This lectionary tool is built on the weekly (Sunday) scripture texts from The Revised Common Lectionary.
Along with each set of scripture texts it also provides an overview of possible preaching angles, links to sermons, sermon illustrations and guides tagged with those scripture texts in our database.
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Using the Lectionary for your sermon planning.
Weekly Lectionary
Lectionary List
Year A • Lent
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Fifth Sunday in Lent
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Before going to the Cross, Jesus displays his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The miracle is a “raising” not a “resurrection” in its full sense. Lazarus will die again, but Jesus, having been raised from the dead will never die again (Rom. 6:9). The hope, then is glimpsed before entering Holy Week. This death will end in victory, no matter how heavy the stone or how long the body has laid there.
The key to preaching the passage is found in Jesus’ response to Martha’s confession: “I am the resurrection and the life.” This places Jesus’ power over death in the present, not only in the future at our own deaths, or the final judgment, and not left behind in the past as a one-time miracle. Wherever Jesus is, life is there also. Abiding in him every moment is the key idea, not postponing his help for future trials nor leaving him behind as a pleasant memory. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). It turns out that encountering God in the present is the only time to do it.
Year A • Lent
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Liturgy of the Palms
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The Passion reading at Palm Sunday begins the strong contrasts (joy to sorrow and then to joy again) that typify Holy Week. This can aid in any number of sermons.
Matthew’s account typifies Solomon: Jesus is the “Son of David,” a “king of peace” who comes humbly on the royal donkey ( you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them’”). The point is that he is not coming to take his kingdom by force, but expects to be welcomed by his people. And so he is, but only for the time being.
Here the Preacher has a few options for application and exhortation, but the most compelling may be to use the Triumphal Entry with all its attendant royal resonances in contrast with the Passion reading’s preview of things to come. This further reveals the astonishing content of God’s heart for his people: How he comes expecting to die, and is willing to be feted by the very people who will call for his crucifixion a short time later. His conquest is his sacrifice on the Cross, the outpouring of love that swallows up death forever.
Year A • Lent
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Liturgy of the Passion
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The Passion reading at Palm Sunday begins the strong contrasts (joy to sorrow and then to joy again) that typify Holy Week. This can aid in any number of sermons.
Matthew’s account typifies Solomon: Jesus is the “Son of David,” a “king of peace” who comes humbly on the royal donkey ( you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them’”). The point is that he is not coming to take his kingdom by force, but expects to be welcomed by his people. And so he is, but only for the time being.
Here the Preacher has a few options for application and exhortation, but the most compelling may be to use the Triumphal Entry with all its attendant royal resonances in contrast with the Passion reading’s preview of things to come. This further reveals the astonishing content of God’s heart for his people: How he comes expecting to die, and is willing to be feted by the very people who will call for his crucifixion a short time later. His conquest is his sacrifice on the Cross, the outpouring of love that swallows up death forever.
Year A • Holy Week
Monday, March 30, 2026
Monday of Holy Week
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Year A • Holy Week
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Tuesday of Holy Week
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Year A • Holy Week
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Wednesday of Holy Week
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Year A • Holy Week
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
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Year A • Holy Week
Friday, April 3, 2026
Good Friday
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Year A • Holy Week
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Holy Saturday
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Year A • Easter
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Easter Vigil
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Year A • Easter
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Day)
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Matthew’s account of the Resurrection is laced with important details that together express an entire gospel message, not to be missed in the hubbub of a full sanctuary and lunch plans afterwards.
The Resurrection happens on the “dawn of the first day of the week” beginning the new creation promised in Isaiah 65. The women, informed by the brilliant angel, enter the tomb and see with their own eyes that Jesus is not there. The Gospel is based upon witness, not hearsay. Their thoroughness is fulfilled by Jesus himself who meets them on their way to share the news with the disciples. At this point, they “took hold of his feet” proving that Jesus was no vision or ghostly being. Jesus then immediately sends them on mission to share the news with the Apostles.
The proper response is to go and tell the news (hence the women have been referred to as “The Apostles to the Apostles”). Also, Jesus’ promise to appear to his “brothers” indicates in word and deed that he has already forgiven them for their faithlessness at the Cross and thereafter. The gospel means the forgiveness of sins, even for those guilty of the worst offenses (betrayal). These details paint a rich portrait for the preacher to use on this the highest feast day of the Christian year.
Year A • Easter
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Easter Evening
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