6/30/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Turning Toward the Future”
Sermon – Turning Toward the Future
Luke 9: 51-62. This week’s gospel records a number of Jesus’ sayings while on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that they are headed toward a future that will include suffering as well as service, and Jesus will not be swayed. The journey to Jerusalem requires their full attention.
Scripture – Luke 9: 51-62
6/23/13 – Jonathan Chute – “In and Out”
Sermon – In and Out
Luke 8: 26-39. As Jesus steps off the boat on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, he heals a man who is tormented by demons and out of his right mind. This dramatic healing causes anxiousness and fear in the nearby village. When they ask Jesus to leave, the man asks to go with him, but Jesus sends him back home – to tell everyone what God has done for him.
Scripture – Luke 8: 26-39
6/16/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Unacceptable”
Sermon – Unacceptable
Luke 7:36 – 8:3. In this week’s gospel Jesus experiences generosity and hospitality from an unexpected source. He is a guest at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. While he is at the dinner table a woman brings Jesus a jar of expensive oil, washes his feet with her tears and anoints him with the oil. When Simon objects to this display, Jesus points out that her extravagance is a sign of her deep gratitude for God’s grace.
Scripture – Luke 7:36 – 8:3
6/09/13 – Jonathan Chute – “The Rising”
Sermon – The Rising
Luke 7:: 11-17. Our gospel for this Sunday tells of another healing which has taken place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. A widow has lost her only son. She is overcome with grief. But Jesus touches the pallet on which he is being carried and orders him to sit up. As one member of the community is restored to life it is as if the whole community has been given new hope.
Scripture – Luke 7:: 11-17
6/02/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Ordinary Time”
Sermon – Ordinary Time
Luke 7:: 1-10. In this week’s gospel, a Roman centurion seeks a healing from Jesus for one of his slaves, who is near death. The Jewish leaders come to Jesus on the centurion’s behalf because hey know him as a friend and want Jesus to understand that he is deserving of God’s favor. When Jesus hears of the centurion’s faith he is amazed that someone who is not even a member of the Jewish community should have such trust in God.
Scripture – Luke 7:: 1-10