It is significant that Daniel 1:2 says that “the Lord delivered Jehoiakim into his [Nebuchadnezzar’s] hand." This shows us that God is in control of history. It also shows us that God is a holy God who keeps his Word, also when that Word is a word of warning. The broader context shows however that God is also merciful. Alongside the prophetic warnings of exile, there were also promises of salvation beyond the exile. These are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Read Daniel 1:1-2
In this passage, Jesus is heading towards his death. The Jewish leaders are determined to kill him. The reference to the Passover in the opening verse, suggests that Jesus’s coming death is to be understood as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. The fact that Jesus comes back to the vicinity of Jerusalem knowing the danger there shows that he is laying down his life. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus' feet is an extravagant act of devotion which is also a prophecy of Jesus’ death and an indication of Jesus’ royal status. Judas’ response shows the complexity of human motivations as he says one thing and means another. We are invited to consider our own lives both in the light of Mary’s devotion and Judas’ worldliness as well as to reflect on Jesus’ love for sinners.
Read John 12:1-10
This is the last sermon in this series. The question asked is whether the mission of the church extends beyond preaching the gospel and making disciples. The answer stresses the priority of the call to make disciples and the need for the church to always maintain that priority. The call to teach disciples all that Jesus has commanded, however, includes such matters as helping the poor, daily work and seeking justice. The disciples of Jesus are called to have an influence in the world.
Read Isaiah 58:1-12
The way in which this passage is related to the rest of the Beatitudes indicates that persecution is the norm for Christians. This text addresses the reasons for persecution as well as the comforts for those who are persecuted.
Read Matthew 5:1-12
This series has dealt with a a number of ways that the Great Commission is to be implemented which focus on the inner life of the church. All of this, however, must lead to outreach. The church is commanded to make disciples of all nations. This sermon discusses the role of our way of life before a watching world and our responsibility as individual Christians to speak to others about their need of Christ and what he has done.
Read Luke 5:27-32
In this passage, John describes two different reactions to Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. He also describes the negative reaction of the Pharisees giving us insight into the nature of unbelief. By recounting and interpreting Caiaphas’ prophecy concerning the death of Jesus, John gives us more insight into the significance of Jesus death.
Read John 11:45-57
Jesus’ relationship with his disciples helps us to understand what Jesus means in the Great Commission when he calls the church to make disciples. Jesus nurtures his disciples in the context of a relationship, through teaching and by providing an example of how they were to live. Jesus example is a model for elders in their discipleship of those under their care as well as all Christians who are called to disciple others.
Read Matthew 4:18-22
These three verses teach us how to grow in obedience. The life of obedience is defined by the Word of God. Two practical means of growing in obedience are through seeking God with all our hearts and hiding God’s Word in our hearts. The biblical context requires that we understand that this growth can only happen in those who have been saved by God’s grace.
Read Psalm 119:9-11
This passage deals with issues of life and death. In a world in which death is the great enemy which mankind has never been able to overcome, Jesus reveals himself has the one who has overcome death. We may participate in the eternal life that Jesus gives through believing on him.
Read John 11:17-44
In this passage Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God must be received like a little child. That implies that we are not automatically in the kingdom. It also means that the kingdom of God is a gift. It is received, not earned. In saying that it must be received like a little child, Jesus is teaching the necessity of receiving the kingdom with a sense of dependence and a simple trust.
Read Mark 10:13-16
