What Are We To Make of Jesus (John 5:18-47)
The opposition to Jesus from the Jewish religious authorities has reached a high point. They consider the actions and claims of Jesus as blasphemy against the one true God. Who does this carpenter from Nazareth think he is to make these claims? In this passage, Jesus teaches us, just as the scripture plainly explains, that his authority is directly from God the Father. Will we reject this authority? Or will we humbly submit, receiving Jesus and the eternal life he brings?
The Real Jesus (John 4:43-5:18)
As Jesus' ministry continues on, his miracles grow more astonishing. His bold words in this passage are staggering. As Jesus speaks and ministers- the opposition from the religious authorities begins to increase. Who is this Jesus? What doe his miracles and words reveal to us about his purpose? How should we respond?
Thirst No More (John 4:1-42)
As Jesus interacts with the Samaritan woman at the well he shows us that abundant life is found in him alone. Jesus knows the depths of our hearts and all of the ways we seek satisfaction elsewhere. He has come to lead us to the well of Living Water; belief in him. This invitation to drink deeply from the well that is Christ also lays out for us our vision as a church. What does it look like for us to be a people that invites others to find their satisfaction in Jesus?
Prayer as a Pathway to Joy (Psalm 16)
King David was a man who experienced discouragements, sufferings, various sin struggles, and distractions. Yet he knew the pathway to joy in Christ through prayer. Psalm 16 is a prayer in which David brings his soul from a place of discouragement to delight. In doing so, he gives us some great truths about the character of God to motivate us to a life of joyful prayer.
Simeon's Joy (Luke 2:22-35)
Simeon may be the most overlooked character in the Christmas story. We know nothing about him other than what Luke tells us here. He was a devout man of God who patiently waited for God to come to rescue his people. God promised him he would see this consolation before his death. As he sees the child Jesus for the first time, he is filled with the Spirit and declares that the light of salvation has come. He then prophesies that the salvation this child brings will come at a cost. Simeon models for us what it means to trust the promises of God and to be captivated by a singular vision for the Gospel.
The Shepherd's Joy (Luke 2:8-20)
In this famous Christmas-time passage, we read of the heavenly announcement of the birth of Christ. God chose lowly Shepherds, not kings and princes to announce the birth of the Savior of the world. The news of Christ’s arrival is good news of great joy, dispelling our fears and inviting us in to join the chorus of the angels in giving glory to our gracious God. The gospel (Literally “good news”) is Jesus himself- the savior who is Christ the Lord.
Zechariah's Joy (Luke 1:67-80)
Zechariah the priest and his wife Elizabeth were righteous servants of God. For many years they suffered; longing for a child to no avail. When God spoke to Zechariah and promised a son, Zechariah did not believe. God lovingly disciplined Zechariah by making him mute until the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Once he regained the ability to speak, out poured a hymn of praise to the God who redeems and keeps his promises. Zechariah’s story shows us the importance of faith in the word of God and the joyful response to his promises.
Mary's Joy (Luke 1:39-56)
Mary’s life has just been turned upside down. She is a young unmarried virgin who has been chosen by God to miraculously conceive and give birth to the Savior of the world. Her reputation and livelihood were at stake. Yet in all of this, her response to God is one of rejoicing, trust, and gratitude. In fact, she is so filled with joy that she responds with a Psalm of Thanksgiving, modeling for us how to respond rightly to the great things God has done for us.
He Must Increase (John 3:22-36)
In this passage, followers of John the Baptist become distraught at the increasing popularity of Jesus compared to the diminishing influence of their own ministry. John responds by reminding his disciples that it’s all about the exaltation of Jesus. He not only accepts the increasing popularity of Jesus, he humbly delights in it. In doing so, he shows us a foundational truth for Christian living: When Christ gets the glory, we get the joy.