Sunday Scripture Podcast

Link to the theme for the next 5 weeksLuke 24:13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked.“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

{ILS} The Phone Call HomeThe content of calls home matches the emotions of the psalms joy, love, fear, anger, sorrow, grief, and gratitude Sometimes in a series of calls, sometimes all in one {MPT} Surely God Is Good To Israel Asaph's thought is in the present tense but the assurance of the truth comes from the past. {MPT} Does the Most High Know Anything? If God is good and wants humans to mirror, God must not be aware People are trading on your name and worse they are thriving2nd Kings 5 - Elisha and his assistant help Naaman with leprosyElisha had an assistant Gehazi {MPT} I Was A Brute Beast, Yet I Am Always With You When I didn't get what I wanted  When i didn't get it when I wanted it I wasn't aware of the incredible love and sacrifice that preceded my action {MPT} And Why Do We Make or Receive The Call To pour out the emotions in our heart To know we are part of a larger part of creation, with a timeline longer than we can imagine To gain guidance

Psalm 73_A psalm of Asaph_All Time Notes1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4 They have no struggles;  their bodies are healthy and strong.5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;  their evil imaginations have no limits.8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?12 This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!20 They are like a dream when one awakes;  when you arise, Lord,  you will despise them as fantasies.21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

e1_05_04_25_#141_Psalm 30_Out of the Depths{ILS} Coach running to hug a player I have been through the ringer No one thought it would happen I want someone to hug {SCR} Psalm 30:1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. 4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 6 When I felt secure, I said,  “I will never be shaken.” {MPT} I misjudged momentary securityYoung Joseph told his brothers he was the most special and loved by his father {MPT} You lifted me out of the depthsJoseph found himself in prison, proved his worth, but he was forgotten for two years{SCR} Psalm 30:7 Lord, when you favored me,  you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. 8 To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: 9 “What is gained if I am silenced,  if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.  Lord my God, I will praise you forever. {MPT} My heart will sing your praisesJoseph navigated arrogance, rejection, imprisonment, famine, isolation, and unresolved feelings to welcome his brothers

Psalm 30_A song for dedication of the Temple_All Time Notes1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.6 When I felt secure, I said,  “I will never be shaken.”7 Lord, when you favored me,  you made my royal mountain[c] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.8 To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:9 “What is gained if I am silenced,  if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.”11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.  Lord my God, I will praise you forever.Jin H. HanProfessor of Biblical StudiesNew York Theological SeminaryNew York, N.Y. One need not read hatred into the term “foe,” for the word covers all situations of opposition.  The poet does not dwell on details of the dangerous situation that transpired. Only in sight is the thanksgiving for God's intervention that saved the poet.  The life-threatening situation is no more. Neither is the fear of death The poet invites others to join in thanksgiving. In the Hebrew text, the command of praise is clearly marked in the second-person plural verb.  The poet compares God's favor with God's anger. The latter is momentary, whereas the former lasts for life.  The poet testifies to joy that returns with the rise of the sun. The poetic image may also speak of the passage of time that turns and mends steadily (compare with “the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” in Proverbs 4:18). The poet acknowledges that there had been a time of prosperity that provided confidence and fortitude (verse 6).  In retrospect, the poet realizes that it was none other than God that sponsored the time of wellness. In those days, thanks to God, the psalmist was as sturdy as “a strong mountain”; by contrast, without God there was nothing but fear and confusion (verse 7).  In spite of present trouble, however, the poet realizes there is no reason to remain in despair.  With a hint of humor, the poet reminds God that the dust has no capacity to praise God. Nor can the inanimate object tell the truth of God's faithfulness. 

{ILS} The lake Navigate the water Consider the swimming/feeding patterns of the fish What you don't deal with - crowds, judges, soldiers, governors {SCR} John 21:1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I'm going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We'll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven't you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. {MPT} We'll go with you{SCR} John 21:8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.  {MPT} He jumped in{SCR} John 21:12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. {MPT} Come have breakfast{SCR} John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”{MPT} Take care of my sheep

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I'm going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We'll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven't you any fish?”“No,” they answered.6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.Jesus Reinstates Peter15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

{ILS} The Baker Paradox - If you meet someone named Baker, you're more likely to forget their name than if you met someone who is a baker. {2} Great illustration of the flimsy memory of names of othersExterior Retention Interval - the time between when you learn a concept and then are tested on it  Memory involves four processes:  Attention - observing things through your senses Encoding - selective, there are often too many things to take in Storage - Memories have to be stored somewhere in the brain, so in order to do so, the brain biochemically alters itself  Retrieval - when we remember past events, we reconstruct them with the aid of our memory traces—but also color them with our current belief of what happened. - Available vs Accessible {SCR} Luke 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!  {MPT} Why are you here? Because they are faithful  to their Savior - they want him to have the care and love he gave to their faith tradition - they honored the Sabbath  regardless of the hostility - leaders could want to wipe them out Because they did not remember what Jesus said - three separate times They have been traumatized  In their tiny way, they want to take back part of that memory {SCR} Luke 24:6 Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' ” 8 Then they remembered his words. {MPT} Yeah, we remember Galilee We were taught in ways we have never heard We were loved, healed, and fed We were surrounded by people that were interested  We never felt this way and knew it would never end {SCR} Luke 24:9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. {MPT} If we don't remember, we wonder If the present has complete influence over us If the discouraging things we experience If the violent things we have seen If the people we loved so dearly that influenced us are not present Yet if we remember the incredible love that Jesus showedAnd the promises he made to his people

We read the entire Good Friday story and build a list of themes to considerListen to previous podcast comparing all four versions of the Easter story.

{ILS} The Masters Tournament The stunning beauty and difficulty of the golf holes The extraordinary effort to make the flowers bloom The expectations for the patrons Trash management - wrappers on the sandwiches {SCR} Luke 19:28 After Jesus said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?' just say, ‘Its master needs it.'” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said. {MPT} Jesus was born among simple animalsThe master needs your stall {MPT} Jesus was called people from simple villagesThe master needs your skill set {MPT} Jesus entered town on a simple animalThe master needs a ride {MPT} Jesus walked to Golgotha with a simple manThe master needs your help {SCR} Luke 19:33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.” {MPT} No debate after one question and one answer Picture 1 - Because it is for the MasterWhat can we attribute that immediate understanding to? Picture 2 - The incredible network that builds in the villages and countryside  {SCR} Luke 19:39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.” {MPT} The beauty and structure is being dismantled How would you describe facial expressions in the painting? Security plans Political plans All delicately orchestrated Religious Plans Has been whispered in the countryside - will now be declared in the city Animal  People All deliberately gathered Savior

c4_03_23_25_#135_John 12:1-8_Blank{ILS} Layers of tension in a room The Traitors, the agendas, the votesThe thing is, the people that turn always surprise Compare the photo to the last supperThere is an issue of expectations and true outcomes  {SCR} John 12:1 Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Lazarus and his sisters hosted a dinner for him. Martha served and Lazarus was among those who joined him at the table. 3 Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost three-quarters of a pound, of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus' feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the perfume.  {MPT} The Passover Day Our tremendous pain and burden may be coming to an end Incredible violence upon another nation, in order to be free {MPT} The Passover Anniversary for Centuries Gathering to remember To offer gratitude  To hope for the future {MPT} The Journey to the City Gospel stories are completely driven by events while eating Challenges for the people preset Behavioral expectations Contrasting motivations Personal determinations Fear and dread for the days to come {SCR} John 12:4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, 5 “This perfume was worth a year's wages! Why wasn't it sold and the money given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.)7 Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you won't always have me.” {MPT} The Circle of Judgement Mary is showing humility and generosity Judas judging the money she spent on the act John in the moment and as the author of the gospel - judging Judas For whom does Jesus make this sacrifice? Challenges for the people preset Behavioral expectations Contrasting motivations Personal determinations  Fear and dread for the days to come

John 12:1 Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Lazarus and his sisters hosted a dinner for him. Martha served and Lazarus was among those who joined him at the table. 3 Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost three-quarters of a pound, of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus' feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the perfume. 4 Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, 5 “This perfume was worth a year's wages![b] Why wasn't it sold and the money given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.)7 Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you won't always have me.”

Luke 15:1,11-32 - Parable of the Lost Son - All Time Notes15:1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.—---------------------------------17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.—--------------------------------------25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,' he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'28 “The older brother became angry (he didn't get invited to the party) and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours (does not acknowledge him as a brother) who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'31 “‘My son,' the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours (father reestablishes they are brothers) was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'”

Pisgah church member and U of SC professor, Dr Britt Terry preached on Luke 13:1-9

c4_03_23_25_#134_Luke 13:1-9_Process and Outcome{ILS} NY Yankees Owner - George Steinbrenner owners in every sport that do not care about winning - profit or prestige Cared deeply about his organization & wanted OUTCOMES - 23 Years and 20 Managers {SCR} Luke 13:1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” {MPT} Outcomes - Governors and Crowds Political officials that were violent and deranged Jesus' followers/onlookers - as a man of God, what do you think?…of the governor that murdered and then 5X mocked?Why…   …would Pilate do it?    …God allow it? Question with a question, shifting away from outcomes Future story - to illustrate how quickly violence can get out of hand. The #1 job of the Roman governor is to remain governor Calm or Intimidate or Manipulate the crowd In this photo, Pilate is a neutral party, wanting out, not today {MPT} Outcomes - Towers and InnocentsHumans have always wanted to build something, then even bigger Power, Beauty, Security the poor people that suffered during the collapse? Sometimes they fall by accident or by a horrific storm Sometimes they were destroyed As a man of God, I will tell you what I think of this {SCR} Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 8 “‘Sir,' the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”{MPT} Outcomes - Trees and Fruit How many acres do you think the vineyard was? - how much per acre? How much does the gardener get paid? We don't know the full investment the owner has committed He does not threaten the gardener He wants the tree to do the one thing it was designed to do {MPT} Process - Digging and Fertilizing On his knees Daily, there will be no results the following day, only more work No one will be checking in {QUO} “Life's fragility gives it urgency” Matthew Skinner - Luther SeminaryThis illustration could speak to you in two ways The one that needs care and nutrients The one that offers care and nutrients

Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'8 “‘Sir,' the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”

Jesus is warned by unlikely allies not to enter the city of Jerusalem. In defiance, Jesus declares his intention to enter the city and change life forever.Click here to watch the video shared at the conclusion of the sermon.

Jesus is warned by unlikely allies not to enter the city of Jerusalem. In defiance, Jesus declares his intention to enter the city and change life forever.Prayer to the Crucified Christ that Brad SharedLord Jesus, you stretched out your arms of love upon the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace; So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your name, Amen.

Key Passage - Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.Sermon Outline Link

We begin the season of Lent by reading the story of Jesus entering the desert, fasting for weeks, and being tempted to trade everything in for empty promises.

Luke 7:1 After Jesus finished presenting all his words among the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion had a servant who was very important to him, but the servant was ill and about to die.

A servant of a Roman military leader is ill and several different groups draw together to heal him.

What if your condemnation or redemption is in your own hands?

35 Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful (kindness to the ungrateful and wicked)l, just as your Father is merciful.37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Jesus takes his followers from across the countryside. He teaches them to break the negative cycle of their ancestors. You can see the pictures referenced using the Google Slides link belowLink to Google Slides

We compare and contrast Jesus' message to his followers in two different gospel versions.

Peter and the disciples witness a catch of fish unlike anything they'v ever seen and then they are called to follow Jesus.

Day and night, crowds and isolation, water and land, success and failure all wrapped up in only eleven verses. 

Jesus travels from synagogue to synagogue until he arrives in his hometown. He challenges the home crowd and they do not respond well. 

Jesus travels home to read an ancient text in the synagogue of his childhood. He proclaims to the people that the ancient message of God has been fulfilled in their hearing. 

The story begins with and is advanced by servants who are willing to follow Mary and Jesus.

A group from Nazareth travels to a wedding in Cana and Jesus shows the remarkable power his bringing to humanity.

Paul encourages a new faith community and I compare Paul's previous journey with the message.

Mary is approached by the angel, is told she will be a mother, and she immediately goes to share the news with Elizabeth

The prophet speaks to a torn and broken nation, offering a message of hope and purpose. 

The prophet speaks to a torn and broken nation, offering a message of hope and purpose. 

Link to watch the Ted Talk about not speaking

We begin the Season of Advent with a text of anticipation and hope. 

In the final reading of the Christian year, the people of Jerusalem question and debate who is the true king and what that king can do. 

In the final reading of the Christian year, the people of Jerusalem question and debate who is the true king and what that king can do. 

As the disciples are admiring the Temple, Jesus shifts the focus to an offering made by a widow. 

Jesus compares and contrasts a widow giving a tiny amount to the massive 2nd Temple structure. 

Prayer of ExaminationGod of Love... …did I see myself and others through the eyes of Christ's love this week?God of Peace……did I bring my anxious thoughts before You in prayer?God of Wisdom……did I create silence to hear and understand Your intended outcome?God of Justice…did I shed light on the sins for which I must seek forgiveness?God of Mercy…help me know your unending pursuit and love, so that I may share it with others.

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a message about sheep in wolves clothing and trees that produce bad fruit. Both were warning signs of false prophets that do not know or practice the true intentions of God. 

Jesus asks his followers to consider their flaws before pointing out others. Once considered they are encouraged to pray boldly for help with those flaws. 

Jesus addresses the our tendency to judge each other rather reflect on on our actions and words. 

In our second to last week of reading the entire Sermon on the Mount, we discuss vision, being judgy, and boldly calling upon God to help us with our frailties. 

Sermon Series - Sermon on the Mount and the book The Narrow Path. Jesus his followers reducing our desire for valuables and increasing the value of other human beings. 

Sermon Series - Sermon on the Mount and the book The Narrow Path. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray. 

Jesus instructs his followers to let go of desires for more of all things, so they can turn their eyes to what matters most. 

Jesus draws us away from trumpets and lights and likes on social media, to quiet reflection on our need for healing.