Saturday in Easter — Open Word

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 26:20-24

Verse 20. Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did. Verse 21. King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt. Verse 22. Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men. Verse 23. They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people. Verse 24. Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

PSALM

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness.

Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.

For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.

You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge.

Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.

My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.

SECOND READING

John 8:48-59

Verse 48. The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?” Verse 49. “I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. Verse 50. I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge. Verse 51. Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.” Verse 52. “Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death. Verse 53. Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?” Verse 54. Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ Verse 55. You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. Verse 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” Verse 57. Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?” Verse 58. “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am! ” Verse 59. At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.