1/27/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Inside, Outside”
Sermon – Inside, Outside
Luke 4: 14-30. This week’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first sermon. At his home synagogue in Nazareth one sabbath day he reads from the prophet Isaiah. The sermon itself is quite short – just one sentence long. The people are happy, but Jesus sees that they have completely missed the point of what he has said. So he gets back up and adds a couple of additional thoughts. The first sermon, Part Two, does not go over so well.
Scripture – Luke 4: 14-30
1/20/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Tuesday . . . Was a Very Good Year”
Sermon – Tuesday . . . Was a Very Good Year
John 2: 1-11. This Sunday’s gospel tells the story of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. As Jesus and his disciples arrive at the event, it appears that the wine has run out. Jesus initially says that is not his mission but then, at this wedding which John’s gospel says is on “the third day,” Jesus does produce wine for the feast. The glory of God is being revealed, though not everyone will see it. Jesus ministry has just begun, but we are catching a glimpse of Easter.
Scripture – John 2: 11-11
1/13/13 – John Kwan – “Face in the Crowd”
Sermon – Face the Crowd
Luke 3: 15-17 and 21-22. In this week’s text, John the Baptist sets the stage for Jesus to begin his. He warns that the one who is more powerful than he is coming and that the day of judgment is near. We might find it odd that John considers this message to be good news. The people listening to John wonder who this One who comes will be; they do not realize Jesus is right there among them receiving baptism with them.
Scripture – Luke 3: 15-17 and 21-22
Epiphany
1/06/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Who Else Is Coming?”
Sermon – Who Else Is Coming?
Matthew 2: 1-12. The Epiphany marks the journey of the wise men as they follow a star to distant Bethlehem. They are rather unexpected guests at this happy occasion, and they are also the first people known to worship Jesus.
Scripture – Matthew 2: 1-12
