sermon from 03-27-2022
Sermon Notes and Scripture References are available below:
Weighing Out the Cons
John 18:12-27
John 1:10-11
John 18:36
36 “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
What do we mean by 'kingdom?"
John 18:37
37 “You are a king then?” Pilate asked.
John 18:39-40
39 You have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?”
40 They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
We have a desire to create kingdoms.
Is it possible as humans to enact a kingdom without violence?
"What is truth?"
The content of truth is less important than the embodiment of truth.
Truth in Jesus is not a concept but embodied in Him.
What truth claims you?
“The test and norm is the reality of Jesus.
Look at Jesus, because Jesus confronts all the throne talk of the world. You want to know about joy, and well-being, and truth, and goodness.
Look at Jesus. Not being served, but serving.
I have no doubt that the world depends on Jesus.
I have no doubt that on a day-to-day basis, the world depends on the Jesus people who give their lives.
What else would you do but give your life?
Would you keep and save your life and let it grow sour?
No, give your life as a ransom.
We are at a crucial moment in our society.
This Lent, we are given a glimpse of a more excellent way.
Local churches, local conversations, local servanthood, local giving, local cups to drink, local baptisms to live, local ways of being faithful and joyous, local ways of power for life.
The story in Mark 10 with the disciples’ arguments over who is the greatest begins with greedy thrones.
By the end of the story, the subject is changed. Now the subject is servanthood and healing and ransom. What a way to be first and great!
Come and have the subject of your life, your throne, the truth changed.”
Adapted from Walter Brueggemann
