EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY March 2, 2025

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY March 2, 2025 AS WE GATHER The seeing are blind, while the one who is blind can see (Luke 18:31- 43). Jesus tells the twelve that He is going up to Jerusalem to suffer and die and rise again, but they cannot understand or grasp what He is saying. The meaning of His words is hidden from their sight. However, as Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Him for mercy. This blind man sees that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, for he calls Him “Son of David.” Indeed, Jesus is the Lord’s anointed, the keeper of sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13) who goes to lay down His life for the sheep. He is the incarnate love of the Father who suffers long and is kind, who is not puffed up, who never fails us (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Jesus opens the eyes of the blind (Is. 35:3-7) to see Him not according to outward appearances of lowliness, but according to His heart of mercy and compassion. Those who behold Him thus by faith follow Him to the cross through death into life. St. Paul Lutheran Church A Member Congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod We greet and welcome all guests and visitors worshiping with us today. We hope that the message you hear today will strengthen your understanding and faith in God’s plan to save us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. If you are visiting with us for the first time, please introduce yourself to Pastor Mat. If you are without a church home, we invite you to join us here at St. Paul. ORDER OF WORSHIP DIVINE SERVICE 3 Ringing of the Bell Hymn of Invocation 685 Invocation p184 Confession/Absolution p184 †The Service of the Word † Introit p8 of bulletin Kyrie p186 Gloria in Excelsis p187 Salutation/Collect p189 Old Testament p595 Isaiah 35:3-7 Psalm 84 Front of Hymnal Epistle Reading p959 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 Alleluia/Verse p190 Holy Gospel p878 Luke 18:31–43 Apostles Creed p192 Hymn of the Day 849 Sermon Offertory p192 Offering (please sign attendance book in pew) Prayer of the Church † Service of the Sacrament † Preface p194 Sanctus p195 Lord’s Prayer p196 The Words of our Lord p197 Pax Domini p197 Agnus Dei p198 Distribution Hymns 620, 827, 744, 819 Nunc Dimittis p199 Thanksgiving p200 Salutation and Benedicamus p201 Benediction p202 Hymn to Depart 398