Welcome to our live-streamed Easter Sunday Worship Service for March 31 2024. Today we discover that fear may grip us, but courage empowered by faith in the risen Christ leads us forward.
Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860
God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
Read John 20:1-18
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT).“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives” (Romans 6:4 NLT).
On Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us delve into the profound message encapsulated in Casting Crowns’ poignant lyrics, “If We Are the Body.” The song challenges us to consider the authenticity of our faith and the extent to which we embody the love and life of Christ in our actions.
Imagine the scene at the tomb on that first Easter morning. Mary Magdalene arrives in the early hours, her heart heavy with grief. But as she nears the tomb, she finds the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. In her confusion and distress, she encounters the risen Jesus. In this encounter, Mary experiences a profound transformation—from despair to joy, from doubt to faith, from death to life.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event; it is the heartbeat of the Christian faith. It is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power over sin and death, and it signifies the birth of new life for all who believe. Just as Jesus conquered the grave, we too are called to live in the power of his resurrection.
Casting Crowns’ lyrics remind us that if we are truly the body of Christ, we must be His hands and feet in the world. Our lives should reflect His love, His compassion, and His grace. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, bearers of hope, and instruments of peace in a broken and hurting world.
But how often do we fall short of this calling? How often do we allow fear, selfishness, and complacency to hinder us from fully embracing resurrection life? The reality is that we cannot truly live into the Easter message if we remain bound by the trappings of sin and self-centeredness.
Yet, there is hope. Just as Jesus called Mary by name and transformed her sorrow into joy, He calls each of us to experience the reality of His resurrection in our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live victoriously, to love extravagantly, and to serve sacrificially.
To truly live into Jesus’ resurrection, let us actively seek ways to embody His love and life in our daily lives. Let us extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, offer compassion to the marginalized and oppressed, share the hope of the gospel with those who are lost, and live lives of gratitude and generosity. By doing so, our words and actions will bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives and in the world around us.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
As we celebrate Easter, let us not only rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus but also commit to embodying His love and life in all that we do.PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the miracle of Easter and the hope it brings. Help us to live as true reflections of your resurrection power, sharing your love and grace with everyone we meet. Amen.
Read Matthew 27:57-66
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away” (John 19:38 NLT).
Imagine the profound silence that enveloped the disciples on this day. The Sabbath hung heavy with the weight of grief and uncertainty. Just yesterday, they had witnessed their beloved Rabbi, their long-awaited Messiah, brutally crucified. The echoes of hammer blows still resonated in their hearts, mingling with the painful memories of his anguished cries and the darkness that shrouded the land.
Their leader, Jesus, was now entombed in a borrowed sepulcher, sealed by the authority of Rome. The disciples found themselves scattered, hiding in the shadows, trembling with fear and disbelief. Each breath felt labored, burdened by the weight of shattered dreams and shattered hopes. What was left for them now? Where could they turn in the wake of such devastation?
Physically, they were no doubt exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the previous days. Their bodies, once energized by the fervor of their mission, now felt drained and weak. They likely huddled together, seeking solace in each other’s presence, yet unable to escape the gnawing ache of loss that consumed them.
Utter confusion mingled with their physical exhaustion. Holy Saturday, for the disciples, wasn’t just a day of mourning; it was a day of hiding. Fear gripped their hearts as they remembered the fate of their beloved Teacher. They knew that they could be next—accused as accomplices of Jesus, hunted down by the same authorities that had orchestrated His death. The safety of their own lives was uncertain, and their faith was shaken to its core.
In the silence of Holy Saturday, they grappled with the darkness of doubt and the shadows of uncertainty. The promises of their Lord echoed faintly in their minds, drowned out by the clamor of fear and despair. What did it all mean? How could they make sense of the shattered pieces of their faith?
But even in the midst of their darkest hour, something miraculous was unfolding. Unbeknownst to them, as they cowered in fear and uncertainty, God was at work. The grave could not contain the One who held the keys to life and death. In the quiet stillness of the tomb, a victory was being won that would echo throughout eternity.
For us today, Holy Saturday serves as a poignant reminder of the times when we, too, find ourselves in the shadows of uncertainty and doubt. When the trials of life threaten to overwhelm us and the silence of God seems deafening, may we remember that Easter morning is just around the corner. In the silence of Holy Saturday, faith finds its deepest roots, and hope springs eternal.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the silence of Holy Saturday, faith finds its deepest roots.PRAYER
Dear Lord, in the midst of uncertainty and doubt, help me to trust in Your promises. May I find hope in the darkness, knowing that You are always at work, even when I cannot see. Give me the strength to persevere through the trials of life, knowing that Easter morning is coming. Amen.
Read John 19:16-30
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT).
As the sky darkened and the crowd murmured, Jesus, bearing the weight of the cross, walked the Via Dolorosa. His steps echoed the cries of the suffering, the brokenness of humanity reflected in His pain. Along the path, Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service to carry the cross, a poignant reminder of how we, too, are called to share in Christ’s burden.
The journey to Golgotha, laden with symbolism and significance, mirrors the journey of salvation. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly takes on the sins of the world, exemplifying the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Simon of Cyrene, compelled to bear the cross, illustrates the communal aspect of Christ’s suffering, inviting believers to participate in the work of redemption.
Picture the scene: the clatter of nails, the wrenching cries, and the voice of Jesus, resonating with profound mercy, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” These words, spoken amidst agony, reveal the heart of God’s redemptive plan. In Christ’s suffering, we find forgiveness and grace. His blood, shed for us, washes away our sin.
Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness unveils the essence of His mission—to reconcile humanity with God. Despite the cruelty inflicted upon Him, Jesus intercedes for His persecutors, embodying the divine love that seeks the restoration of all creation. This act challenges believers to extend forgiveness and compassion, even in the face of adversity.
Through the eyes of the Roman soldiers, we witness the seamless robe gambled for, a symbol of human indifference to the divine. Yet, in that very act, prophecy was fulfilled, and God’s sovereign hand was at work, orchestrating redemption even in the darkest hour.
The soldiers’ casting of lots fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 22:18, underscoring the divine sovereignty over human events. Despite the soldiers’ callousness, God’s providence ensures that every detail aligns with His redemptive plan. This underscores the theme of divine sovereignty amidst human agency, emphasizing God’s ability to bring about good even in the midst of evil.
At the foot of the cross, Mary, the mother of Jesus, stood, her heart pierced with sorrow. Here, we encounter the depths of human anguish and the promise of hope. In Jesus’ words to John, “Behold your mother,” and to Mary, “Woman, behold your son,” we see the formation of a new family—the family of believers bound together by the blood of Christ.
Jesus’ words to Mary and John signify the establishment of a new familial bond within the community of believers. In entrusting Mary to John’s care, Jesus not only ensures His mother’s well-being but also symbolizes the spiritual kinship among believers. This underscores the communal nature of faith and the responsibility to care for one another as members of God’s family.
The cry of dereliction, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” echoes through the ages, encapsulating the profound mystery of atonement. In Christ’s abandonment, we find our reconciliation with God. His sacrifice bridges the chasm between heaven and earth, offering us a path to restoration and eternal life.
Jesus’ cry of abandonment echoes Psalm 22:1, emphasizing His identification with human suffering and separation from God. In this moment, Christ experiences the full weight of sin and its consequences, bearing the divine wrath on behalf of humanity. Through His sacrifice, Jesus provides a way for humanity to be reconciled with God, exemplifying the depth of divine love and the extent of redemption available through Him.
Good Friday invites believers to contemplate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and respond with gratitude and devotion. We are called to embrace the forgiveness and grace extended to us through His death, living lives transformed by His love. Furthermore, we are challenged to embody Christ-like forgiveness and compassion, extending grace to others as we have received it ourselves.
Reach Out: Today, reach out to someone you’ve been holding a grudge against or someone who has wronged you. Extend forgiveness and seek reconciliation, reflecting Christ’s love in your actions.
Serve: Just as Simon of Cyrene was pressed into service to help Jesus carry the cross, look for opportunities to serve others, especially those burdened by suffering or pain. Your acts of kindness can be a tangible expression of Christ’s love.
Reflect on Grace: Take time to reflect on the depth of God’s grace displayed on the cross. Allow the reality of Christ’s sacrifice to transform your heart and mind, renewing your commitment to live a life worthy of the gospel.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Good Friday is not merely a day of sorrow but a day of profound grace. It is the day when heaven stooped low to meet humanity in its brokenness, offering redemption through the sacrifice of Christ.PRAYER
Lord Jesus, as I reflect on your sacrifice this Good Friday, let me never forget your love. Help me embrace your grace and live transformed. Amen.
Welcome to our live-streamed Good Friday Worship Service for March 29, 2024. This evening we retrace the steps of Jesus throughout his passion and death in this powerful worship experience.
Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860
God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
Read Luke 22:7-20
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“’This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26 NLT)
Enter into the intimate setting of the upper room on that poignant Holy Thursday evening, where Jesus, surrounded by His beloved disciples, prepares to share a final meal before His impending sacrifice. The room is hushed, the mood solemn, as Jesus, fully aware of what lies ahead, sets in motion a series of profound acts that will echo through the ages.
As the disciples recline at the table, their hearts heavy with anticipation and uncertainty, Jesus rises from His place of honor, His eyes filled with love and compassion. With deliberate steps, He moves toward a basin of water and a towel, symbols of humility and servanthood.
One by one, Jesus kneels before His disciples, tenderly washing their dusty feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants. His hands, strong and gentle, move with purpose, cleansing away the grime of the journey and the weight of the world’s burdens. Peter, ever impulsive, protests, but Jesus, with unwavering resolve, insists, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
In this profound act of humility and love, Jesus sets the tone for the evening, laying bare the essence of His mission on earth. By washing the feet of His disciples, He demonstrates the radical nature of His kingdom – one founded not on power or prestige but on love and selflessness.
Having washed their feet, Jesus returns to the table, His heart heavy yet steadfast in purpose. Taking bread, He blesses it and breaks it, offering it to His disciples with the words, “This is my body given for you.” Then, He takes the cup, a symbol of the new covenant sealed in His blood, and shares it with them, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you.”
In these simple yet profound gestures lies the heart of Christian communion. Jesus, in His sacrificial love, invites His followers to partake in a tangible remembrance of His impending sacrifice. Through the bread and wine, believers are united with Christ, sharing in His death and resurrection, and becoming participants in the new covenant of grace.
The Last Supper account in Luke 22:7-20 encapsulates pivotal moments in the life and ministry of Jesus. Through the act of washing the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus establishes foundational practices for His followers. His washing of their feet exemplifies radical humility and servant leadership, while the sharing of bread and wine becomes a tangible means of remembering and participating in His sacrificial death and resurrection.
The Last Supper challenges believers to emulate the humility, love, and sacrificial service modeled by Jesus. It invites us to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church, particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist, where we remember and partake in Christ’s sacrifice for our redemption. Additionally, it calls us to embrace a paradigm of servant leadership in our interactions with others, following the example set by Jesus Himself.
As we reflect on the events of this Holy Thursday, let us enter into the sacred account of the Last Supper with hearts open to its profound significance. May we partake in the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude, embracing the call to embody Christ’s sacrificial love in our own lives.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
The Last Supper invites us to embrace the sacrificial love of Christ and to live out its implications in our daily lives, embodying humility, service, and love for one another.PRAYER
Dear Lord, as I remember the Last Supper, deepen my understanding of Your sacrificial love. Help me mirror Your humility and selflessness in my relationships. Amen.
Welcome to our live-streamed Maundy Thursday Worship Service for March 28, 2024. This evening we discover that in both our joys and sorrows, Jesus commands us and shows us how to be a community committed to love in action.
Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860
God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
Read Mark 14:10-11
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:14-16 NLT).
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the ancient stones of Jerusalem, a tension hung in the air. Among the disciples gathered in the Upper Room, an unsettling murmuring arose, barely perceptible yet heavy with betrayal. Judas Iscariot, his features hidden in the gloom, slipped away from the company of Christ, his heart a tumult of conflicting emotions.
His footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones as he made his way through the narrow streets, guided by the faint glow of torchlight. The weight of his decision pressed upon him like a leaden cloak, the darkness of his intent veiling him from the eyes of his fellow disciples.
Arriving at the Temple, Judas sought out the presence of the high priests, the guardians of religious authority. With a voice edged in desperation, he broached the unthinkable. “What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?” The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of betrayal and the lure of silver.
The high priests, their faces hidden in the shadows, exchanged glances. “Thirty pieces of silver,” they replied, their voices a chilling whisper in the darkness. And with that, the pact was sealed, a bargain struck in the shadows of treachery.
In the silence that followed, the darkness seemed to deepen, the night itself recoiling from the magnitude of the betrayal unfolding within its midst. Thirty pieces of silver exchanged hands, a paltry sum that belied the true cost of the soul being bartered away.
Judas’s actions exemplify the depths of human frailty and the allure of worldly gain. While the promise of money is the most overt motivation, we can’t discount the possibility of other underlying factors driving Judas’s betrayal. Perhaps it was resentment or disillusionment simmering beneath the surface, a sense of unmet expectations or personal grievances against Jesus or the other disciples. Maybe it was a misguided attempt to force Jesus into a position of power or to incite a revolution against Roman rule. Whatever the motives, Judas’s betrayal serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of allowing earthly desires and human frailties to eclipse our devotion to God.
Yet, amidst the darkness of Judas’s betrayal, the light of divine providence shines undimmed. Christ, in His omniscience, foresees the impending treachery and accepts it as a necessary step in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Even in the darkest hour of betrayal, the hand of God is at work, guiding the course of history towards its ultimate purpose.
As we reflect on the events of Holy Wednesday, let us examine our own hearts and confront the shadows of betrayal that lurk within. Like Judas, we may face moments of temptation where the promise of worldly gain threatens to lead us astray from our allegiance to Christ. In these moments, may we cling steadfastly to the light of God’s truth, resisting the siren call of temptation and remaining faithful to our covenant with Him.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the quiet recesses of our hearts, let us beware the whispers of temptation, for even the faintest glimmer of silver can obscure the radiance of divine love.PRAYER
Lord, grant us the strength to resist the allure of worldly gain and to remain steadfast in our devotion to You. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth, even when surrounded by the shadows of betrayal. Amen.
Read Matthew 22:34-40
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23 NLT)
In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Holy Tuesday unfolds with profound teachings and poignant encounters. Jesus, surrounded by his disciples, walks with purpose through the crowds, his words carrying weight and wisdom.
As he passes by the temple, a group of Pharisees and teachers of the law approach him, their faces filled with skepticism. One among them, a lawyer, steps forward with a question meant to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asks, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus, undeterred by their intentions, responds with a depth of insight that leaves his audience speechless. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” he declares. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Pharisees murmur among themselves, impressed by Jesus’ answer yet unsure how to respond. But Jesus is not finished. He turns his gaze upon them, his eyes filled with both compassion and rebuke. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,” he says, his voice echoing through the temple courts. “You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
The Pharisees shift uncomfortably under Jesus’ scrutiny, realizing the depth of their hypocrisy. But Jesus does not condemn them; instead, he offers them a challenge—to live lives marked by genuine love and righteousness.
Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday encapsulate the essence of true spirituality: love for God and love for neighbor. His response to the Pharisees highlights the foundational principles upon which all of God’s commandments rest. Love, Jesus teaches, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith—a love that encompasses our entire being and extends to all those around us.
The first commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, speaks to the depth of our relationship with the divine. It calls us to surrender ourselves completely to God, to offer our whole being in worship and devotion. This love for God is not merely an emotional response but a commitment of the will—an acknowledgment of God’s supreme worth and authority over our lives.
The second commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, extends the scope of our love outward, embracing all of humanity. It challenges us to see others as God sees them—to recognize their inherent worth and dignity as fellow bearers of the divine image. This love is not limited by boundaries or conditions but encompasses all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or religion.
As we reflect on Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday, let us examine our own lives. Are we, like the Pharisees, more concerned with outward appearances than with genuine love for God and others? Let us strive to cultivate hearts that are truly transformed by love—a love that compels us to seek justice, extend mercy, and live lives of faithfulness.
Let us embrace Jesus’ challenge to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should permeate every aspect of our lives, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions. It should inspire us to reach out to those in need, to stand up for justice, and to extend grace and forgiveness to all who cross our path.
Let us also recognize that living out this love is not always easy. It requires humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But as we follow Jesus’ example and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that our efforts will bear fruit—fruit that glorifies God and blesses those around us.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
True spirituality is not about adhering to a set of rules but about cultivating a heart of love—a love that transforms us from the inside out.PRAYER
Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our lives be marked by justice, mercy, and faithfulness, reflecting the depth of your love for us. Transform our hearts, O God, and empower us to live lives that honor and glorify you. Amen.
Read Mark 11:12-19
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7 NLT).
The sun rose over Bethany, casting long shadows across the dusty road as Jesus and his disciples made their way toward Jerusalem. Conversation flowed among the group, anticipation rising with each step. Suddenly, Jesus stopped, his gaze fixed on a fig tree in the distance. “I’m hungry,” he declared.
Peter, always quick to respond, chuckled. “We’ll find you something to eat when we get to Jerusalem, Master.”
But Jesus approached the fig tree, his hunger palpable. His disappointment was evident as he found no fruit, only leaves. “May no one ever eat fruit from you again,” he said, his words hanging in the air.
The disciples exchanged puzzled glances, but there was no time for questions as they continued their journey. Soon, they reached the outskirts of Jerusalem, the bustling city stretching before them. The noise of the marketplace filled the air as they entered the Temple courtyard.
What they saw next left them speechless. Jesus, usually calm and composed, was now a whirlwind of righteous anger. He overturned tables, scattering coins, and drove out those who were buying and selling. “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations!” he proclaimed.
The Temple leaders, threatened by Jesus’ actions, began plotting his demise. But amidst the chaos, Jesus continued to teach, his words piercing through the noise and confusion.
You stood in awe, witnessing Jesus’ zeal for the purity of worship and his rejection of religious hypocrisy. His actions challenged the status quo, confronting the corruption and injustice that had infiltrated religious practice.
As evening fell, you left the Temple with Jesus, pondering the events of the day and the profound implications of his actions.
In today’s passage, we witness Jesus’ actions in the Temple and his cursing of the fig tree. The fig tree, with its leaves but no fruit, serves as a symbol of spiritual barrenness and hypocrisy. What’s more, the tree was barren because it was not quite yet in season. This is a warning to us, Jesus’ disciples, that we are to be ready for Him, regardless of when he arrives. Furthermore, Jesus’ actions in the Temple demonstrate his zeal for the purity of worship and his rejection of religious hypocrisy.
The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer and communion with God, but it had become a marketplace, driven by greed and exploitation. Jesus’ actions were a powerful statement against the corruption and injustice that had infiltrated religious practice.
This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, or are we like the fig tree, full of leaves but lacking substance…not ready for the return of our Lord? Are our places of worship, starting with our own hearts, characterized by genuine devotion and prayer, or have they become polluted by worldly concerns?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody his teachings and reflect his character. Let us strive to cultivate lives of authenticity and integrity, bearing fruit that glorifies God and serves others. May our places of worship be sanctuaries of prayer and worship, where all are welcomed and embraced in God’s love.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the midst of chaos and conflict, Jesus reveals his zeal for the purity of worship and his unwavering commitment to God’s purposes.PRAYER
Lord Jesus, lead us into reverence, aligning our hearts with Your purpose. Grant courage to confront injustice and wisdom to follow faithfully. Amen.
