Worship at Home - By David Godfrey

Middlesbrough and Eston Circuit - Sunday 1st March 2026

Hymn:  StF 103, H&P 36  “God is love let heaven adore him”  

Prayers:

Confession and words of assurance (adapted from rootsontheweb.com):  

Loving God, we confess that we are not always sure of you.  Our doubts overwhelm us at times, but we continue to search for you and to hunger for the reassurance of your presence.  Forgive us, when we lack faith and are afraid to own Jesus as our Lord.  Forgive us when we forget his command to ‘love one another’.  Help us Lord to walk in your ways with you beside us. Amen. God so loved us, that he sent his son into the world for us.  God hears us, forgives us and through Christ restores us to his side. 

Amen.

Reading: John 3:1-17

Reflection:

Nicodemus was a Pharisee.  He was a man of education and status, who sat on the ruling council and knew the law back to front.  He had a good reputation, a high position in society, the respect of his peers, and now, at night he risked it all by going to see Jesus.  That very day, Jesushad overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple.  Many of the other Pharisees would like to see something nasty happen to Jesus, especially after these events, but Nicodemus was not so sure.  He, like many in Jerusalem, had been troubled by rumours of temple corruption. He travelled at night to see Jesus and find some answers.  He just hoped that no one would see him.  

Nicodemus is typical of many people today who are fascinated by Jesus, but afraid of what it may mean for them if they take him and his message seriously.  For example: Jesus says love your enemies, but it is much easier to hate them.  Jesus says pray to your father in heaven, but it is much easier to be self reliant.  Jesus says the greatest people are the servants of all, but it is much easier to boss other people around and have them serve you.  Jesus says give generously to the poor, but it is much easier to keep our wealth.  No wonder Nicodemus was cautious.  It is not easy being a follower of Jesus.

But then Nicodemus discovered something wonderful.  Nicodemus had always considered himself one of God’s favoured children.  It never occurred to him there might be more to it than that.  In conversation, Jesus offered Nicodemus a gift that he never even knew he needed.  It was the same gift the prophets’ of old had possessed, and the same gift Jesus now displayed.  It was nothing less than the gift of God’s Spirit within.  Jesus said it was possible to have this gift freely given and to know God’s presence day by day.  We do not know if Nicodemus ever claimed this gift as a disciple of Jesus, but we know that others did.  And we can receive this gift too.  We gain more than we ever lose in following Christ, for God gives himself to us and we are filled with that wonderful love and joy and peace that only his presence can bring.  

Hymn:  StF 742,  “We trust the mighty love of God”  

Prayers:  

Intercessions:   Loving God shine your light into the darkness of our world.  Where there is violence, bring restraint.  Where there is hatred, bring reconciliation.  We pray for places mired in war and conflict.  We especially remember Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar.  Protect the innocent who suffer and bring justice to those without hope.  Loving God shine your light into our communities.  May your church be a beacon of truth and love.  Help us to act with compassion in all our dealings with others.  We remember especially those who live with abuse, addiction or financial hardships.  Loving God shine your light into the lives of those who are in despair because of sickness, grief or isolation.  May we minister your love to those we meet.  We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.  Our Father…

Hymn: StF 503, H&P 267, “Love divine all loves excelling”.