The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

This Sunday, Hope Lutheran Church in San Mateo will host David and Kathleen Garrett from Jews for Jesus. David will share a message about how we can share our faith with our Jewish friends.

Most Jewish people today have heard that there are Jews who believe in Jesus and still maintain a Jewish identity. This is largely in part through the work of Jews for Jesus and partnerships with individuals and churches. The opportunity to share this message has only become more relevant as the landscape of Jewish life has become more diverse than ever before. Under the leadership of CEO Aaron Abramson, the organization’s footprint continues to expand globally with a significant presence in Israel. They have launched recent initiatives to support refugees within and leaving Ukraine and to serve the homeless in Tel Aviv, including opening the first shelter in Israel for Hebrew-speaking women leaving prostitution. In the last few years, they have also opened the doors of new cafes and arts spaces in New York and Los Angeles.

Sunday’s gospel lesson is from Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32. This is the familiar text about the prodigal son. The story of a son who is lost, but returns and is forgiven is a picture of God’s love for us as His children. God’s love for us does not depend on our faithfulness; it is unconditional.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Alas! and Did my Savior Bleed”, arr. by Esther Megargel

Welcome and Announcements

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Hymn: “Our Father, We Have Wandered”

Apostolic Greeting

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Joshua 5:9-12

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Choir Anthem: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”, Text: Julia Johnston, Music by Daniel Towner, arr. by Edwin T. Childs

Children’s Time

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Sermon: David Garrett, Jews for Jesus

Sermon Hymn: “Softly and Tenderly”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church

Lord’s Prayer

Offertory: “Arietta”, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Offering Response: “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Restore in Us, O God”

Dismissal

Postlude: “What Wonderous Love is This”, arr. by John Dixon