simon. A sinful woman, who is not named in Luke, anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears, dries them with her hair, and anoints them with ointment. Simon the Pharisee criticizes Jesus for allowing a sinful woman to touch him, but Jesus uses the moment to teach about forgiveness and love, telling a parable of two debtors to highlight the great love that comes from being forgiven much.
Call to Worship
One: Come, let us celebrate the Lord who makes a way in the wilderness!
All: We praise God for eternal faithfulness and love.
One: The Lord who restores and renews calls us to press forward in faith.
All: We seek to know Christ more fully, to love him deeply, and to follow his way.
One: Let us worship with hearts full of gratitude and devotion.
All: We come to offer our praise and adoration. Amen.
Call to Confession
One: The Lord calls us to turn from the past and embrace the future with him. Let us confess our sins, trusting in God’s mercy.
All: Merciful God, we confess that we have often failed to follow your way. We have clung to things that do not last and neglected the love you have shown us. Forgive us, Lord, and renew our hearts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the good news! The Lord promises to make a way in the wilderness and bring streams in the desert. In Christ, we are forgiven and made new.
All: Thanks be to God! In Christ, we are restored.
Prayer of Illumination
Loving God, as we open Your Word today, we pray that you would speak to us through the scriptures. Reveal to us the depth of your love, and help us to press forward in faith, knowing the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, we dedicate these gifts to you, that they may be used to share your love, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to spread the message of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. May our lives be living sacrifices in your service. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Themes of the Fifth Sunday in Lent
1. The Extravagance of Love
Mary’s anointing of Jesus reminds us of the deep love we are called to show to Christ. It challenges us to offer our best in devotion to him.
2. Pressing Toward the Goal
Philippians 3 calls believers to forget the past and press forward to the prize of knowing Christ. The journey of faith is one of growth and transformation.
3. God’s Faithfulness in Renewal
Isaiah 43 reminds us that God is at work in the wilderness, preparing a way for His people. He is faithful to restore and renew us.
Sermon Ideas for the Fifth Sunday in Lent
1. “An Act of Love”
Mary’s extravagant gesture of love challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for Christ. How do we show our devotion to Him in our lives?
Main Idea: True love for Christ calls us to sacrifice and give our best.
2. “Pressing Toward the Goal”
Paul’s words in Philippians call us to focus on the prize that is found in knowing Christ. In a world filled with distractions, how can we remain focused on this eternal goal? As the Lenten Journey is over halfway through, this may be a good time to encourage people to remain vigilant.
Main Idea: We are called to press forward, leaving behind the past, and pursuing Christ with all our hearts.
3. “God’s Way in the Wilderness”
Isaiah speaks of God making a way in the wilderness. How can we trust God to lead us through difficult times, knowing He is faithful to restore and renew us?
Main Idea: Even in the wilderness, God is at work, making a way where there seems to be no way.
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