Oculi – Third Sunday in Lent
08 March 2026
Jesus Overcomes the Strong Man
Jeremiah was charged with speaking evil when he spoke the Word of the Lord (Jer. 26:1–15). So also, Jesus is accused of doing evil when in fact He is doing good. He casts out a demon from a mute man so that he is able to speak (Luke 11:14–28). But some said Jesus did this by the power of Beelzebub, Satan. Like Pharaoh of old, their hearts were hard (Ex. 8:16–24). They did not recognize the finger of God, the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through Jesus. Jesus is the Stronger Man who overcomes the strong man. He takes the devil’s armor of sin and death and destroys it from the inside out by the holy cross. He exorcizes and frees us by water and the Word. We were once darkness, but now we are light in Christ the Lord (Eph. 5:1–9). As children of light, our tongues are loosed to give thanks to Him who saved us.
Parish News
Lenten Vespers and Midweek Meal Vespers service at 7:00 pm, Midweek Pitch-in Meal at 5:30 pm. The meal theme this week is Mexican! If you plan on attending, please fill out the bulletin insert with your name, the number of your party and what you will bring to share. Thanks!
College Bible Study and Meal Our college students are invited to fellowship, a meal, and Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. Members, please check the bulletin board and sign up to bring a meal.
The Story of Scripture Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Strengthen your biblical literacy and grow in your understanding of God’s Word. For the upcoming week, we will read 1 Samuel 8-15 at home with class time devoted to reviewing what was read and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today.
2026 Martin + Katie Conference Join us in Champaign, IL on Saturday, March 28, 2026 to grow as Christian men and women, meet new friends, get to know each other, and have fun. The conference is open to Lutheran young adults, ages 18-30. Married or single are welcome. Registration is required, as capacity is limited. Please register at http://martinpluskatie.org no later than Friday, March 20th.
Karaoke For Christian Hymns… You can sing hymns like “The Angel Gabriel,” “Silent Night,” “This Joyful Eastertide,” “The Day of Resurrection,” “Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest” and more. Lutheran Public Radio has produced YouTube videos of more than 55 hymns featuring the Lutheran Public Radio Choir. Sing along at lutheranpublicradio.org/karaoke.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Third Sunday in Lent (Oculi)
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Study 9:00 am
- Second Sunday Snacks hosted by YPI, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
- Lutherhaus, 7:00 pm
Tuesday
- College Bible Study and Meal, 5:30 pm
Wednesday
- The Story of Scripture, 4:30 pm
- Lenten Midweek Pitch-in Meal, 5:30 pm
- Vespers, 7:00 pm
Thursday
- Choir Practice, 6:45 pm
Next Sunday Fourth Sunday In Lent (Laetare)
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 pm
- Friday, 3:30-4:30 pm
