Weekly Devotional Guide

[Back to Worship & Devotional Resources]

Theme for Epiphany 3

When Jesus preached in his hometown of Nazareth he was rejected by the people. Not all who hear the Gospel will believe it, the forces of Satan preventing it.

Hymn #839

Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Alleluia. (Luke 4.1a)

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Hymns #583, #839, #658, #398, #625, #849, #577

Christian Questions with Their Answers
PREPARED BY DR. MARTIN LUTHER FOR THOSE WHO INTEND TO GO TO THE SACRAMENT

15. What should we do when we eat his body and drink his blood, and in this way receive his pledge?
We should remember and proclaim his death and the shedding of his blood, as he taught us: "This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

16. Why should we remember and proclaim his death?
First, so we may learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for our sins. Only Christ, true God and man, could do that. Second, so we may learn to be horrified by our sins, and to regard them as very serious. Third, so we may find joy and comfort in Christ alone, and through faith in him be saved.

17. What motivated Christ to die and make full payment for your sins?
His great love for his Father and for me and other sinners, as it is written in John 14; Romans 5; Galatians 2 and Ephesians 5.

18. Finally, why do you wish to go to the Sacrament?
That I may learn to believe that Christ, out of great love, died for my sin, and also learn from him to love God and my neighbor.

[to be continued]