February 5, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Lightly Salted”
Sermon: sermon
This Sunday’s gospel continues Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. He has gathered his followers to hear about life in the kingdom of heaven and to learn how to take their part in the story of salvation. He wants them to know that they have a vital role to play in sharing God’s love with the world. They are like salt, an ingredient that makes all the difference. They are light that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-16 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Lightly Salted.”
Scripture: scripture
February 12, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Missing the Mark”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus discusses the 10 commandments with his followers. He makes clear that following God’s ways is not exactly easy. We might be able to keep the letter of the Law. But Jesus has higher hopes for us. He wants us to honor the spirit of compassion and grace that are its foundation. Where the Law says “Do not murder,” Jesus says “Do not be angry with a brother or sister.” That’s a tougher standard for some of us to meet! Matthew 5:21-30 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Missing the Mark.”
Scripture: scripture
February 19, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Glimpsing the Glory”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel describes one of the most mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes three of his disciples to the top of a mountain. There, as they watch, his appearance is completely changed. His face shines brightly, and Moses and Elijah suddenly appear as well, talking with him. As Peter tries to make sense of all this, a cloud overshadows them all, and God’s voice is heard. Overwhelmed by fear, the disciples fall to the ground. Matthew17:1-9 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Glimpsing the Glory.”
Scripture: scripture
February 26, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Steady”
Sermon: sermon
Following his baptism Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. It is a time of preparation before the beginning of his ministry. It is a time of testing and temptation. He fasts for forty days, a reminder of the forty days and forty nights of the great flood, of the forty years that Israel wandered in the wilderness. Matthew reports that at the end of this time Jesus was famished. Then the devil shows up, offering him a number of options, urging him to get to work right away. Matthew 4:1-11 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Steady.”
Scripture: scripture
