(Sermon preached April 9, 2023) Resurrection is more than an event that we celebrate – it is something we practice daily. In John’s version of the story (John 20:1-18), Jesus tells Mary not to hold on to him. With Mary, we are challenged to see the bigger story of how God’s divine love lives on in us!
Where Are You Headed?
(Sermon for Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023) When you read the story of Jesus’ dramatic entry into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1-11, the appropriate question to ask is “What’s going on?” It’s so much more than a joyous parade. When we step back and ask a few questions about this text we quickly realize that we are being presented with a choice; the choice between violence and nonviolence. Our seeking question is “Where are you headed?” We know where Jesus is headed. Where are YOU headed?
The Raising of Lazarus
(Sermon preached March 25, 2023) John 11:1-45 describes the raising of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. Lazarus has already been dead for four days. What Jesus knows all along is that this is going to be a resurrection story. Believing that Jesus is the resurrection and the life; believing that this is going to be a resurrection story, is the promise that sustains us when we find ourselves entombed by the painful and dark experiences that come our way. We can know that our story will be a resurrection story. We may not know how or when, but we believe. And we can help others believe it as they experience the darkness of the tomb. This is going to be a resurrection story.
He Had To Go
Jesus HAD to go through Samaria. So begins, the story of Jesus and his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, found in John 4:1-42. Where is our Samaria?
The Box
(Sermon preached March 5, 2023). We meet Nicodemus in John 3:1-17. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus is troubled by Jesus. Jesus doesn’t fit in Nicodemus’ box, and yet he knows Jesus cannot do what he does apart from God. So he gets curious and opens his box of beliefs a crack. Is it enough for the Spirit to stir? Is Nicodemus reborn? Are we?