Podcasts about Hosanna

Our pride and selfishness kill our souls and both keep us out of the Kingdom and prevent others from finding it as well. Christ was humble and selfless, and yet He was crucified as a prideful, selfish criminal to pay the debt we owed. Once we accept this, we recognize our humble position before a lofty God and can seek His saving power and lead others to find it as well.

Jesus calls us to love God with all we are and to love others as ourselves. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel and the foundation of discipleship. When we inhale the Gospel, we are transformed by God's love. When we exhale the Gospel, that love flows outward through obedience, generosity, and mission. When we put our yes on the table, we step into the work God is already doing among us.

After a month away from our study in Mark, we're returning to the middle of chapter 12, where Jesus faces a series of challenges from religious leaders in Jerusalem during his final week. After Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna and cleansed the temple, a delegation from the Sanhedrin questioned his authority. Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap him with a question about taxes to Caesar, and Sadducees pose a hypothetical about marriage, hoping to prove there is no resurrection. This Sunday, we'll examine the final question from a scribe—a legal expert on God's law—regarding the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-37). This leads to a discussion that highlights how someone can be remarkably close to God's kingdom without actually entering it. The main point is that true entry into the kingdom requires more than intellectual agreement with God's truths or admiration for Jesus; it demands recognizing, trusting, and submitting to Jesus as Lord, the divine Son of God, who alone has kept God's commandments in our place and, in the new birth, enables us to love God and others. I. The Foundational Truth of God's Law (v. 28-31) II. The Full Agreement Of A Lost Sinner (v. 32-34) III. The Faith That Enters The Kingdom (v. 35-37)

Meet siblings Tim, Steve and Janice. They were pioneers in Christian music in the 1970s. They were the first to record Andrae Crouch's song, "Jesus is the Answer." They won a Grammy Award in 1981 and performed around the world. Now, 50 years after its original release, they've recorded a new version of their breakout song, "It Wouldn't Be Enough." Don't miss a conversation with The Archers on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Legacy Live by The Archers December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if real strength isn't found in winning arguments—but in knowing when to lay down your rights?In this New Year's Eve episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock close out 2025 by unpacking one of Jesus' most misunderstood teachings: meekness. Drawing from Cory's final eBook, How to Sheath Your Sword in a Violent Loving Culture, they explore why meekness is not weakness, but strength under control—and why it may be the posture Christians need most in a polarized world.You'll hear:⚔️ Why “Blessed are the meek” was a radical, counter-cultural statement

Many parents see the dangers of smartphones for their kids and teens. They've decided to pull the plug. Author and director of the Technology and Human Flourishing Project Clare Morell provides a practical guide to a tech exit. Could ditching digital technology help your children instead of hurt them? If you're considering taking this path, don't miss this "Best of Chris Fabry Live." Featured resource:The Tech Exit by Clare Morell December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 2:13–23 and the part of the Christmas story we often skip. While we're still singing carols, Matthew shows us a world that is anything but calm and bright — and invites us to consider what it means that God chose to enter this kind of world.“JOY TO THE WORLD / OUR GOD SAVES --     CCLI Song # 7101432  |  © 2017 Thankyou Music Ltd | Integrity Worship Music | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Leadworship Songs | Michael Rossback Music  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867 

All this week on Chris Fabry Live, we'll re-air some of the best conversations of the year. To start the week, you'll hear about Linda’s spiritual journey. She tried to find contentment in many things but came up empty until she discovered the abundant life Jesus offers. And that radical change led her to a ministry that encourages people behind prison walls. Don't miss Linda's story on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Article: Churches: How to Offer a Chaplain Who Solely Supports Jail Staff December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When things don't go our way, we tend to argue with God rather than obey Him. He questions Jesus with a heart posture that wants to protect our control rather than submit to Him as the answer. Jesus calls us to give to God what is God's. We do this through faith in the Gospel. When we stop arguing with the Resurrection and the Life, and start trusting Him, surrendering our control to give Him control, He gives us new life. He is the God of the living and not the dead.

We're going back to the archives for a conversation about lessons from a classic film. Bob Welch joined us a few years ago to take us on a trip back to Bedford Falls to look at the lives of George and Mary Bailey. The film is a powerful reminder that our lives touch those around us in ways we can’t imagine. It's the perfect Friday conversation for the day after Christmas. Don't miss Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life e-book by Bob Welch December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

211Cuando se acercaban a Jerusalén y llegaron a Betfagé, en el monte de los Olivos, envió a dos discípulos 2diciéndoles: «Id a la aldea de enfrente, encontraréis enseguida una borrica atada con su pollino, los desatáis y me los traéis. 3Si alguien os dice algo, contestadle que el Señor los necesita y los devolverá pronto». 4Esto ocurrió para que se cumpliese lo dicho por medio del profeta: 5«Decid a la hija de Sión: “Mira a tu rey, que viene a ti, humilde, montado en una borrica, en un pollino, hijo de acémila”». 6Fueron los discípulos e hicieron lo que les había mandado Jesús: 7trajeron la borrica y el pollino, echaron encima sus mantos, y Jesús se montó. 8La multitud alfombró el camino con sus mantos; algunos cortaban ramas de árboles y alfombraban la calzada. 9Y la gente que iba delante y detrás gritaba: «¡Hosanna al Hijo de David! ¡Bendito el que viene en nombre del Señor! ¡Hosanna en las alturas!». 10Al entrar en Jerusalén, toda la ciudad se sobresaltó preguntando: «¿Quién es este?». 11La multitud contestaba: «Es el profeta Jesús, de Nazaret de Galilea». 

We'll present a celebration of the gift God gave us in the newborn King! You'll hear a story about a little boy who changed the lives of a lot of people. There was a Christmas pageant at church that year. And what happened as the drama unfolded onstage paled in comparison with the drama in the little boy's heart. Don't miss Tyrone's Christmas, a Christmas Day edition of the "Best of Chris Fabry Live." December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Pastor Ryan Alexander for this year's Christmas Eve service!

Don't miss a special musical broadcast on the Christmas Eve edition of Chris Fabry Live. Several guests from Christmases past will visit to spread good tidings of great joy! You'll hear the group Selah. Steven Curtis Chapman shares his heart. Lindsay McCaul has a medley of songs, and Andrew Greer and Cindy Morgan will join us. Don't miss the music and conversation when you join us for Christmas Eve on Chris Fabry Live. December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How about a Christmas issue that will inform your life? We go to the archives for an email a listener sent about the company Christmas party. She had been invited but was struggling with whether to attend or not. She's a believer who feels torn about that decision. What would you say to her? And what are you dealing with right now that's similar to her conundrum? Hear this "Best of Chris Fabry Live." December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todos están invitados a la vida eterna, pero podemos permitir que la ocupación, la rebeldía o la autosuficiencia nos mantengan lejos de Cristo y, por lo tanto, de Su Reino. Cristo obedeció al Padre y obtuvo la vestidura de justicia, la única vestidura aprobada para el Reino. Luego murió y resucitó de entre los muertos para poder revestirnos con ella. Cuando elegimos confiar en Cristo y seguirlo, recibimos Su vestidura y somos preparados para Su Reino. Asistir a la iglesia no es suficiente. ¡Necesitamos Su vestidura!

Color: Blue Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:5–8 Psalm: Psalm 24; antiphon: v. 7 Epistle: Romans 13:8–14 Epistle: Romans 13:11–14 Gospel: Matthew 21:1–9 Introit: Psalm 25:4–5, 21–22; antiphon: vv. 1–3a Gradual: Psalm 25:3–4 Verse: Psalm 85:7 The Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us   The new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross, where He shows Himself to be “The Lord is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ's body and blood, we also sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament, we set our hearts on His return in glory, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Monday on a "Best of Chris Fabry Live," we'll talk about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She's often portrayed as passive, but in Luke's gospel you see her exercising her choice, asking questions, speaking up while still pondering things in her heart. Amy Orr-Ewing will take us into Mary's world as we look at this woman who raised the Son of God. Don't miss the stirring conversation on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resources:Mary's Voice by Amy Orr-Ewing Advent Resources December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone is invited to eternal life, but we can let busyness, rebellion, or self-reliance keep us from Christ and thus from his kingdom. Christ obeyed the Father and earned the robe of righteousness, the only approved garment for the kingdom. Then he died and rose from the dead so he could clothe us with it. When we choose to trust in Christ and follow him, we get his robe and are made ready for his kingdom. Church attendance is not enough. We need his robe!

Pull out your song-book and let's talk about the hymns and carols of Christmas. What phrase in a Christmas hymn or carol arrests you this year? As part of our yuletide celebration, we'll welcome back a man of hymns and sacred music, Dr. Sound of Majesty himself, Greg Wheatley. Don't miss the conversation about the deep meaning behind the songs we sing at Christmas on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resources:SoundofMajesty.orgMusicofChristmas.org December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JOHN 12:1-13 - WALKING WITH JESUS - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 12:1 "Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”The Plot to Kill Lazarus9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.The Triumphal Entry12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:“Hosanna!‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'The King of Israel!”To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like.  Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW

What did Mary know and what didn't she know? Did the angels sing to the shepherds? Was Jesus born in a stable, a cave, or some other dwelling? The two Michaels—Dr. Michael Rydelnik and Dr. Michael Vanlaningham—return to answer questions about the first Christmas. What does the biblical record tell us and not tell us? What are the misconceptions we have about the birth of Christ? Don't miss the biblical fun we'll have with the two Michaels on Chris Fabry Live. December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the best thing about being single at Christmas? That question may sound odd, but we'd love to hear your answer. The default thinking is that singles are lonely and depressed through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. But is that true? From the Boundless Show, author and speaker Lisa Anderson will share her own experience and encouragement for singles. Don't miss the conversation on Chris Fabry Live. December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chapter 14 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels. The Beginning of the End - The Triumphal Entry and driving out of the temple. An entry fit for a king. Crowds cheering and calling for him to take the throne, yet there is a darkness lurking behind the scenes. Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 21:9, And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/  Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a "Grand" Christmas on Chris Fabry Live. What are the perks of being a grandparent at Christmas time? Jay Payleitner is the author of a new devotional that will inspire and encourage your grandparenting journey. He says this season could be your greatest calling yet. But there are some Christmas warnings as well as opportunities for you to consider. Don't miss the stories and Grand Christmas fun on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:A Grand Way to Live: Faith, Wisdom, and Joy for Every Grandparent by Jay Payleitner December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Chris Fabry Live, that singer, songwriter, author and traveling troubadour of the soul, Michael Card is back. You know him from songs like "El Shaddai," "Love Crucified Arose," and many others about the life and ministry of Jesus. And we’re going to talk specifically about the miracle of the incarnation and what it means to us today. Don’t miss a conversation with Michael Card on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resources:The Promise CD by Michael Card (Songs aired: "We Will Find Him;" "Joseph's Song;" "What Her Heart Remembered;" "Vicit Agnus Noster")Keith and Kristyn Getty "Home for Christmas" Free Concert Livestream: December 19, 2025 December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don't like it when Jesus establishes His authority by disrupting our lives. We're okay with Him being good to us, but not with Him exposing us. We cannot separate His goodness from His work of exposing sin in our hearts. The exposure of sin is a demonstration

No nos gusta cuando Jesús establece Su autoridad al interrumpir nuestras vidas. Estamos bien con que sea bueno con nosotros, pero no con que nos exponga. No podemos separar Su bondad de Su obra de exponer el pecado en nuestros corazones. La exposición del pecado es una demostración de Su bondad. Puede que pensemos que no la queremos, pero debemos entender que la necesitamos desesperadamente. Ser parte de Su Reino significa darle a Jesús la autoridad para examinar las partes más profundas de nuestro corazón, para que pueda exponer y expulsar el mal que nos destruiría desde dentro.

The Triumphal Entry 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat […]

Finish this sentence: It feels like Christmas when __(blank)__. How would you answer that question? And what’s the feeling you’re looking for? Describe it. Does it feel like Christmas when something happens—a fire in the fireplace, snow on the ground, or is about people in your life? When family and friends visit and there’s laughter around the table? It won’t feel like Christmas unless you join us for Chris Fabry Live. December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do if your adult child cuts you out of her life? Or she makes the declaration that you can't be part of your grandchildren's lives? Hear a short story about a decision a daughter makes with her mom and the results of that decision. The relational fallout. If you're grieving that kind of separation of a child or grandchildren, respond to the story on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resources:Mature Living Article: The Text, Part 1Mature Living Article: The Text, Part 2Mature Living Article: The Text, Part 3Mature Living magazine December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our correspondent to the blended family, Ron Deal, will return to talk about your blended Christmas. What issues are you trying to navigate well this year in your blended family? Plus, how have you navigated the holidays with grace and understanding? Is there something you do as a blended family that might help others? Don't miss the practical conversation on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resources:Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman and Ron L. DealThe Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome the return of our literary friend and frequent guest Dr. Rosalie de Rosset. She's a source of poetry, books, films, and songs that try to capture the truth of what we celebrate at Christmas. How can you adequately describe what God did when He sent His only Son? Don't miss a stirring and inspiring conversation on Chris Fabry Live. Poetry readings:"Silent Night" by Joseph Mohr"After Annunciation" by Madeleine L'Engle"The Risk of Birth" by Madeleine L'EngleChristmas Travelers by John KoesslerInfant holy, infant lowly" attributed to Piotr Skarga"The Courage of Joseph" by Peter Cooley"The Song of the Shepherds" by Richard Bauckham"Dawn of Glory" by caller Sandy"Come, Lord Jesus" by Madeleine L'Engle December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the Christmas season bring up conflicted feelings for you? You’re excited to celebrate the incarnation, but it feels like there’s something holding you back? On Chris Fabry Live, author and cultural correspondent Dr. John Koessler will talk about the melancholy that often comes with Christmas. The memories of celebrations past and the unmet expectations of the present—let’s talk about it on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Christmas Travelers by John Koessler December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life in the Spirit begins with how we welcome Jesus when He draws near. Obedience, surrender, and the cry of “Hosanna” are true postures of a heart that receives the King. When we open the door to Christ, He transforms what we could never change on our own.

When it doesn't look like Jesus is in charge, we easily lose faith in him and wither up spiritually from it. Doubt maligns the soul. Jesus proved to be worthy through his death on the cross and to be King through his resurrection. No matter what our circumstances seem to indicate, we can maintain our faith in him and see the fruit of that faith when the impossible becomes possible.

John 12:12-19,The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!”16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”This morning is doubly special. One, it's the second Sunday of Advent. Two, we get to witness 15 baptisms.This will be the most baptisms I've witnessed in one gathering. (In March of 2019, we baptized 14 on one Sunday.) I love when born-again people, with a credible profession of personal faith in Jesus, give public witness in the waters of baptism to the realness of Jesus, and his saving cross and resurrection. Baptism bears witness to Jesus. Which is a connection with our passage this morning. Verses 17-18:The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.We have two crowds: a smaller one and a larger one. The smaller one saw Jesus raise Lazarus. The larger crowd, gathered in Jerusalem, goes out to meet Jesus as he comes because they heard the witness of the first crowd.And baptism bears witness like that. Those who step into the water, and go under, and come back up, bear witness to the realness of Jesus: “he came, he died, he rose, he broke into my unbelieving life, he has won my faith and trust, he has changed me, and he is changing me.” And so, they say, “I bear witness to you that Jesus is real. And either you already know it or I invite you to experience him for yourself.”So, as we witness these baptisms this morning, we don't sit idly by. We don't twiddle our thumbs and watch the clock. We watch the waters with faith. We hear with our eyes the witness they bear in baptism. We see the gospel of Jesus's death and resurrection dramatized. And as we do so, we remember and enjoy what he's done for us — or we hear a promise of what he will do for anyone who will trust in him.So, this morning is special, to witness these 15 baptisms. And because it's Advent. And this is a surprising advent text.Jesus's ComingDo you know what Advent means (from the Latin adventus)? Arrival or coming. And this is a coming text: verse 12: “the large crowd . . . heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.” Verse 13, quoting Psalm 118: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Verse 15, quoting Zechariah 9: “behold, your king is coming.”So, let's take our cues from these three mentions of coming. All three represent daring moves by Jesus as he enters Jerusalem.1. He comes in dignity.Verse 12, that first mention of his coming:The next day [after the anointing at Bethany; it's a Sunday] the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.How will he come? Verse 14 introduces Jesus's daring move: “Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it.” Don't miss that: Jesus arranges for the donkey. All four Gospels are very clear about this. This is Jesus's idea. No one forced or tricked him into it.Now, we are 21st-century people. We don't have donkeys. We make fun of donkeys. We have cars. Who needs a donkey? But in the ancient world, donkeys were valuable. They can haul. They can work. You can ride them. To have a donkey was to have wealth.And this is not the first mention of a donkey in the Bible.First comes Jacob's blessing for his son Judah in Genesis 49. He foresees that Judah's tribe will have the kingship in Israel. His brothers will praise him and bow to him (Gen 49:8). Judah is “a lion's cub” (49:9) on the rise. The king's ruling staff, the scepter, “shall not depart from Judah,” and to him, even beyond Jacob's family “shall be the obedience of the peoples” (49:10). Then comes this strange mention of a donkey's colt:Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey's colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. (49:11)Strange as this reads to us, this is “deliberately the language of excess” (Derek Kidner). Hungry beasts hitched to precious grapevines, free to feed as desired, with wine in such plenty as to be used like water — these images suggest “exuberant, intoxicating abundance” (Kidner, 230). So, beginning here, both wine and the donkey's colt become symbolic of the lavish blessings to come through Judah's line.Then we find in the time of the judges that donkey ownership (and riding) is a mark of privilege and dignity. The rich ride on donkeys (Judges 5:10), and celebrated leaders give donkeys, as well as cities, to their sons (Judges 10:4; 12:14).And Judah's great descendant, King David, has a mule on which he rides, as do his sons (2 Sam 13:29; 18:9). Late in David's life, in the midst of national turmoil, a zealous supporter brings two donkeys “for the king's household to ride on” (2 Sam 16:2) — not an insult but an act of allegiance and royal hope. And when David appoints his son Solomon to be king, he has him ride to the anointing on the king's own mule (1 Kings 1:33).So, first, the donkey means dignity. Riding the donkey is an exalted position. Jesus comes in dignity.2. He comes as royalty.Jesus receives the crowd's praise as Messiah, the long-awaited King. Verse 13: So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”At one level, the crowds are right about this: Jesus is the Messiah. He is the King of Israel. But at another level, they don't get it yet. He is far, far more than just King of Israel, and King of just Israel. He is a vastly different and greater king than they expect.The palm branches hint at what the crowd has in mind. Almost two centuries before Jesus, in the Jewish revolt against the Greeks, palms became political and nationalist symbols. Then against the Greeks; now against the Romans. And this is especially so when paired with the people declaring Jesus to be “King of Israel.” These are very natural expectations that require no new birth and no Holy Spirit. The large crowd is right that Jesus is the Messiah, but he is so different than what they think, and what he will do in Jerusalem is not at all what they expect. He is far bigger than their little political and nationalist and temporal and very worldly hopes.Amazingly, the psalm they've reached for to capture the moment has the surprising truth about Jesus right under their noses. They quote Psalm 118:25-26:Save us [Hosanna], we pray, O Lord! . . . Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Yes, Jesus is the long-awaited King. But, right there in Psalm 118, the immediately preceding verses (22-24) say,The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.And not only does the large crowd not understand, but not even Jesus's disciples, as we've seen throughout John (2:22; 7:39; 13:7). Verse 16:His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified [raised from the dead], then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.What's “these things” referring to? Verse 15 and the Zechariah 9 prophecy. So, let's finish with that.3. He comes in humility.Now, we get the rest of the story on the donkey. Not only is the donkey a sign of his dignity; it's also a sign that Jesus comes in a very different way than the crowds expect. The donkey, chosen by Jesus, in line with Zechariah 9, is meant to refine and redirect the hopes of the people for their Messiah, and for us. Let me make this clear: these refinements are not letdowns. They are upgrades. Jesus doesn't refract their hopes down; he raises them up. He lifts them up. Jesus is so much more than an earthly, temporal, political, national king. So much more! He's not letting them down, unless they stay unbelieving; he's raising their gaze. Oh we are such half-hearted creatures, fooling about with such shortsighted and short-lived concerns, like getting free from Rome. We are far too easily pleased.So, verse 15, quoting Zechariah 9:9, says,“Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” So, how does Zechariah 9:9–13 upgrade their hopes and ours?First, verse 10, he comes to offer peace. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth [Psalm 72:8]. The large crowds expect him to ride a war horse against Rome. But Jesus selects the donkey of Zechariah 9. In this first advent, he comes to offer peace. Later, in his second advent, he will come in judgment, on the white horse of war (Rev 19:11-12). But in his first coming, he is king on a colt, offering amnesty.And, verse 9, he comes to accomplish peace:Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.This is the heart of Zechariah, and why John 12 quotes this verse. There are two striking pairs here: “righteous and having salvation” is one; “humble and mounted on a donkey” is the other.We only have time for the second. We've already seen the dignity of being “mounted on a donkey.” Now “humble,” or better “humbled,” is paired with that dignity. Elsewhere in the OT, and in Zechariah, this word for “humbled” is translated “afflicted.” (And “afflicted” sounds like a faint echo of Isaiah 53.) The one on the donkey is both humbled and exalted, afflicted and yet seated in dignity. What's that affliction?Next, verse 11, he comes to shed his own blood:As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. At the Last Supper, Jesus will take up this very language of the “blood of the covenant.” In Exodus 24, “the blood of the covenant” inaugurated the first covenant with Israel. Then, Jesus will say, as he goes to the cross, he will shed “the blood of the covenant” which he will pour out for many, for the forgiveness of sins — to set prisoners free from something far bigger than Greece or Rome: from sin and death and hell.Finally, verse 13, he comes to gather all nations:For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow. I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and wield you like a warrior's sword. We already saw in verse 10 that “he shall speak peace to the nations.” Now verse 13 mentions Greece. Why Greece?Jesus's WorldBack to John 12, verse 19. When the Pharisees see the large crowd praising Jesus, they get worked up again, like the end of chapter 11:So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”The world has gone after him. That's an exaggeration, right? Well, for now, it's Jesus on a donkey in one city with a large crowd of Jews shouting Hosanna. But they over-speak as they worry where this is going. And John loves the irony. Yes, they exaggerate, but their words turn out to be true. Jesus comes to gather all nations. Not just Jews. Even Romans. And Greeks. Which is exactly where John goes in the next verse:Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.So, Jesus comes in humility. He offers peace, and accomplishes that peace in his own blood as he is afflicted at the cross for our sins. And he comes to do it for a people he will gather not only from the Jews but from all nations. And so he lifts up our worldly eyes to a greater kingship and greater hopes that are spiritual, eternal, and transnational.In choosing the donkey, Jesus finds the perfect way to say, “I am the long-expected King, but not the King you expect.” You hope for an earthly king who will liberate you from an oppressive government. But Jesus says, “Yes, I am the King. But I come not to conjure war against a power as passing as Rome but to make peace with God Almighty and save my people from their sins.”To the WatersSo we come to the waters and witness of baptism. This is a one-time experience of grace for the believer in the water. And it is a repeated, ongoing experience of grace for believers who look on in faith. And it is an invitation to all: Jesus will do the same for you.

Series: Hymn StudiesService: Sun PMType: SermonSpeaker: Josh McKibben

Don’t miss a fun, festive Friday edition of Chris Fabry Live as we present an encore conversation with two music lovers who want to reintroduce you to the hymns and carols of Christmas. David and Barbara Leeman have pulled together an amazing collection of stories and devotions about the songs we sing each year. There’s a depth of theology to these familiar and not-so-familiar songs. Don't miss the music and hymn stories on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara LeemanLink to music December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time of year is filled with rich, warm memories of December’s past, but for some who have gone through deep loss, it’s a difficult season. On Chris Fabry Live, Sam Hodges and Jeff Forrey will talk with us about the number one church-based grief support program in the world, and the Survival Guide they've just released. If you are navigating the holidays after a loss, don’t miss the conversation about GriefShare on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:GriefShare Survival Guide: Navigating the Holidays After LossKeith and Kristyn Getty "Home for Christmas" Free Concert Livestream: December 19, 2025 December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, and you'll hear a new rendition of it on Chris Fabry Live. Keith Getty will talk about what he calls the best single Getty Music has ever released. Perhaps part of its draw is that his daughters sing with their mother, Kristyn. Plus, the new Sing! Hymnal is out. There's so much to talk about with Keith Getty when you join us for Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:The Sing! Hymnal"O Holy Night" December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Ray Lewis was an atheist, convinced science had explained away the need for God. But something happened that changed his life. Hear what turned Michael away from atheism and led him to ask hard questions about the origins of life, evolution, and the very foundation of reality. He’s the director and creator of a new documentary, Universe Designed. Don’t miss the conversation on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Universe Designed by Michael Ray Lewis December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev. Glenn Obenberger was preacher for this service. Matthew 21:6-9: So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Hosanna in the highest!”

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 101 - The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns - Matthew 21:6-9: So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Hosanna in the highest!” - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 99 - The Advent of Our King - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Rev. Glenn Obenberger (Preacher), Maddy Chavez (Organist)

Do you know anyone who's deconstructing? Anyone who has de-churched? Author Courtney Reissig deals with the hurt and pain of hearing the silence of God. When your faith is shaken because of church hurt or a leader falls, what do you do? Courtney has been there and believes it's in these moments of doubt that God can show up in your life. Hear her stories of hope on Chris Fabry Live. Featured resource:Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same when Everything Else Changes by Courtney Reissig December thank you gift:Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David & Barbara Leeman Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John 12:1-8,Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”And the Lord, in verse 7, defends the way Mary of Bethany expresses her devotion to him.What Mary does in verse 3 is good and right, and I think we can learn from her. So that's the goal of this sermon. All last week, my prayer for today has been that through Mary's example in John 12, the Spirit would reawaken in us Mary-like devotion to Jesus. I want us to learn from Mary how to be more like Mary for the glory of Jesus. To that end, this morning I want to show you seven truths of Mary-like devotion.1. Mary-like devotion is surprising. Verse 1 opens with the setting: we are six days away from Passover, and Jesus has come back to Bethany. Now remember that Bethany is where he raised Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11, verse 43, but then when the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus, John tells us in verse 54 that Jesus “no longer walked openly” among them, because they were looking for him. The Pharisees wanted to arrest him. So Jesus left that area and went to Ephraim, which gave him more distance from Jerusalem. (Bethany was 2 miles outside Jerusalem, Ephraim was about 15 miles). So by the end of Chapter 11, Jesus is laying low.But Chapter 12 opens here and he's back in Bethany, where news travels quickly to Jerusalem, which means this is dangerous — why would he do it? Why would he come back to Bethany now? It's because Passover is six days away. Remember Jesus has a purpose to accomplish in Jerusalem, and now he's getting closer. But since Jesus is in Bethany they throw a special dinner for him. And because it's Bethany, we would expect our favorite Bethany family to be there. We saw these three siblings in Chapter 11 — Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Now, John knows we'd expect their attendance, so he takes roll in verse 2. Look what he says:“So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served [check her name off — she's there], and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him as table [check his name off — he's just happy to be in the room].And right away that's Martha and Lazarus. Which sibling is missing?Mary. Now look at verse 3 (verse 2 was just a build up to this):“Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.”The first thing I want you to see is that this was not expected. This is a dinner! People are sharing a meal. Martha is staying busy like she does. Lazarus is at the table (you know he's getting seconds). And then Mary, finally, enters into this dining room with a bottle of ointment (or perfume) and she does this extravagant display of worship.Most of us had big dinners a few days ago. Imagine for a minute if something like this happened! It was not on the menu. It's never happened before. This was a surprise! That's the first thing to know about Mary-like devotion. This is not what most people would expect — because it responds in the moment to the glory of Jesus regardless of the context.2. Mary-like devotion is costly.We can see in verse 3 that this perfume was expensive. John tells us that plainly. But he also gives us two details that explain why. It has to do with quantity and quality.First, with quality, this perfume was made from “pure nard.” That's a plant that's grown in India. The root of this plant produced an oil that was collected to make this perfume.So it's a product derived from nature, created by a process, imported from far away — that sounds expensive. (This is why many scholars believe this Bethany family was well off — this perfume would have only been owned by the luxury class of the Mediterranean world.)Second, notice the quantity. John tells us it was a pound — and that's a Roman pound. The Greek word is litra — and it's equivalent to about 12 ounces. So imagine the American pop can. (I don't know the last time you turned a can of pop upside down to pour it out, but it takes a little longer to empty it than you might think.)Twelve ounces is not a little bit. And Mary doesn't have pop, it's perfume — 12 ounces of perfume — that's a lot of a really nice thing. And to give us more of an idea of how precious it is, John tells us the number value in verse 5. Judas says it's worth 300 denarii — which is about a year's wages.So to draw a parallel to our day, this is what we'd call an annual salary, and the average annual salary in the Twin Cities, Google says, is between $80,000–$90,000. So translate this in your imagination... Picture this: Someone at dinner this past week walks into the dining room and pours out $90,000 on somebody else's feet … Again, this is stunning. And the costliness amplifies the surprise! Those two things go together in Mary-like devotion. It's surprising because it's costly.3. Mary-like devotion is humble.Now, for our imagination's sake, it helps to know how people ate together at this culture and time. They didn't use raised tables and chairs like we do, but they used low tables, and sat on cushions on the floor. They “reclined” on the table, like verse 2 says, and their feet were stretched out behind them, away from the table. So Mary approached Jesus, verse 3, while he was sitting like that, and she anointed his feet.This is a key detail. Because with the extravagance of her gift, we might imagine Mary's actions to be surrounded by pomp. Like maybe Mary enters the room and first clears her throat, and makes sure somebody's getting the video, and then she does it. But it's just the opposite.Mary comes into the room, and stays at the feet's distance away from the table. She's not the center of attention. Nobody was probably even looking in her direction, and then she pours the perfume on Jesus's feet and wipes his feet with her hair. This is borderline undignified. She definitely looked a little silly. To everyone's surprise, with likely the costliest thing she's got, she humbles herself at the feet of Jesus in worship — but then the most vivid display of her humility is the use of her hair.In the ancient world, a woman's hair was her glory. It was her honor. This was Mary's strength, but here she turns her strength into a servant's towel … Her radiance into a rag. Her splendor into a sponge. Her crown becomes a cloth. … to wipe feet.Which means, Mary gives the best part of herself for the least part of Jesus. The highest aspect of her presentation (hair) is submitted to the lowest aspect of his (feet).This is profound humility.Mary is not even audacious enough to pray here: “Jesus, take my utmost for your highest.” She just says, “Jesus, take my utmost!” — And I don't care what anybody else thinks. I'm not concerned about appearance. It doesn't matter what people might say. This is all about Jesus. Mary shows us a marvelous self-forgetfulness. Mary-like devotion is humble.4. Mary-like devotion is fitting.This is #4 of 7, and it really is the central truth in Mary's example.So far we've seen that Mary-like devotion is surprising, costly, and humble, but here's where we need to be clear that the only reason any of this makes sense is because of Jesus. And Jesus doesn't just make Mary's actions make sense, he makes them right. Because of who he is, what Mary does is fitting. John calls her act an “anointing,” which is something done to set someone apart for a certain office. The examples we have in the Old Testament are individuals anointed as a priest or king, and we should think especially of kings in the Gospel of John. If you remember, way back in Chapter 1, when Nathaniel first met Jesus he confessed right away that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel (1:49). Then in Chapter 6, verse 15, after Jesus fed the five thousand, the crowd wanted to take him by force and make him king.So we've seen a kingship theme already.But then right here in Chapter 12, the very next day after Mary anoints Jesus, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey, and the crowd paves the way for him with palm branches, and they say — in verse 13 — “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”So we have every reason to see that Mary's anointing of Jesus is anointing him as King.Because that is who he is. It'll be explicit and public tomorrow in this story, in Jesus's ‘triumphal entry,' but tonight, at this dinner, with Mary, it's implicit and private. In the moment, even Mary doesn't know the full extent of what she's doing, but we as readers can see it. In Chapter 11, we saw her fall at Jesus's feet in grief, here she bows at Jesus's feet in worship.Last chapter she came to Jesus needing his help; now she comes to him just giving him glory.This doesn't mean we ever stop coming to Jesus for help — we do! We always need his help! But sometimes we can also just come to him in simple worship.This is when we come to him, not to ask him for things, but to give him whatever we can because he is worthy — just because he's our king and he's a good king! It is fitting to worship him!Think about this: When was the last time your heart moved toward Jesus, not for what he gives, but for who he is? When was the last time you were simply compelled by the worth of Jesus?The Little Drummer BoyMary's devotion here in Chapter 12 actually reminds me of what used to be one of my least favorite Christmas songs. “Santa Baby” is dead bottom, but not far from there used to be “The Little Drummer Boy.” And the reason I didn't like the song is because for years it didn't make sense to me, and it was kinda irritating. The pa-RUM-pa-pum-pums are distracting. But if we can get rid of that part and focus on the real words in the song, it's actually beautiful. It's a song about a boy who is invited to meet the newborn Jesus (and it's fictional; didn't really happen; we're supposed to use our imaginations). The boy starts the song by saying:Come, they told meA newborn king to see, Our finest gifts to bring,To lay before the king,So to honor himWhen we come You get it? The boy is invited to come meet Jesus, so he does. And in the second stanza he's at the manger, and he speaks to the infant Jesus:Little baby,I am a poor boy tooI have no gifts to bringThat's fit to give a KingShall I play for you on my drum?See, I imagine that's what Mary of Bethany thought. While Martha was busy serving and Lazarus was sitting at the table, Mary thought: The king is here. He's in the room. What do I have that's fit to give a King?And the technical answer is nothing. Nothing we have is enough to match the glory of this King, but Mary thinks I've got that bottle of perfume — just like the boy thought, I've got this drum. And the boy says, “Shall I play the drum?” Mary thinks, “Shall I pour the perfume?” So the boy plays his best, and Mary pours it all. I don't have enough to give you, but I'll give you my best because you're worthy.That's what the song is about. That's what Mary does here. And it's fitting because of the King!And John tells us that the fragrance of her worship fills the entire house. Which means: her personal reverence and self-forgetfulness in recognizing the glory of Jesus becomes uncontainable. Everybody around her can literally sense her devotion for Jesus.5. Mary-like devotion is criticized. This is verses 4–5: But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”Apparently, Judas caught the aroma, but instead of recognizing Mary's act as a surprising, costly, humble, and fitting act of devotion, he criticized her. He immediately liquidated the value of the ointment in his head, and he corrected her decision. That could have been used for something better! That could have been a lot of money to help poor people! Mary is being unwise!Now, before we look closer into the criticism, I just want to note that it happened, and right away, because that's just how things go — even things as wholesome as Mary's devotion.The Bible gives us no impression that devotion to Jesus will be easy — it actually ensures the opposite. There's a Forest Frank lyric my younger boys love. It goes: Jesus promised that the bad would come along, ‘Cause if life is always easyProbably doin' something wrong.That's true. I want everybody to know: when your devotion to Jesus meets difficulty, that's a good sign. The question for us is about our willingness to endure difficulty. Are we willing to be criticized? Are we willing to express devotion to Jesus that others would call wasteful but Jesus calls beautiful?6. Mary-like devotion is vindicated.Let's look closer at what Judas said in verse 5.At face-value, we might think Judas is onto something, because what he says is not untrue. That perfume was worth a lot of money — three hundred denarii/$80–90K — that's a lot of money you can do a lot with. Judas names one possibility. The problem, though, is that he's thinking about it all the wrong way. See, he's thinking about gifts from the giver's perspective, not from God's perspective. He's thinking about everything from earth looking around, not from heaven looking down.In his mindset — the ‘Judas mindset' — all value is monetary, and all that is monetary is a zero-sum category: which means I'm always thinking, “whatever I give here is what I cannot give there.” And see, Judas is so caught up in this mindset — he cares so much about the optimal management of the gift — that he's blind to the One the gift is for. That is what is most striking about verse 5 — it's the absence of anything to do with Jesus. Judas says nothing about him. So Judas not only rebukes Mary here, but he also registers how little he thinks of Who she worships.And if that wasn't clear, John adds in verse 6. He wants us to know that Judas said what he said:“…not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.”Judas was part of a program called ‘Feeding Our Future' …Greed is an ancient sin — it's the root of all evil, and it ruined Judas. (And it's behind the ruin of our state. God help us.)In verse 7, Mary doesn't say anything back to Judas, but Jesus speaks up on her behalf, and he says, first, “Leave her alone.”Which is amazing. Jesus doesn't argue with Judas. He doesn't explain why his mindset is wrong, he first just tells him to stop. Jesus defends Mary, and he makes the issue about himself, because it is!With this perfume Mary has prepared Jesus for the day of his burial, because, verse 8:“…the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”And it's clear now, with the mention of his burial and that he won't always be here, Jesus is talking about his death. Which raises the question for us: Was Mary anointing Jesus as king or preparing him for his death? And the answer is Yes.Again, Mary is doing more here than she realized. She is anointing Jesus as King — it's just that he's a king who will sacrifice his life for his people.He's a King who has come to die. His reign will conquer the grave for good — remember Lazarus — but first Jesus's reign will come through the grave. Our triumphant King will also be a slain Lamb. And John wants us so badly to get this! He gives us hints here in Mary's devotion, but then later in the Book of Revelation he tells us about a vision when saints and angels together pour out their praise to Jesus, and they say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)Listen: I want you to know that the final vindication of our every sincere act of devotion to Jesus will come on that day when we see him. If it's Mary-like devotion, it is never wasted. Jesus is worth it. And this brings us to the last point.7. Mary-like devotion is instructive. We're gonna finish how we started: I think we can learn from our sister Mary. It is a gift to us to be able to see her gift to Jesus, and I want us to be more like her. That's been my prayer: that the Spirit would reawaken or awaken in us Mary-like devotion to Jesus.Devotion that is surprising because it responds to Jesus in the moment, even if it doesn't fit the setting. Costly because it brings Jesus our best, humble because it doesn't worry about what others might think, fitting because Jesus is the King and nothing given to him is too much, criticized because it's not supposed to be easy, and vindicated because the King who Mary worshiped is the Lamb who was slain and one day we will see his worth with our own eyes.Mary's devotion is instructive because it shows us what it looks like when a heart is overcome by the worth of Jesus.And what's incredible for us, is that we know more about Jesus's worth than Mary does here. We already know the end of the story! That Jesus who has come will die, will be resurrected, and will come again.So in closing, I want to invite you to ask yourself this: For Advent, in this season of waiting, what is Jesus calling you to do that would simply reflect his worth?That's what brings us to the Table.The TableWe come here to this Table to rest in the worth of Jesus Christ. Let his glory be your comfort by taking refuge in him. That's what it means to trust in Jesus, and that is who this table is for. If you're here and you have put your faith in Jesus, we invite you to eat and drink with us and give him thanks.

Remember when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a small donkey on what we call “Palm Sunday”? The people went crazy, celebrating and waving palm fronds, shouting “Hosanna!” Hear Zechariah's prophecy of this event and get a broader picture of the important statement Jesus was making.

There are identity-forming lies all around your kids, at school, on screens, even in their own thoughts. In this powerful episode on identity in Christ, host Stacy Bellward sits down with spoken-word artist and author Hosanna Wong. They discuss her viral poem, “I Have a New Name,” with over 11 million views, and her new children’s book, What God Says About You. The book helps parents equip their children to reject lies and embrace their God-given identity. Key Takeaways: How the importance of identity starts at a young age Learn how recentering on our identity in Christ is central to the Connected Families tool, Trash, Truth, or Treasure Learn nine biblical names to replace the lies kids (and adults) hear every day about themselves Mentioned in this Podcast: Mean Words Hurt! Are they Trash, Truth, or Treasure? Online Mini Course FREE Download: Trash, Truth, & Treasure What God Says About You – Audiobook What God Says About You – Book Connected Families Monthly Giving Program – The Table I Have a New Name – Spoken Word Poem Thrive Women's Conference – MN 1 Corinthians 3:16 Ephesians 2:10 1 Corinthians 6:19 Acts 1:8 Galatians 3:26 Romans 5:8 John 8:36 2 Corinthians 5:17 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We'd love to have you take a seat at The Table! Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show! Guest Bio: Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have A New Name,” Hosanna shares her message in churches, conferences, prisons, and other events around the world, reaching across various denominations, backgrounds, and cultures. Born and raised in an urban ministry on the streets of San Francisco, Hosanna later packed her life into suitcases and traveled to churches and other ministries throughout the United States to share about Jesus through spoken word poetry. Hosanna currently travels and speaks year-round, serving on teaching teams at churches throughout the United States. She and her husband, Guy, serve together in various ministries equipping people with tools to share the gospel of Jesus in today's world. Hosanna is the best-selling author of How (Not) to Save the World, You Are More Than You've Been Told, and her new book, What God Says About You, is her first children's book. © 2025 Connected Families .stk-e9cj5ls-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-e9cj5ls {background-color:#FFFFFF !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-e9cj5ls:before{background-color:#FFFFFF !important;}.stk-e9cj5ls-container{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;box-shadow:0px 2px 20px 0px #1e3f5233 !important;}.stk-e9cj5ls-container:before{background-color:var(--theme-palette-color-6, #e4eff5) !important;}.stk-e9cj5ls .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:500px !important;} .stk-kuvq18a {margin-bottom:0px !important;} .stk-0h5dijz-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;} .stk-yi345nf .stk-img-wrapper{aspect-ratio:1/1 !important;width:95% !important;height:auto !important;}.stk-yi345nf .stk-img-wrapper img{object-position:20% 44% !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-yi345nf .stk-img-wrapper{height:auto !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-yi345nf .stk-img-wrapper{height:300px !important;}} .stk-tj6iyqg {align-self:center !important;}.stk-tj6iyqg-container{max-width:450px !important;min-width:auto !important;} .stk-2039tpp .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--theme-palette-color-4, #1e3f52) !important;}Transform hurtful words into life-changing lessons .stk-ap9yhsb {margin-bottom:12px !important;}When harsh words hurt your child, what do you say? This mini-course gives you practical tools to turn these everyday moments into powerful opportunities for spiritual and relational growth. Your kids will learn to discard hurtful lies, discern helpful truth, and anchor themselves in God’s love when things get hard. .stk-y4tdtiw , .stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button{width:100% !important;}.stk-y4tdtiw {flex:1 0 var(--stk-button-group-flex-wrap, 0) !important;}.stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:9px !important;padding-right:9px !important;padding-bottom:9px !important;padding-left:9px !important;background:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;border-top-left-radius:13px !important;border-top-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:13px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:13px !important;}.stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button:before{border-color:var(--theme-palette-color-1, #ee6c4d) !important;}.stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:#c24827 !important;}.stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-y4tdtiw .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:21px !important;}}LEARN MORE

Sunday, we will return to Mark and the final week of Jesus' earthly life. Mark 12:13-17 continues the confrontations between Jesus and religious leaders. He entered Jerusalem amid cries of Hosanna and cleansed the temple of money changers. He also rebuked the scribes and elders with the parable of the wicked tenants. At this point, the leaders of Judaism want Him out of the way, but three times, Mark tells us they feared the crowds. In the next sections, groups of high-ranking religious leaders will try to trap Jesus with questions so the crowd will turn against Him, or perhaps He will say something that could offend Rome. Mark 12:13-17 presents a political question about taxes with no good answer. Yet, Jesus recognizes and reveals the hypocrisy of those asking questions and offers one of His most famous sayings, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's” (v. 17). In this simple statement, Jesus shows us how authority should be properly ordered. He does not mean that some things belong to Caesar and others belong to God, and that each should be kept separate. Jesus exposes their trap and hypocrisy by illustrating the hierarchy of authority. Caesar does have legitimate, God-ordained authority (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pt. 2:13-17), but Caesar's authority is also limited. There is only one Lord of all, not two, and just as Caesar's image appears on the coin that belongs to him, you are made in God's image, and therefore, all you are belongs to Him. Christians are to submit to earthly authorities God has ordained, but no authority except God commands our highest allegiance and total obedience. Sunday, we will explore this passage in detail and ask, "Since we bear God's image, what are we to render to Him?" I. Jesus Faces A Political Trap (v. 13-14) II. Jesus Exposes The Questioner's Hypocrisy (v. 15-16a) III. Jesus Explains Proper Authority (v. 16-17)

• Explore the pivotal moment of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This episode delves into the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as Jesus rides into the city on a donkey, welcomed by crowds shouting "Hosanna!" Discover the significance of the Passover context, the reactions of various groups including religious leaders and Gentiles, and Jesus' declaration that His "hour has come." Learn about the shift in Jesus' ministry, His predictions of His coming death, and the coming expansion of His mission to include all nations.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...