October 20th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

The Perfect Priest: Christ's Supreme Calling (Hebrews 5:1-10)

Lectionary Readings — Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost — October 20, 2024

Job 38:1-7; Psalm 104:1-9,24,35c; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45

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Call to Worship (based on Hebrews 5:1-10)

Leader: Let us come before God, remembering Christ, our great high priest.

Congregation: He understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do.

Leader: Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God.

Congregation: Christ offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death.

Leader: Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.

Congregation: And, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

Leader: He was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Congregation: Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence.

Leader: So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

All: We come to worship the One who calls us and understands us. Praise be to God!

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Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 104:1-9,24,35c)

Almighty God, Creator of all,

We gather before You today, aware of Your magnificent creation that surrounds us. Just as the psalmist marveled at Your works, we too are in awe of the world You have made.

Lord, You clothe Yourself in light and majesty. Help us to see Your glory in the world around us – in the warmth of the sun, the gentleness of the breeze, and the nourishment of the rain. As we face our daily challenges, remind us of Your power that set the very foundations of the earth.

We pray for those in our congregation who are struggling – with illness, with loss, with doubt. Like the waters that You guide to their appointed places, guide us in our times of uncertainty. Set boundaries around our fears and anxieties, that they may not overwhelm us.

For those seeking purpose, we ask that You reveal the wisdom with which You have created all things. Help us to find our place in Your grand design.

In times of change, when we feel shaken, be our firm foundation. When we feel adrift, be our anchor.

Lord, Your works are countless, and we are but a small part of Your vast creation. Yet You care for each of us. Help us to care for one another and for the world You've entrusted to us.

May our worship today be pleasing to You. Fill our hearts with joy in Your presence, and let our lives echo the praise of all creation.

We offer this prayer in humble adoration and the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "The Perfect Priest: Christ’s Supreme Calling” (Hebrews 5:1-10)

Introduction:

• Brief overview of the role of priests in the Old Testament

• Transition to how Christ fulfills and surpasses this role

I. The Calling of the High Priest (vv. 1-4)

II. The Credentials of Christ (vv. 5-6)

III. The Character of Christ (vv. 7-8)

IV. The Consequence of Christ's Priesthood (vv. 9-10)

Conclusion:

• Recap of how Christ fulfills and surpasses the role of high priest

• Call to trust in Christ's perfect priesthood and approach God with confidence

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers