5th Sunday in Lent (A) Framework

I. Fifth Sunday in Lent (Series A)

1. Liturgical Context and Overview

The Fifth Sunday in Lent intensifies the Church's reflection on the power of God to give life to the dead, both physically and spiritually. The appointed readings emphasize God's promise to restore life through His Spirit, the hope found in Christ's resurrection, and the call to faith amid death and despair ¹.

2. Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

A. Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel receives a vision of dry bones representing Israel's spiritual death and exile ². God's command to prophesy life to these bones symbolizes His power to restore the nation and bring spiritual renewal through His Spirit ³.

B. The Spirit as Source of New Life

• The Spirit of the Lord breathes life into the lifeless ⁴.
• This prefigures the New Covenant promise of spiritual resurrection and restoration ⁵.
• God's grace and power overcome death and despair ³⁰⁰.

3. Psalm 130

A. Cry for Mercy and Hope

Psalm 130 is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness from the depths of despair ⁶. It expresses confident hope in God's steadfast love and redemption ⁷.

B. Trust in God's Redeeming Word

• The psalmist waits patiently for the Lord ⁸.
• Forgiveness comes through God's mercy, which is the believer's sure foundation ⁹.
• This faith in forgiveness is possible only by grace through faith ³⁰¹.

4. Epistle Reading: Romans 8:1-11

A. Freedom from Condemnation

Paul proclaims that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because the law of the Spirit of life has set believers free from the law of sin and death ¹⁰.

B. The Spirit of Life in Christ

• Believers live according to the Spirit, not the flesh ¹¹.
• The Spirit raises believers to new life as children of God ¹².
• This new life is a foretaste of resurrection and eternal glory ¹³.

5. Holy Gospel: John 11:1-45 (or 11:17-27, 38-53)

A. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life

Jesus declares to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life", promising eternal life to all who believe in Him ¹⁴. This statement forms the Christological heart of the Gospel reading.

B. Raising Lazarus from the Dead

Jesus performs the miracle of raising Lazarus, demonstrating His power over physical death and foreshadowing His own resurrection ¹⁵.

C. Faith in the Face of Death

• Martha confesses faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God ¹⁶.
• The miracle invites all believers to trust in Christ's promise of life beyond death ¹⁷.
• The raising of Lazarus is a sign that calls for faith and points to the final resurrection ¹⁸.

6. Theological Themes

A. God's Power Over Death

The readings proclaim that God's Spirit gives life where there is death, overcoming sin, despair, and physical death itself ^2,4,15.

B. Law and Gospel

• The Law reveals sin and condemns sinners ¹⁰.
• The Gospel offers forgiveness, new life, and resurrection through Christ's victory ^14,15.
• Faith clings to Christ's work and promises alone ^300,301.

C. Christian Hope and Vocation

Believers are called to live by the Spirit in hope and faith, trusting God's promises even amid suffering and death ^11,16.

7. Pastoral and Catechetical Implications

• Comfort the suffering with the sure hope of resurrection in Christ ¹⁵.
• Teach the difference between the Law's condemnation and the Gospel's promise of life ¹⁰.
• Encourage patient waiting on the Lord and trust in His mercy ^6,8.
• Call the Church to confess Christ as the resurrection and the life ¹⁴.

8. Eschatological Orientation

The raising of Lazarus points forward to the final resurrection and eternal life in the new creation ¹⁸. The Christian lives now in the tension between death and life, trusting in Christ's promises ¹³.

9. Summary Confessional Affirmation

The Church confesses that:

• God's Spirit gives life to the spiritually dead and renews His people ^2,4.
• There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus ¹⁰.
• Christ is the Resurrection and the Life who conquers death and gives eternal life ^14,15.
• Faith receives this promise by grace through faith alone ^300,301.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. John 11:25-26 - Christ is the resurrection and the life.
  • • 2. Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The valley of dry bones and Spirit-given life.
  • • 3. Ezekiel 37:5-6 - God commands life to the bones.
  • • 4. Ezekiel 37:14 - God's Spirit brings new life.
  • • 5. Jeremiah 31:33-34 - New Covenant promise (Old Testament background).
  • • 6. Psalm 130:1-2 - Cry from the depths for mercy.
  • • 7. Psalm 130:5 - Hope in the Lord.
  • • 8. Psalm 130:6 - Waiting for the Lord.
  • • 9. Psalm 130:7-8 - Redemption through God's steadfast love.
  • • 10. Romans 8:1 - No condemnation in Christ.
  • • 11. Romans 8:9-11 - Life through the Spirit.
  • • 12. Romans 8:14-16 - Spirit as witness to believers' adoption.
  • • 13. Romans 8:18-23 - Future glory and resurrection hope.
  • • 14. John 11:25-26 - Christ's declaration as resurrection and life.
  • • 15. John 11:43-44 - Raising of Lazarus.
  • • 16. John 11:27 - Martha's confession of faith.
  • • 17. John 11:38-40 - Jesus' power over death.
  • • 18. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Resurrection of the dead in Christ.

• External References:
  • • 200. Robert Kolb and Charles Arand, The Genius of Luther's Theology - New life in the Spirit.
  • • 201. F. F. Bruce, The Epistle to the Romans - Freedom from condemnation in Christ.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith alone.
  • • 301. FC SD III, - Life and renewal through the Spirit.

II. Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

1. Biblical Text Overview

Ezekiel 37:1-14 presents the vision of the valley of dry bones, where the prophet Ezekiel is shown a miraculous restoration of lifeless bones into a living, breathing people. This passage symbolizes the spiritual revival and restoration of Israel by God's Spirit.

2. Historical and Theological Context

A. Historical Background

• Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, a time when Israel was spiritually and nationally desolate ¹.
• The valley of dry bones represents the people of Israel who felt cut off and hopeless ².

B. Theological Significance

• The vision reveals God's power to bring life from death and hope from despair ³.
• It symbolizes the resurrection and renewal of God's people by the Holy Spirit ⁴.
• The passage prefigures the New Testament promises of resurrection and spiritual rebirth through Christ ³⁰⁰.

3. Key Themes

A. The Power of the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit's breath (Hebrew ruach) brings life and restoration ⁵.
• Spiritual death is overcome only by God's active, life-giving Spirit ⁶.

B. God's Faithful Promise of Restoration

• God promises to open graves and bring His people back to the land ⁷.
• This is a sign of God's covenant faithfulness despite Israel's disobedience ⁸.

C. Corporate and Individual Renewal

• The dry bones represent the corporate body of Israel and the individual believer ⁹.
• God's restoration encompasses both national and personal spiritual revival ¹⁰.

4. Application to the Church

A. Assurance of Resurrection and New Life

• Believers receive new spiritual life through the Holy Spirit, overcoming spiritual death ¹¹.
• The vision comforts Christians facing despair or persecution with the hope of renewal ¹².

B. The Role of the Word and Spirit

• The preached Word and the Spirit work together to bring sinners to life in Christ ¹³.
• The Church lives by the Spirit's power as a renewed people of God ¹⁴.

5. Pastoral Implications

• Preach the power of the Spirit to bring dead sinners to life ¹⁵.
• Encourage trust in God's promises even in times of spiritual dryness or hopelessness ¹⁶.
• Emphasize baptism and the Spirit's work as real means of grace that revive the soul ^300,301.

6. Confessional Affirmation

• The Church confesses that the Spirit vivifies the baptized and calls the dead to new life ³⁰⁰.
• Restoration is not by human effort but by God's grace and Spirit alone ³⁰¹.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's call and exile context.
  • • 2. Ezekiel 37:1-2 - Vision of dry bones representing Israel.
  • • 3. Ezekiel 37:3-6 - God's promise of restoration.
  • • 4. Ezekiel 37:7-10 - Bones come to life by Spirit's breath.
  • • 5. Ezekiel 37:9-10 - The breath (Spirit) gives life.
  • • 6. John 3:5-8 - New birth by the Spirit.
  • • 7. Ezekiel 37:12-14 - God opens graves and restores.
  • • 8. Jeremiah 31:33-34 - Covenant promise of heart renewal.
  • • 9. Romans 11:25-26 - Spiritual renewal of Israel.
  • • 10. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - New creation in Christ.
  • • 11. Romans 6:4 - Baptism into newness of life.
  • • 12. 1 Peter 1:3 - Living hope through resurrection.
  • • 13. Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God as living and active.
  • • 14. Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Spirit and renewal.
  • • 15. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 - Scripture's power to make wise unto salvation.
  • • 16. Psalm 42:5 - Hope in God in times of despair.

• External References:
  • • 200. Robert Kolb, Theology of the Cross - The Spirit's work in renewal and resurrection.
  • • 201. J. A. Motyer, The Prophecy of Ezekiel - Detailed exposition of Ezekiel 37.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC V, - The Office of the Ministry and the Word as means of grace.
  • • 301. FC SD III, - The work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration.

III. Psalm: Psalm 130

1. Biblical Text Overview

Psalm 130 is a profound penitential psalm expressing deep repentance, earnest cry for mercy, and confident hope in God's forgiveness and redemption. It is one of the Songs of Ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem.

2. Theological Context and Themes

A. The Depth of Human Sin and Despair

• The psalmist cries out from the "depths," symbolizing the profound experience of guilt and spiritual distress ¹.
• Sin is understood as a heavy burden that separates sinners from God ².

B. Trust in God's Mercy and Forgiveness

• Despite sin, the psalmist places confident hope in God's mercy, unfailing love, and forgiveness ³.
• God's forgiveness is a cause for joy and salvation ⁴.

C. Waiting and Hope in the Lord

• The psalm emphasizes patient waiting on the Lord, reflecting a trusting faith ⁵.
• The Lord is portrayed as a Redeemer who will redeem Israel from all sins ⁶.

3. Christological and New Testament Fulfillment

• Psalm 130's cry for mercy and redemption finds fulfillment in Christ's atoning work, where forgiveness is secured through His sacrifice ³⁰⁰.
• The resurrection and triumph of Christ assure believers of God's ultimate salvation and victory over sin and death ⁷.
• The call to wait on the Lord echoes the Christian's call to trust in Christ amid suffering ⁸.

4. Pastoral and Catechetical Applications

A. The Comfort of Forgiveness

• Teach penitence by acknowledging the reality of sin and the need for God's mercy ⁹.
• Comfort the troubled conscience with the promise of forgiveness in Christ ^300,301.

B. The Discipline of Waiting

• Encourage believers to wait patiently and confidently on the Lord, especially in trials ^5,8.
• Use Psalm 130 in liturgical settings focused on repentance and renewal ¹⁰.

C. The Assurance of Redemption

• Proclaim the certainty of God's redemption and salvation for His people ⁶.
• Connect the psalm to Baptism and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification ³⁰¹.

5. Summary Confessional Affirmation

The Church confesses that:

• All have sinned and stand condemned before God's righteous judgment ².
• God's mercy is offered freely through Jesus Christ, who redeems and forgives sinners ³⁰⁰.
• Faith trusts in God's promises, waits patiently on Him, and rejoices in the sure hope of salvation ^5,6,301.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. Psalm 130:1 - Crying from the depths.
  • • 2. Psalm 130:3-4 - The weight of sin and God's forgiveness.
  • • 3. Psalm 130:7-8 - Hope in the Lord's steadfast love.
  • • 4. Psalm 130:7 - God's forgiveness and salvation.
  • • 5. Psalm 130:5-6 - Waiting patiently on the Lord.
  • • 6. Psalm 130:7-8 - Redemption of Israel.
  • • 7. Romans 8:1-2 - Freedom from condemnation in Christ.
  • • 8. Hebrews 12:1-3 - Persevering in faith.
  • • 9. 1 John 1:9 - Confession and forgiveness of sins.
  • • 10. Lutheran Service Book, p. 231 - Use of Psalm 130 in Lent.

• External References:
  • • 200. Robert Kolb, Theology of the Cross - God's mercy and human repentance.
  • • 201. James M. Boice, Psalms: Volume 3 - Exposition of Psalm 130.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith in Christ.
  • • 301. FC SD II, - The doctrine of repentance and forgiveness.

IV. Epistle: Romans 8:1-11

1. Biblical Text Overview

Romans 8:1-11 declares the believer's freedom from condemnation through the work of Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It contrasts the life according to the flesh with the life according to the Spirit, affirming the new life given by God's Spirit.

2. Theological Context and Themes

A. Freedom from Condemnation in Christ

• There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because of His redemptive work ¹.
• Justification by faith removes guilt and the penalty of sin ².

B. The Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit

• The flesh represents sinful human nature, bound to death and unable to please God ³.
• The Spirit represents the new life given by God, leading to righteousness and life ⁴.
• Living according to the flesh results in death, but living according to the Spirit results in life and peace ⁵.

C. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

• The Spirit of God dwells in believers, empowering them to overcome sin ⁶.
• The presence of the Spirit is the guarantee of resurrection and eternal life ⁷.

3. Christological Emphasis

• Christ's work accomplished deliverance from the law of sin and death ⁸.
• The believer's new identity is secured in Christ and His Spirit ⁹.

4. Application to the Christian Life

A. Assurance of Salvation

• Believers are assured of their justification and freedom from condemnation ^1,2.
• Confidence in God's work in Christ motivates holy living ¹⁰.

B. Life in the Spirit

• Christians are called to live according to the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the flesh ¹¹.
• The Spirit's presence enables believers to live godly lives ^6,11.

C. Hope in Resurrection

• The indwelling Spirit guarantees the resurrection of the body and eternal life ⁷.
• This hope sustains believers amid trials and mortality ¹².

5. Pastoral Implications

• Comfort those struggling with guilt and condemnation by proclaiming Christ's finished work ^1,2.
• Teach the necessity and power of the Spirit's work in sanctification ^4,6,11.
• Encourage perseverance with the sure hope of resurrection ^7,12.

6. Confessional Affirmation

• The Church confesses that justification is by grace through faith in Christ alone, apart from works ³⁰⁰.
• The Holy Spirit dwells in believers, renewing and sanctifying them ³⁰¹.
• The resurrection of the body and life everlasting is a sure promise for the believer ³⁰².

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. Romans 8:1 - No condemnation in Christ Jesus.
  • • 2. Romans 5:1 - Justification by faith.
  • • 3. Romans 8:5-8 - Flesh versus Spirit.
  • • 4. Romans 8:9-10 - Indwelling Spirit.
  • • 5. Romans 8:6 - Life and peace in the Spirit.
  • • 6. Romans 8:11 - Spirit gives life.
  • • 7. Romans 8:11 - Guarantee of resurrection.
  • • 8. Romans 8:2 - Christ's deliverance from sin and death.
  • • 9. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - New creation in Christ.
  • • 10. Galatians 5:16-25 - Walking in the Spirit.
  • • 11. Romans 8:13 - Putting to death fleshly deeds.
  • • 12. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 - Resurrection hope.

• External References:
  • • 200. Robert Kolb, Theology of the Cross - Spirit's role in sanctification and assurance.
  • • 201. John Stott, Romans - Exposition on Romans 8.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith.
  • • 301. FC SD III, - Work of the Holy Spirit in believers.
  • • 302. SC Apostles' Creed, 1 - The resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

V. Gospel: John 11:1-53

1. Biblical Text Overview

John 11:1-53 narrates the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This passage highlights Jesus' power over death, His compassion, and the foreshadowing of His own resurrection. It also sets in motion the events leading to His crucifixion.

2. Historical and Theological Context

A. Historical Background

• Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, was a friend of Jesus who lived in Bethany near Jerusalem ¹.
• Jesus' raising of Lazarus occurred shortly before the Passover, increasing tensions with Jewish leaders ².

B. Theological Significance

• The miracle demonstrates Jesus' authority over life and death, confirming His identity as the Resurrection and the Life ³.
• It reveals Jesus' deep compassion for human suffering and grief ⁴.
• The event prefigures Jesus' own death and resurrection, pointing to the hope of eternal life ⁵.
• The raising of Lazarus intensifies the opposition of the Jewish leaders, highlighting the cost of discipleship and faith in Christ ⁶.

3. Key Themes

A. Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life

• Jesus declares Himself the source of resurrection and eternal life ⁷.
• Faith in Jesus brings victory over death and the grave ⁸.

B. Compassion and Comfort in Grief

• Jesus weeps with Mary and others, showing His genuine empathy ⁹.
• The passage comforts believers in the face of death, assuring them of Jesus' presence and power ¹⁰.

C. The Power of Faith

• Martha's confession of faith in Jesus' resurrection demonstrates trust amidst doubt and grief ¹¹.
• Belief in Jesus' words is crucial for receiving life ¹².

D. Conflict Between Light and Darkness

• The miracle provokes hostility from religious authorities who fear losing power ⁶.
• Jesus' actions intensify the spiritual battle and the unfolding plan of salvation ¹³.

4. Application to the Church

A. Encouragement in the Face of Death

• Preach the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Christ alone ¹⁴.
• Encourage the faithful to bring their grief and doubts honestly to Jesus ¹⁵.

B. Witnessing to the Resurrection

• Use this passage to strengthen faith in Jesus' power over death and sin ¹⁶.
• Call believers to confess Christ as the Resurrection and Life publicly ¹⁷.

C. Awareness of Spiritual Opposition

• Warn of opposition believers may face for confessing Christ ¹⁸.
• Encourage perseverance and reliance on Christ's victory ¹⁹.

5. Pastoral Implications

• Offer comfort through the assurance of resurrection in times of loss ^10,14.
• Highlight Jesus' empathy and His identification with human suffering ⁹.
• Teach the necessity of faith in Christ for eternal life ^11,12.
• Prepare the congregation for spiritual challenges and opposition ^18,19.

6. Confessional Affirmation

• The Church confesses that Jesus is truly the Resurrection and the Life ³⁰⁰.
• Salvation and eternal life come only through faith in Christ's death and resurrection ³⁰¹.
• The believer's hope in the resurrection comforts and sustains in this life ³⁰².

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. John 11:1-2 - Lazarus and his sisters.
  • • 2. John 11:45-53 - Plot against Jesus after the miracle.
  • • 3. John 11:25-26 - Jesus as Resurrection and Life.
  • • 4. John 11:33-35 - Jesus' compassion and weeping.
  • • 5. John 11:39-44 - Raising Lazarus from the dead.
  • • 6. John 11:47-53 - Religious leaders' reaction.
  • • 7. John 11:25 - Jesus' declaration.
  • • 8. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Resurrection in Christ.
  • • 9. Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus' empathy.
  • • 10. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Comfort concerning the dead.
  • • 11. John 11:21-27 - Martha's confession of faith.
  • • 12. John 11:40 - Jesus' call to faith.
  • • 13. Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual warfare.
  • • 14. Romans 8:38-39 - Assurance of God's love.
  • • 15. Psalm 34:18 - God's closeness to the brokenhearted.
  • • 16. Acts 2:24 - Jesus' victory over death.
  • • 17. Romans 10:9 - Confession of Christ.
  • • 18. 2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution of believers.
  • • 19. James 1:12 - Perseverance under trial.

• External References:
  • • 200. Robert Kolb, Theology of the Cross - Jesus' victory over death through suffering.
  • • 201. F.F. Bruce, The Gospel of John - Exposition of John 11.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC III, - The work and office of Christ.
  • • 301. FC SD II, - Justification by faith and resurrection hope.
  • • 302. SC Apostles' Creed, 1 - The resurrection of the body and life everlasting.