Sermons

Jesus had a unique way of turning comments into questions that probed deeply into the facades of manmade religion. What does ‘good’ look like through the eyes of the Messiah?

The anonymity of being just another face in the crowd exempts us from making any personal commitment. Jesus’ question was, and is, intended to move people from the Crowd to the Committed.

From the Pharisees demanding a sign to the disciples’ inability to connect leaven with spiritual insight, the story of the blind man emerges as an object lesson that we still need today.

Dark purposes and betrayal bookend this beautiful story of unselfish love. Jesus’ question is really a ‘motive’ question that struck at the hearts of his hearers. What attempts to we make to interrupt the beauty of heart-felt worship today?

When our focus is riveted to external standards we position ourselves toward self-righteousness and distance ourselves from the things that really matter to God.

When do interruptions become opportunities and how can we learn to recognize them? Why is setting aside our own agenda a prerequisite in discerning such teachable moments?

No matter what our status in life we all have a common enemy – death! But are we to salute death and knuckle under to its ghastly verdict? Only when we refuse to believe in Him who conquered this enemy!

What happens when a marginalized woman goes head to head with a high ranking official – both vying for the touch of Jesus in the most desperate of circumstances? What are we to learn from the way Jesus handled this interruption?

So much is wrapped up in a name! Identity – Purpose – value – direction. So much can be learned from Jesus’ encounter with the demon world and a man whose world got turned right side up.