March 15th, Sermon & Ministry Resources
"From Darkness to Devotion" (John 9:1-41)
Lectionary Readings — Fourth Sunday in Lent — March 15, 2026
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Call to Worship (based on John 9:1-41)
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
People: We come seeking the light of Christ, that we might see clearly and walk in His truth.
Leader: Once we were blind, but now we see. Christ has opened our eyes to the glory of God.
People: We come to worship the One who gives sight to the blind and hope to the hopeless.
Leader: The man born blind testified, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
People: We too bear witness to what Christ has done in our lives. He has transformed us by His grace.
Leader: Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him.
People: We believe in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and we come to worship Him today.
Leader: Let us come with gratitude for the light Christ has brought into our lives.
All: We worship You, Lord Jesus, for opening our eyes and giving us spiritual sight. Shine Your light upon us as we gather in Your name. Amen.
Opening Prayer (based on Ephesians 5:8-14)
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come into Your presence this morning on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, grateful for this season of reflection and renewal. We thank You for calling us out of darkness into the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we journey through these weeks toward Easter, we are reminded that we were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, and we praise You for this transformation.
Lord, this Lenten season calls us to examine our lives honestly before You. Help us to identify any areas where we are still walking in darkness or participating in fruitless deeds. Give us the courage to expose these things to Your light and to turn away from them. Enable us to produce the fruit of the light—all goodness, righteousness, and truth—as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Father, we pray for anyone here today who may be spiritually asleep or walking in darkness. Awaken them by Your Spirit during this sacred season. Raise them from spiritual death and shine the light of Christ upon them so they may truly live.
As we continue our Lenten journey together, teach us through Your Word today. Draw us closer to the cross and help us to understand more deeply what it means to live as children of light. May our lives bring glory to You and point others to the saving light of Jesus Christ.
We offer this prayer in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Sermon Outline: "FROM DARKNESS TO DEVOTION"
Based on John 9:1-41
INTRODUCTION:
The story of the man born blind is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Gospel of John. It is a story of physical healing, spiritual awakening, and bold testimony. As we journey through Lent, this passage reminds us that Jesus came not only to give physical sight but to open our spiritual eyes to see the truth of who He is.
I. The CONDITION: A Life of Darkness (vv. 1-7)
A. Born into blindness - a life of limitation and dependence
B. Subject to theological speculation - “Who sinned, this man or his parents?”
C. Jesus reframes the situation - “that God’s works might be revealed in him”
D. Application: We all have areas of spiritual blindness until Christ opens our eyes
II. The CURE: The Power of the Light (vv. 6-12)
A. Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world”
B. The simple obedience - “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam”
C. The miraculous result - “he came back able to see”
D. Application: Christ alone has the power to heal our spiritual blindness
III. The COURAGE: Standing Firm in Testimony (vv. 13-34)
A. The man’s simple but powerful testimony - “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see”
B. Growing boldness in the face of opposition from religious leaders
C. Refusing to deny what Christ has done - “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing”
D. Application: Our testimony matters, even when others reject it
IV. The COMMITMENT: From Sight to Worship (vv. 35-41)
A. Jesus seeks out the man who was cast out
B. The question of belief - “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
C. The response of faith - “Lord, I believe”
D. The posture of worship - “And he worshiped him”
E. Application: True sight leads to surrender and worship
Conclusion:
The journey from darkness to devotion is the journey every believer takes. Like the blind man, we were once in darkness, unable to see the truth about God, ourselves, or our need for a Savior. But Jesus, the Light of the World, has opened our eyes. Now we have a testimony to share and a Savior to worship. This Lenten season, let us examine our own hearts. Are there areas of spiritual blindness we need Christ to heal? Are we bold in our testimony? And are we living lives of worship and devotion to the One who gave us sight?
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