Liturgy for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year C (Luke)
What is the Third Sunday of Easter?
The Third Sunday of Easter continues the celebration of the resurrection, inviting us to live into the ongoing presence of the risen Christ. In these Easter weeks, the church reflects on how the risen Jesus meets His followers—calling them by name, offering forgiveness, and commissioning them to new life.
Scriptures for the Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
Saul, the persecutor of the church, is confronted by the risen Christ and radically transformed into his servant, bearing witness to the grace that calls enemies into friendship with God.
Psalm 30
A psalm of thanksgiving that praises God for lifting us from despair to joy: “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Revelation 5:11-14
The heavenly chorus sings, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,” celebrating Christ’s triumph and eternal reign over all creation.
John 21:1-19
Jesus appears to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, providing a miraculous catch of fish, sharing breakfast with them, and restoring Peter with the command, “Feed my sheep.”
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, you have called us by name and gathered us into your presence. You speak across the waters, across the years, across the moments of our lives, reminding us that we belong to you. In the beauty of this day and the holiness of this hour, meet us with your Spirit.
Open our hearts to hear your Word. Open our lives to receive your mercy.
You know the places where we stumble and the burdens we carry. You know the ways we resist your grace and the ways we long for it.
As we worship you, give us the courage to be honest with you, and to trust your kindness toward us.
In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Call to Worship
Call to Worship #1 – Christ Restores Us
One: Jesus calls to us across the waters.
All: He calls across the years, across the miles, and across the moments we thought were lost.
One: He invites us to a meal and to new life.
All: He feeds us, forgives us, and sends us once again.
One: God is always restoring what was broken.
All: In Christ’s love, we are made whole!
One: Come, let us worship the risen Lord, who renews and calls us by name!
All: Hallelujah! Christ is alive and at work among us!
Call to Worship #2 – Heaven and Earth Praise the Lamb
One: In heaven and on earth, every voice cries out:
All: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”
One: Blessing and honor, glory and might be to the risen Christ forever!
All: With saints and angels, we lift our songs of praise!
One: Come, let us join the worship of heaven!
All: Glory to the risen King! Hallelujah!
Call to Worship #3 – From Death to Life
One: Sing praises to the Lord, O you faithful ones!
All: God has turned our mourning into dancing!
One: Weeping may linger for the night,
All: But joy comes with the morning!
One: Christ has brought us from death into life—let us rejoice and give thanks!
All: Alleluia! Life has conquered the grave!
Prayer of Confession
All: Risen Christ, we confess that we often return to old ways, doubting your call and resisting your grace. Forgive our fear, our pride, and our reluctance to follow where you lead. Make us new by the power of your love. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Colossians 1:13–14)
Hear the good news:
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Friends, in Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made new. Thanks be to God!
OR
2 Corinthians 5
Hear the good news:
“So if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
In Jesus Christ, we are not who we once were. We are made new. Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Risen Lord, just as you called Saul on the road and Peter by the fire, call to us now. Open our ears to your voice, our hearts to your mercy, and our lives to your leading. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord of life, we bring these offerings as signs of our gratitude and love. Use them to feed the hungry, heal the broken, and proclaim the good news of your resurrection. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Themes of the Third Sunday of Easter
The Transforming Encounter with Christ
Saul’s conversion reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace (Acts 9:1-20).
The Risen Lord Feeds and Commissions Us
Jesus not only provides for his disciples but also calls them into service (John 21:1-19).
The Joy of Resurrection Life
Psalm 30 and Revelation 5 proclaim that life, not death, has the final word for all who trust in Christ.
Sermon Ideas for the Third Sunday of Easter
“Breakfast with the Risen Jesus”
Exploring how Jesus nourishes, forgives, and sends us anew from the everyday places of life. My sermon is here.
“From Saul to Paul: When Grace Knocks You Down”
The power of Christ’s call to transform even the most resistant hearts.
“Worthy Is the Lamb: Our Song Forever”
Joining the heavenly worship by living lives that reflect the risen King’s glory.
