"On the Other Side of Trouble"

Our scripture today is from John, chapter 13 verses 21-30 from the Common English Bible.

21 After he said these things, Jesus was deeply disturbed and testified, "I assure you, one of you will betray me." 22 His disciples looked at each other, confused about which of them he was talking about. 23 One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was at Jesus' side. 24 Simon Peter nodded at him to get him to ask Jesus who he was talking about. 25 Leaning back toward Jesus, this disciple asked, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It's the one to whom I will give this piece of bread once I have dipped into the bowl. "Then he dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot's son. 27 After Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus told him, "What you are about to do, do quickly." 28 No one sitting at the table understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Some thought that, since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus told him, "Go, buy what we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So when Judas took the bread, he left immediately. And it was night.

Leader: This is the word of God for a people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

Our Invitation to Respond (read by liturgist)

       All that we are and all that we have come to us as a gift from God. May our gifts be shared as we continue to live out of God’s love. And, may those we now present to this church empower ministries of healing and hope here and around the world. May lives even ours be transformed.