Lessons for April 2, 2006 – Fifth Sunday in Lent

The first lesson

Jeremiah 31:31-34
 
"The day will come," says the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife," says the LORD.  33"But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day," says the LORD. "I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their family, saying, 'You should know the LORD.' For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will already know me," says the LORD. "And I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins."  (NLT)

Psalm 119:9-16
 
L.  How can a young person stay pure?
C.  By obeying your word and following its rules. 
L.  I have tried my best to find you—don't let me wander from your commands. 
C.  I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 
L.  Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your principles. 
C.  I have recited aloud all the laws you have given us. 
L.  I have rejoiced in your decrees as much as in riches. 
C.  I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 
L.  I will delight in your principles and not forget your word.  (NLT)
 
The second lesson

Hebrews 5:5-10
 
That is why Christ did not exalt himself to become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him,
"You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father."
6And in another passage God said to him,
"You are a priest forever
in the line of Melchizedek."
7While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could deliver him out of death. And God heard his prayers because of his reverence for God. 8So even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. 10And God designated him to be a High Priest in the line of Melchizedek.  (NLT)
 
The Gospel Lesson

John 12:20-33
 
Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem to attend the Passover 21paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, "Sir, we want to meet Jesus." 22Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.  23Jesus replied, "The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies it will be alone—a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who despise their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26All those who want to be my disciples must come and follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And if they follow me, the Father will honor them. 27Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save me from what lies ahead'? But that is the very reason why I came! 28Father, bring glory to your name." Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, "I have already brought it glory, and I will do it again." 29When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. 30Then Jesus told them, "The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31The time of judgment for the world has come, when the prince of this world will be cast out. 32And when I am lifted up on the cross, I will draw everyone to myself." 33He said this to indicate how he was going to die.  (NLT)