Coro Baptist Church

The mandate given to us by God at Creation has not been revoked because of sin, but it has surely been made more difficult to fulfil. Any fruitfulness now comes through pain and frustration– for both the woman and the man. They experience this together, but also in their own particular labours of life. As we will hear this week, the woman knows this pain and frustration particularly in motherhood and marriage. And yet, it is through this same pain and frustration that the promised 'offspring' of the woman is born. And, he will also be the True and Faithful Husband of his Bride, the church. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8– yes, creation has been subjected to futility, but in hope. Despite the pain and frustration we know in life, in Jesus Christ there is the sure hope of freedom, relief and glory beyond compare.

Have you ever loathed your life so much you wished you were never born? Have you ever cried out, "It's not fair!" Has God ever made your soul so bitter that you questioned his goodness and justice? These may sound like drastic questions– ungodly even to ask! And yet these are just some of the brutally honest questions raised in the Old Testament book of Job that we will be considering in a few weeks' time. Until then, we will be doing some 'Job Preparation' by spending three weeks in Genesis 3 looking at how God responds to Satan (this week), the woman, and the man after sin came into the world. In all of this, as Job declares, it is indeed good to know that 'our Redeemer lives'.

Matthew's gospel concludes with what has come to be known as 'The Great Commission'– where Jesus tells his disciples to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… baptizing them… and teaching them." This commission is 'sandwiched' between the declaration of Jesus' authority over all things and the promise that he will be with us always, to the end of the age. As we go, wherever it is we are going, Jesus has given us all something to be about– making disciples. We do this because he is Lord, and knowing that he is with us always. Please pray that we might hear these words of Christ's afresh and respond to them in the obedience of faith.

"After three days, I will rise again". These words of Jesus ring in the ears of the priests and Pharisees. To their understanding, these words represent Jesus' last deception.Our passage starts in the historically unique time found between the crucifixion and resurrection, and faith is nowhere to be seen. Jesus' humiliating death on the cross has brought into question the entirety of his three years of ministry, the wonder of his miracles and the revelation of his teaching. The eleven disciples are broken, and the followers are in mourning. If Jesus remains dead, he will go down in history as a deceiver, faith will be useless, and all believers are most to be pitied.But what if… "He has been raised"?

On Good Friday we will hear Jesus cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and will be reminded how he could not save himself, but had to be forsaken so that we might be saved, and never be forsaken.

We often sing, "Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free, for God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me." This week, as we draw near to the cross of Christ and hear of one notorious criminal and murderer being set free while Jesus is sentenced to death, we are given a glimpse into 'The Great Exchange' that takes place on the cross. For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!Please pray that we might know the wonder of those words and the work of his grace, 'for our sake…'.

Failure is something we would all prefer to avoid. And as for public failure… well, all the more so. And yet, Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus is recorded for all to hear and read. But what a lesson it is– for Peter, and for all who are willing to learn from it. A lesson which is in fact essential for us if we are to find our hope and strength in the unfailing love and all-sufficient grace of God rather than in our own faulty and insufficient selves. Please pray that we might be willing students in this lesson of love.

This week we read of the familiar scenes of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and trial. For the regular joe, any one of these events would be enough to leave us spinning out of control, but not Jesus. Matthew, the gospel writer, displays a saviour who not only gave prophetic words regarding our redemption but also wilfully fulfils them through his own suffering.

We have often sung, "There in the garden of tears my heavy load He chose to bear. His heart with sorrow was torn, 'Yet not my will, but Yours,' He said." However we understand the mystery and anguish of our Lord in Gethsemane we can be sure of this– Jesus went to the cross willingly. The Son never sought to do anything but his Father's will. And his prayer in the Garden was not in any way contrary to that. The very act of prayer is the Father's will. And to pray, "your will be done," is not to acquiesce to God's will because we cannot bend it, but is in fact to "actively will God's will and aid it." (P. T. Forsyth) Willingly, Jesus did this for you and me in Gethsemane and all the way to Calvary.

This week, we read of Jesus confronting the disciples with a profound personal truth– that when left to their own devices, apart from Christ, they would not be the men they hoped they would be– that of faithful disciples who would never abandon their Lord. Instead, the personal strength in which they trust would quickly fail them, resulting in the abandonment of the one they love. Yet, while the disciples may fail when relying on themselves, their identity as disciples is not marred. For, to be a disciple is to be in unity in Jesus, and trust in his strength all the day long.

As the time of Jesus' arrest and death draws near, and knowing he has a traitor in his company, Jesus shares the Passover with his disciples and gives thanks to God. Breaks the bread and taking the cup, he tells his disciples it is his body, and his blood. In doing this Jesus establishes, not only a new custom for us to follow, but a new covenant. "Take, eat… and drink," Jesus says, "for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." O, how we need his forgiveness. O, how we need to feed on him.

Timing is everything. For the fifth and final time in this gospel, Matthew writes, "When Jesus had finished saying all these things." The time of Jesus teaching his disciples has come to a close. Now, until the end of Chapter 27, we will read and learn of the passion story of Matthew's gospel. This is the time when God will hand over His own Son to be crucified as a sacrificial lamb so that we might be set free to be His people and enter the promised land. Jesus' love in laying down His life inspires two different reactions: hatred in the form of plotting, self-gain, and betrayal, and beauty in the form of freely given, costly love.

Flying in the face of the world which tells us we are masters of our own destiny, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we are not. In the 'parable' of The Sheep and the Goats it is not we who determine our fate but Jesus, the Son of Man. However, what we do or do not do in the days before he comes in glory will be remembered on that day. And on that day, I don't think I will mind in the slightest if Jesus calls me a little 'sheepish'. What about you?

What is it we are to be doing while we wait for Jesus' return? In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches us what 'waiting well' looks like in practice. This is not a passive and inactive waiting, nor is it a mad rush to get things done and 'speed his coming'. Instead, 'waiting well' involves our active engagement in faithful and fruitful service of God. Faithless inactivity results in judgment. But those who 'wait well' look forward to their Master's return with eager expectation and receive his commendation, "Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master."

Last week, as we returned to the gospel of Matthew, we heard Jesus teaching his disciples about the Day of the Lord. While they expected it to be soon, Jesus revealed that the day would be delayed and spoke of the signs believers would encounter before the illustrious day. This week, we read on as Jesus continues his teaching of the coming day. Now, rather than speaking of the signs of the times, he provides instruction on what the disciples and all believers must do as they wait out the days: "Keep watch" and "be ready". I pray that we receive this word as our Lord intended it. It is generous instruction in how we might wait out this long period well, eagerly looking forward to the day of his return while anticipating the need for enduring faith.

We recommence our series through Matthew's gospel this week with a passage which has caused much discussion and debate over the centuries. However, in answering the disciples' question regarding the destruction of the temple and his return at the end of the age, Jesus brings clarity to the situation, not confusion. And in turn, this clarity provides the courage and conviction needed when many others will be led astray, and their love grow cold. May the words of our Saviour, who will appear again in glory, bring the same clarity, courage and conviction to us so that we might live in faith and not in fear through our own days of tribulation.

Proverbs 3:13-35 urges all who read it to consider three truths before providing some very practical examples of how to love our neighbours: 1) Wisdom is way more valuable than material stuff!2) Wisdom isn't just about human decisions and interactions but is actually what God used (and uses) to create (and sustain) our world.3) Wisdom followed and valued puts Sleep Psychologists out of a job!The father writing Proverbs then finishes this section with some pretty confronting truths: seek and value wisdom, and God absolutely will bless you, butfail to find or value wisdom, and God will detest, curse and mock you (I said it was pretty confronting!).What a good thing it is that the Wise Son of Proverbs (Jesus!) not only forgives us when we treat wisdom with disdain but also gives us His Spirit, enabling us to find and value wisdom!

Once again, we hear the wisdom a father shares with his son before he heads out into the world. These words concern the keeping of wisdom in his innermost place, the character he has on display, and his attitude toward the Lord, who disciplines him with Love.

The world, as God's creation, operates according to his wisdom. Humanity, as sinners that rebel against the fear of the Lord, denies this wisdom and in doing so seeks to re-engineer creation. This is a mistake that leads only to one thing… unmitigated calamity. We are in desperate need of the wisdom of God in order to be victorious in life. But where can it be found? She is not hidden but stands in the streets calling out her wisdom to you, warning passers-by of their foolish plight. The only question we are left with is… will we heed her voice?

The world, as God's creation, operates according to his wisdom. Humanity, as sinners that rebel against the fear of the Lord, denies this wisdom and in doing so seeks to re-engineer creation. This is a mistake that leads only to one thing… unmitigated calamity. We are in desperate need of the wisdom of God in order to be victorious in life. But where can it be found? She is not hidden but stands in the streets calling out her wisdom to you, warning passers-by of their foolish plight. The only question we are left with is… will we heed her voice?

Can you remember a time when your parents sat you down at the table with the words, "We need to have a chat."? This week we commence a short 'holiday series' through the first three chapters of Proverbs which read a little like one of those conversations. The book teaches practical wisdom for living in a world which does not always present us with clear, black and white options. Warning us of the various seductive voices which seek to woo and entice us down foolish paths, Proverbs directs us, young and old to the voice of wisdom - wisdom which begins with the fear of the Lord. Ultimately, it leads us to Christ himself who "became to us wisdom from God."Only fools shun this teaching. So let's be wise and pray that the Lord might help us grow in wisdom.

On Christmas Day, at our 9:30am service, we will ponder the words of Mary in response to the promises of God made to her, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." May the Lord grant to each of us, by the Spirit, the same response of faith to his promises fulfilled in his Son.

What does the promise of a King, mean for us? Do we want a King? Do we need a King? Currently, in our culture, Kings and Kingship aren't in vogue, and may or may not figure much in our thinking. However, when we see Jesus, THE King, what HIS kingship looks like, we'll not only realize that we need THIS King, but that all our deepest longings find their fulfilment in the King of Kings, Jesus the Christ.

Advent points to more than the baby Jesus. It points to One born to show us how to live, and to die to atone for the sin of humanity. We will consider the sacrificial cultus initiated by God for the people of Israel and how this sacrificial system was but a shadow of things in the heavens. God promised the nation Israel He would not forsake them. Even in their continued disobedience He remained faithful. God redeems humanity through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest and sacrifice that the blood of bulls and sheep and goats could not be. Though Jesus was forsaken on the cross, His forsakenness removes the forsakenness of those of faith. Therefore, the old covenant is replaced by a newer and better covenant; not of outward signs but one written in our mind and on our heart.

Last week we heard of the curses resulting from our unbelief and disobedience, including our enemy of death, and of the promise of a Son of Eve, Jesus Christ, who would defeat our enemies. God now speaks a Gospel promise of blessing at a time when all people groups worshiped false gods and were enslaved in dark idolatry. God's history-changing promise to bless Abraham integrates (1) a Land, (2) a Line of descendants that would bless all nations, and (3) that the Lord would be their God: A nation saved from idols, made righteous through faith in the Lord God's promises, and freed to bless the Lord in the place He provides.Abraham's promised Seed is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, the blessing to Abraham is eternally secured and fulfilled. God's promise flows out through the generations, extending as far as Abraham's Line in the Church at Coromandel Valley. Please pray that we hear, believe, live and share in God's Salvation mission to bless the nations.

This week marks the beginning of our Advent series, a time of preparation. For the next four Sundays we will be speaking on four different promises made by God in the Old Testament that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. This Sunday we approach the promise of a Son who would bring victory. The enemy, death, has stalked humanity from the moment of sin, keeping us in bondage to fear. But from the moment we had an enemy we also had a promise of a Son of Eve that would defeat it, and set us free forever.

Earlier in Matthew's gospel we saw Jesus' compassion for the people such as when they were "like sheep without a shepherd." This week we see that same compassion expressed in a different way as he declares seven "woes" against the Pharisees and Scribes - the teachers (shepherds!) of the people who do not practice what they preach and put on a show of righteousness that is merely a façade. As they reject his truth and love, Jesus grieves over what must take place – the desolation of Jerusalem. And yet, there is a word of hope in the promise that they will one day see him again and cry out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

Jesus has had his turn answering the questions of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. One by one, the Herodians, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees have come to Jesus with questions designed to silence the false teacher from Galilee. One by one, this teacher from Galilee has prevailed over them in his wisdom and understanding of scripture. Now, Jesus takes a turn at asking them a question, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" The leaders have sought to trap Jesus with questions regarding poll taxes, marriage in the resurrection, and God's commands. Not one of these questions comes close to the primary reason they cannot accept Jesus as the Christ. The leaders' understanding of the expected messiah is small and insufficient. With a single question, Jesus reveals this inadequacy. He is the Son of David and the Son of God. He is the Lord, and his reign shall be like nothing they ever expected… or can accept. By the end of the passage, the false leaders, not Jesus, are the ones silenced. While the man from Galilee continues to speak. What is your understanding of the messiah?Join us on Sunday as we hear from the Word of God concerning who he is and why it changes everything!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself. How wonderful it would be if we lived according to these great commandments– simply in our own homes, let alone throughout the world. But where do we find love like this? Where is the source for us to love like this? John tells us, "This is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to the propitiation for our sins."In other words, "we love because he first loved us." Please pray that the love of God might be perfected in us as we love one another.

The Sadducees came to Jesus to confound Him with their question about the resurrection. They didn't believe in the resurrection or the afterlife, or heaven or angels at all. Despite their study of the books of Moses, The Torah, they didn't know the God who is. They could not see the nature of God, nor understand or have faith in His power. There is eternal life in God. Why? Because in Jesus, death is defeated, sin is judged and through Jesus, the Father has established an eternal family. We are hid in Christ by faith and this is a permanent reality whether we are here, present in our bodies, or in Glory, present with God.

Jesus has finished speaking three parables, revealing the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians and the condition of their faith. They are not pleased and will not take Jesus' words lying down. Set on removing Jesus, the leaders take turns attempting to trap Jesus in his own words. This week, the Herodians, along with the disciples of the Pharisees, pose the question, "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" Jesus' response leaves the people amazed. Join us on Sunday as we hear Jesus respond and discover how we are to live in relation to our government and God.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast tells us of the immensely generous character of God, who not only prepares and provides all that is necessary to host this feast for his Son, but is intent on having a 'wedding hall' full of guests. The parable also speaks of a variety of responses to the King's gracious invitation. Sadly, not everyone who hears the call of the gospel responds in faith. They are found unworthy to enter the kingdom. Others still, believing they can enter on the basis of their own righteousness, refuse to receive and wear the 'wedding garments' provided them by the king. And yet, the banquet hall is filled with those who have heard the call, "Everything is ready, so come!" By the grace of God, we are grateful to be among those who have been called and chosen by God. May our lives bear the fruit of his grace towards us in his Son.

The Lord is indeed merciful and gracious and slow to anger. In his divine forbearance he has passed over many former sins. But there will be a day when the time of his patience comes to an end. And on that day, those who have presumed upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance without coming to repentance and faith will realise the wrath they have been storing up for themselves. This is the message Jesus brings in the Parable of the Tenants to those who have seen the way of righteousness but refuse to change their minds and believe in him. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

Authority and submission. These two words are so heavily laden with sorrowful experiences and resistance that we only dare whisper them in public spaces, if at all. It is all too easy to think of stories where authority has been used to tear down, control, and abuse others. Equally, it is easy to see a history of humanity bucking the control of authority for the sake of independence and perceived freedom. For these reasons, our culture in the West resists any authority or submission.- -Yet these are words and concepts we find in the Bible-words and concepts that describe the author and perfecter of life and our relationship to him. In our passage this week, we read of Jesus possessing an authority over and above all of humanity, an authority by which he can judge the world's submission to him and an authority he uses to lead, build up, and liberate people into the kingdom of God.

Authority and submission. These two words are so heavily laden with sorrowful experiences and resistance that we only dare whisper them in public spaces, if at all. It is all too easy to think of stories where authority has been used to tear down, control, and abuse others. Equally, it is easy to see a history of humanity bucking the control of authority for the sake of independence and perceived freedom. For these reasons, our culture in the West resists any authority or submission. Yet these are words and concepts we find in the Bible—words and concepts that describe the author and perfecter of life and our relationship to him. In our passage this week, we read of Jesus possessing an authority over and above all of humanity, an authority by which he can judge the world's submission to him and an authority he uses to lead, build up, and liberate people into the kingdom of God.

As more and more people recognise who Jesus is - the Son of David, there is growing opposition from those who refuse to accept him as the Christ. Like the fig tree which Jesus curses, there are many who show signs of faith, but bear no fruit. They make a show of being religious, having an appearance of godliness, but deny its power. In contrast, Jesus teaches his disciples -if you have faith and do not doubt,- they will receive whatever they ask in prayer. Amidst this lesson in faith and fruitfulness, is an invitation to come before the Lord in prayer. And with that invitation is the promise, that -whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.- Please pray that we might be granted the wisdom to both understand what Jesus is saying here, and to respond in faith, without doubting.

As more and more people recognise who Jesus is – the Son of David, there is growing opposition from those who refuse to accept him as the Christ. Like the fig tree which Jesus curses, there are many who show signs of faith, but bear no fruit. They make a show of being religious, having an appearance of godliness, but deny its power. In contrast, Jesus teaches his disciples "if you have faith and do not doubt," they will receive whatever they ask in prayer. Amidst this lesson in faith and fruitfulness, is an invitation to come before the Lord in prayer. And with that invitation is the promise, that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Please pray that we might be granted the wisdom to both understand what Jesus is saying here, and to respond in faith, without doubting.

Not everyone who is not blind can see. Two blind men saw what the seeing crowd could not see. They not only believed Jesus was the promised 'Son of David' but they believed He was like no other king the world had known - He cared- He was willing to touch their eyes that they might see and follow Him. - -Have we seen and believed in this humble King of love who came to His own city riding on a donkey - the One who came not to be served but to serve-- It's easy to be caught up in enthusiastic worship just as the crowds did but to be caught up in serving and loving as He served and loved - that is beyond us without us being taken up into His death and resurrection. He knew what it would take to bring us to that - something the crowds could never see.

Not everyone who is not blind can see. Two blind men saw what the seeing crowd could not see. They not only believed Jesus was the promised 'Son of David' but they believed He was like no other king the world had known – He cared! He was willing to touch their eyes that they might see and follow Him. Have we seen and believed in this humble King of love who came to His own city riding on a donkey – the One who came not to be served but to serve? It's easy to be caught up in enthusiastic worship just as the crowds did but to be caught up in serving and loving as He served and loved – that is beyond us without us being taken up into His death and resurrection. He knew what it would take to bring us to that – something the crowds could never see.

You have likely heard the saying, -Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.- People have always vied for power and authority over one another. Sadly, even when intentions have begun nobly, over time, the self-serving nature of humanity has won over and resulted in poor leadership, immorality, and abuse. As slaves to sin, with only one exception, there has never been a person who truly used their authority to serve another. The exception is Christ. Jesus' use of authority is a perfect selfless service to God and humanity through his suffering, death, and resurrection. His actions are the power and pattern of authority in the kingdom of heaven that ransom us from slavery to sin. Only now, free from sin, can we follow our beloved Saviour in serving God and one another.

You have likely heard the saying, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." People have always vied for power and authority over one another. Sadly, even when intentions have begun nobly, over time, the self-serving nature of humanity has won over and resulted in poor leadership, immorality, and abuse. As slaves to sin, with only one exception, there has never been a person who truly used their authority to serve another. The exception is Christ. Jesus' use of authority is a perfect selfless service to God and humanity through his suffering, death, and resurrection. His actions are the power and pattern of authority in the kingdom of heaven that ransom us from slavery to sin. Only now, free from sin, can we follow our beloved Saviour in serving God and one another.

When Jesus was asked a question to test him regarding the law and divorce, he responded by speaking about marriage- marriage, from the beginning. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that before we even consider the notion of divorce we must first understand what marriage is. No piece of paper such a certificate of divorce can nullify the one flesh union that God himself has joined together. As the disciples did that day, I pray that we might recognise the deep profundity of what Jesus teaches us here, and receive it in faith.

When Jesus was asked a question to test him regarding the law and divorce, he responded by speaking about marriage– marriage, from the beginning. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that before we even consider the notion of divorce we must first understand what marriage is. No piece of paper such a certificate of divorce can nullify the one flesh union that God himself has joined together. As the disciples did that day, I pray that we might recognise the deep profundity of what Jesus teaches us here, and receive it in faith.

The parable of The Labourers in the Vineyard before us this week from Matthew 20 is in fact a continuation from last week as Jesus explains the statement at the end of Chapter 19, -Many who are first will be last, and the last first.- Most of us expect a certain 'order of things' in life to be kept and maintained by the vast majority. And it is interesting, and somewhat revealing, to observe how we respond when such expectations are not met. Jesus teaches us that we should not presume we are entitled to anything in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, whether we are first in line, or last, we receive far more than any of us deserve. It is all gift- Such is the generosity and grace of our Lord and God.

The parable of The Labourers in the Vineyard before us this week from Matthew 20 is in fact a continuation from last week as Jesus explains the statement at the end of Chapter 19, "Many who are first will be last, and the last first." Most of us expect a certain 'order of things' in life to be kept and maintained by the vast majority. And it is interesting, and somewhat revealing, to observe how we respond when such expectations are not met. Jesus teaches us that we should not presume we are entitled to anything in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, whether we are first in line, or last, we receive far more than any of us deserve. It is all gift! Such is the generosity and grace of our Lord and God.

In our passage, little children are brought to Jesus so that he might bless them, but the disciples again miss the point and turn the children away. Jesus shows us that salvation is for everyone, not limited to the rich and important.-We also read of a wealthy young man approaching Jesus to find out what 'good thing' he must do to get eternal life. But the only one who is good and can bring salvation was standing right before him- The young man kept the six relational commandments, but Jesus saw his heart and knew he served money, not God. In response, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, saying that he might have treasure in heaven and follow him. The Young man was sad and fled because he had great wealth. Jesus shows us what is important and what is not to both the young man and the kingdom. -It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom-. While Jesus' hyperbole reveals the impossibility of saving ourselves, 'with God all things are possible'.

In our passage, little children are brought to Jesus so that he might bless them, but the disciples again miss the point and turn the children away. Jesus shows us that salvation is for everyone, not limited to the rich and important.-We also read of a wealthy young man approaching Jesus to find out what 'good thing' he must do to get eternal life. But the only one who is good and can bring salvation was standing right before him- The young man kept the six relational commandments, but Jesus saw his heart and knew he served money, not God. In response, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, saying that he might have treasure in heaven and follow him. The Young man was sad and fled because he had great wealth. Jesus shows us what is important and what is not to both the young man and the kingdom. -It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom-. While Jesus' hyperbole reveals the impossibility of saving ourselves, 'with God all things are possible'.

In our passage, little children are brought to Jesus so that he might bless them, but the disciples again miss the point and turn the children away. Jesus shows us that salvation is for everyone, not limited to the rich and important.We also read of a wealthy young man approaching Jesus to find out what 'good thing' he must do to get eternal life. But the only one who is good and can bring salvation was standing right before him! The young man kept the six relational commandments, but Jesus saw his heart and knew he served money, not God. In response, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, saying that he might have treasure in heaven and follow him. The Young man was sad and fled because he had great wealth. Jesus shows us what is important and what is not to both the young man and the kingdom. "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom". While Jesus' hyperbole reveals the impossibility of saving ourselves, 'with God all things are possible'.

We heard last week that believers have a position in the kingdom of heaven like that of beloved -little ones-. With the image of believers as children in mind and a desire to guard them, Jesus addresses the most significant threat his children face- the threat of sin. Jesus warns those who would lead believers to stumble, and he warns believers themselves of the severe seriousness of participating in sin. To sin is to wander away from God, like a sheep going astray, or as we see in our passage this week, a brother or sister leaving the family. -So, what happens when a -little one-, a sheep, a brother or sister sins-- Are they lost, doomed to wander-- This week, we see Jesus's heart forgive sin and reconcile the wandering family-the same heart he would see family have for one another.

We heard last week that believers have a position in the kingdom of heaven like that of beloved -little ones-. With the image of believers as children in mind and a desire to guard them, Jesus addresses the most significant threat his children face- the threat of sin. Jesus warns those who would lead believers to stumble, and he warns believers themselves of the severe seriousness of participating in sin. To sin is to wander away from God, like a sheep going astray, or as we see in our passage this week, a brother or sister leaving the family. -So, what happens when a -little one-, a sheep, a brother or sister sins-- Are they lost, doomed to wander-- This week, we see Jesus's heart forgive sin and reconcile the wandering family-the same heart he would see family have for one another.

We heard last week that believers have a position in the kingdom of heaven like that of beloved "little ones". With the image of believers as children in mind and a desire to guard them, Jesus addresses the most significant threat his children face: the threat of sin. Jesus warns those who would lead believers to stumble, and he warns believers themselves of the severe seriousness of participating in sin. To sin is to wander away from God, like a sheep going astray, or as we see in our passage this week, a brother or sister leaving the family. So, what happens when a "little one", a sheep, a brother or sister sins? Are they lost, doomed to wander? This week, we see Jesus's heart forgive sin and reconcile the wandering family—the same heart he would see family have for one another.