Daily Devotions – Prepare for Next Sunday | Trinity Lutheran Darmstadt

During the last two years, we have had the opportunity to read through the Old and New Testament as part of our daily devotions. For this year, I thought we might try something a little easier but just as edifying. Every week in the bulletin on the back of the Propers sheet for that Sunday, there will be a devotion entitled Prepare for Next Sunday. This devotion will include the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons for the coming Sunday and a few questions and answers for each reading. Each lesson will include either the Hymn of the Day, Opening Hymn, or Closing Hymn for the coming Sunday. There will also be a short portion from Luther’s Small Catechism which you may review throughout the week. By meditating on these devotions ahead of time, you will be better prepared for the coming Sunday and more engaged in worship.

Sixth Sunday in Lent

series-a-palm-sunday

Gospel Reading – Matthew 27:11-66

1. How does Jesus suffer before His crucifixion? v. 26-31

He was scrouged, stripped, mocked, struck, spit on, & crowned with thorns.

2. What were some of the miracles that happened at Jesus’ death? v. 51-53

The temple curtain split, earthquake, tombs opened, saints raised from dead

3. Why would it have been impossible for anyone to steal Jesus’ body? v.62-66

The Jewish religious rulers posted a Temple guard of soldiers at the tomb.

Hymn of the Day – LSB 438 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth

Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 50:4-9a

1. Besides Isaiah, what future prophet taught God’s Word? v. 4 (John 8:28-29)

Jesus Christ spoke with authority just as the Father taught Him.

2. When did the suffering Servant give his back to blows & face to spitting? v.6

Jesus in His passion when he was flogged and mocked. (Matthew 26:67-68)

3. What does it mean for the LORD’s Servant to set His face like a flint? v. 7

Jesus resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. (Luke 9:51)

Opening Hymn – LSB 442 – All Glory, Laud, and Honor

Epistle Reading – Philippians 2:5-11

1. What humble state of Christ does Paul describe? v. 5-8

His state of humiliation, laying aside the full use of His divine powers.

2. What exalted state of Christ does Paul describe? v. 9-11

His state of exaltation, now always using His divine powers.

3. When did these two states begin and end?

Christ’s state of humiliation occurred between his conception and death. His state of exaltation began at his resurrection and continues forever.

Closing Hymn – LSB 444 – No Tramp of Soldiers Marching Feet

Catechism Meditation – The Sacrament of the Altar

Who receives this sacrament worthily?

Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”

But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.