A call pierces the tomb. There is a bright cloud on the way to the cross. Water, bread, and wine are symbols of God’s presence. The Sundays in March take us on a journey following the last weeks of Jesus’ life.
The call to life
The first Sunday of March focuses on the account of the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus’ friend was about to die. His sisters sent a message to Jesus, who was travelling through the countryside, asking Him for help. But by the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been buried four days. There was weeping, sorrow, and despair. Even Jesus wept over the death of His friend. He went to the grave and cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And Lazarus came out.
This call of Jesus is still addressed to the living and the dead today. It is a call to follow Him. They are to focus on Jesus, to let go of bitterness and past injustices, and move in the direction of Christian fellowship. After all, the church of Christ is the community of the living and the dead; all can receive salvation, and thus eternal life.
Light on the way to the cross
The focus of the second Sunday is on the transfiguration of Christ. God acknowledged His Son not only at the time of His baptism, but also when His end was imminent. God manifested Himself in the form of a bright cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” For the eyewitnesses Peter, John, and James it became clear that Jesus is the Messiah, invested with divine authority.
Today, God reveals Himself through the sacraments of baptism and sealing. Those who seek to please God take Christ as their example: they renounce evil and sin, allow love to prevail, remain faithful, and orient themselves to His word.
Water, grace, discipleship
The third Sunday in March reflects on Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. A task normally performed by slaves was taken on by Jesus Himself, demonstrating that only those who have been cleansed by Him can be saved. He alone decides what is necessary for salvation: the rebirth out of water and the Spirit, acting in accordance with God’s will, forgiveness of sins, and Holy Communion.
God’s actions are not always easy to understand. Nevertheless, it is important to trust in Him and His love, His justice, and His power. With Jesus’ example in mind, everyone can be kind and do good to others.
Bread of life and cup of salvation
The divine service on the fourth Sunday in March focuses on Holy Communion. Shortly before His death on the cross, Jesus was together with His disciples to celebrate Passover with them. It was during this meal that He instituted the sacrament. For the bread and wine are references to the body and blood of Christ. And so the Lord’s Supper is a reference to the final liberation from sin and death.
In Holy Communion, Jesus is truly present and meets us personally, giving us support, strength, and comfort. It is both a profession of faith in Him and His return, and a commemoration of His death—while also expressing our living hope for eternal fellowship.
Jesus brings life
On the last Sunday of the month, the focus is on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The crowds laid palm branches at His feet, some shouted hosanna, and Jesus’ disciples spread their clothes on the road in front of Him. The disciples began to speak about what they had heard and experienced with Jesus. They were convinced that He was the promised King and Messiah. Shortly afterwards, He was crucified and mocked.
Today, Jesus comes to us in word and sacrament. And we praise and serve God by contributing our talents and gifts or by giving thanks for our personal experiences with God. For even in suffering and death, Jesus remains the King of Life, of eternal life.
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