Jesus Rejected

Written By Alex Ferren

Week 2

“Journey of Jesus” examines 12 stories that follow the life and ministry of Jesus and is ideal for people interested in discovering what Jesus has to say about life, love, and purpose. This curriculum is ideal for those who are exploring faith, are new to the faith, or who are questioning whether they really believe in Jesus.

Learn more about practicing the liturgy.
Leader prays. Group Prays.

  • Let us share in the joys and sorrows of one another's life.

    What has been the highlight of your week?
    What has been the low of your week?

  • Let’s prepare our hearts in worship.

    All of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ.
    It is God who gives us the ability to stand firm.
    God has commissioned us.
    And God has identified us as his own
    By placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts
    As the first installment of everything he will give us.

  • We will take a moment in quiet to reflect on our actions this past week. Then, together, we will confess and be reminded that we are the forgiven community. 

    Most merciful God,

    We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

    We have not loved you with our whole heart; We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

    We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.

    Amen.

  • Let us hear the word of the Lord from the Psalms.

    The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
    The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
    The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
    The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
    The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
    The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.
    They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
    they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
    By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
    But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
    Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
    Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.
    May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
    –Psalm 19:7-14 (NIV)

  • Let us affirm our faith with the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

    I believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.

    I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
    and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day, he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven
    and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

    I believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the global Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
    Amen.

  • Let us open the scriptures and learn the story of Christ.

    He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

    “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
    He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
    to set the oppressed free,
    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

    Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.
    –Luke 4:16-22 (NIV)

    Read this passage in the Message Paraphrase.

  • Let’s take a moment to talk through what we have heard, reflecting on what it is saying to us.

    1. What does this reveal about God or His Kingdom?

    2. What does this reveal about human nature or yourself?

    3. How can you live out this passage or who should you share this story with?

  • At this time, if you have a prayer request we’ll hear those and conclude with the Lord’s prayer. What would you like to lift up in prayer?

    As our Savior taught us, so we pray;

    Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be your name,
    your kingdom come,
    your will be done,
    on earth as in heaven.

    Give us today our daily bread.
    Forgive us our sins
    as we forgive those who sin against us.

    Lead us not into temptation
    but deliver us from evil.

    For the kingdom, the power,
    and the glory are yours now and for ever.
    Amen.

  • Let us confess the Mystery of our Faith.

    Christ has died.
    Christ is risen.
    Christ will come again.

  • May we go from this place prepared to reveal the Kingdom of Jesus, together.

    Living God, draw us deeper into your love;
    Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;
    Holy Spirit, make us heralds of good news.

    Stir us, strengthen us,
    teach and inspire us to live your love
    with generosity and joy, imagination and courage;
    for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus,

    Amen.

  • We invite you to join us at the following events.

Alex Ferren
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Jesus Forgives