This weekend enter the Lenten season. The Sundays in Lent are not actually a part of Lent, but are mini celebrations of the resurrection of Jesus DURING Lent. One of the main Biblical themes which we will consider this weekend in our worship is the theme of Grace.

That theme is beautifully described by Philip Doddridge in "Grace Has a Thrilling Sound" (TLH 374; WS 778). This hymn is based on Paul's words to the believers in Ephesus:

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:4-10).

God's grace has accomplished our salvation, from beginning to end. Our election is by His grace. Our faith is by His grace. Our Christian lives are lived by His grace. Our entrance into Heaven is by His grace. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Grace is indeed a thrilling sound in the ear of a believer! When we know our sin and what we deserve because of it, we can't help but be joyful when we hear God's message of grace in Christ!

Rejoice in that grace! Praise Him, this weekend and always!

Devotion

• Romans 1:16-17

Announcements

• John Hein’s victory service
• Church Council
• Music Call for 2026-2027
• Ash Wednesday Service
• Soup Supper
• Board of Elders
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies Bible Study
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - The Resurrection of Jesus
  • Sunday School - The Temptation of Jesus
• Sunday School Teacher's Meeting
• Board of Education

Prayer List

• Lynette Roehl
• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Becky
• Family of Pastor John Hein
• Marvin Schweim
• Erinn Bergemann
• Preaching and Hearing of God's Word this Lent
• Mission in India

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 141 “Enslaved by Sin and Bound in Chains”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on February 15, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.

Sermon Text: John 11:47-57 (NKJV)

Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 “If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own [authority]; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

Theme: One Man Would Die for the People