This is part of the worship series,
"Via Doloroso—The Way of Sorrows”
Series Introduction
Lent 1 | Lent 2 | Lent 3 | Lent 4 | Lent 5
Palm Sunday | Easter
Fourth Sunday in Lent
The Via Dolorosa: Feet Wet with Tears
Scripture
Text: Luke 7:36–50
Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 51
New Testament Lesson: Galatians 2:15–21
Sermon
A different kind of tears was the focus of this sermon—tears of gratitude and joy springing from the wonderful gift of forgiveness given by a loving Savior.
A simple tracing of this wonderful narrative focusing on who this woman was and who Simon was led to the confrontation between Jesus and Simon. Here Jesus teaches him a lesson not only in hospitality, but even more in the basics of the gospel. In the eyes of God the “righteous” person who thinks he doesn’t need to repent is much worse off than the outright “sinner” who comes humbly and trustingly to Christ for forgiveness. Simon stands dry-eyed and unsaved before Jesus, while the woman kneels and wets Jesus’ feet with her tears of joy and gratitude for her many sins, now forgiven. The story thus provides an opportunity for us to look in the mirror. Do we see a Simon or a sinful person? This briefer meditation provided a fitting invitation to the Lord’s Supper, which was celebrated with all the sinners in the congregation.
Congregational Prayer
This prayer of gratitude for salvation traced the contours of our salvation (forgiveness, acceptance, new lease on life, eternal life). We tried to express the joy of salvation in this nonpetitionary prayer.
Children’s Sermon
Though it is difficult to explain tears of joy to children, that’s what we tried to do, referring to Michael Jordan’s tears upon winning the NBA title, the tears of an older sibling at graduation, or the tears of parents at a wedding. Our purpose was to help children experience the joy of the surprise of forgiveness.
Music Suggestions
Gathering
“I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord” Wren
“Lift High the Cross” Kitchin
Anthem: “This Is the Day” Albert P. Smith
Confession and Assurance
“Ah, Holy Jesus” Heermann
Anthem: “O Vos Omnes” Pablo Casals
Word
“Create in Me a Clean Heart” (Psalm 51)
Response
Anthem: “Christ, We Do All Adore Thee” T. Dubois
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Wesley
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Watts
