February 4, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “Others”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus experiences a popular response to his healing work in Galilee. Many come out to see him, including those who are struggling and sick. The disciples are excited by this success. The next morning he goes out by himself to pray. The disciples track him down. When they find him they point out how many people are waiting to see him. But Jesus will not be tied down in Capernaum. The hunger for healing and hope will lead him on. Mark 1:29-39 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Others.”
Scripture: scripture
February 11, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “Glimpsing the Glory”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel describes one of the more mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes three of the disciples with him to the top of a mountain. Once there, his appearance changes dramatically. His clothes turn a bright white, and suddenly Moses and Elijah appear beside him. Peter sees them talking. But he cannot understand what is going on. Then a cloud overshadows them all and God’s voice speaks from the cloud. Afterward Jesus orders them not to tell anyone what they have seen. Mark 9:2-9 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Glimpsing the Glory.”
Scripture: scripture
February 18, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “Short Shrift”
Sermon: sermon
The season of Lent runs forty days, from Ash Wednesday to Thursday of Holy Week. The number forty reminds us of the forty days Noah spent on the Ark in the time of the great flood. It also echoes the years the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, the number of days Moses and Elijah each spent on the mountain of the Lord. In the Bible, the number forty is used to suggest that something important has happened, or is about to happen. Over the centuries the Church has seen Lent as just such a significant time in our life together, as we look with anticipation toward the joy and hope of Christ’s resurrection.
After his baptism in the Jordan by John, Jesus is driven into the wilderness by the Spirit. He faces a time of testing and preparation for forty days before he begins his public ministry. He is confronted by Satan, in the company of wild animals, and waited on by angels. Around the world, many Christians pay a great deal of attention to the devil. But Jesus seems not to be terribly threatened by his encounter. The journey ahead will bring its share of challenges, but Jesus has already met his first test. Mark 1:9-15 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Short Shrift.”
Scripture: scripture
February 25, 2024 – Jonathan Chute, “Twice a Day”
Sermon: sermon
The gospel for this second Sunday in Lent comes at a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. He has been with the disciples for some time. They have seen and learned much. But now he offers a picture of the future that they can barely understand, much less accept. He tells them that he will face rejection and suffering, and finally death. This is not what they expected to hear. Peter objects. This cannot be. But Jesus wants them to know that what’s at stake in the days to come matters more than his own personal survival. Not only the disciples, but his followers still today, have a hard time hearing talk of a suffering Messiah. Mark 8:27-36 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Twice a Day.”
Scripture: scripture
