Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 2801 to 2825 of 5000 results

2801. Transition to Jesus’ Public Ministry

Matthew 4:12-17

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... near in Jesus, so the time of the universal mission has begun. And our preaching can capitalize on the inclusive nature of Matthew’s mission. All people, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or primary allegiances, are invited to become followers of Jesus. Illustrating the Text Jesus is the bringer of salvation to Israel. Literature: Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. In Matthew 4:12–16 the salvation that Jesus brings is portrayed in terms of light shining in darkness. In his classic tale Tom Sawyer, Twain ...

2802. Sermon on the Mount: Giving, Prayer, and Fasting

Matthew 6:1-4, Matthew 6:5-15, Matthew 6:16-18

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Jeannine K. Brown

... see later in Matthew, part of the way we might do this is to pursue solidarity with the “least of these” (25:31–46). Longing for mercy and justice for all people propels us to pray for God to come and make all things right. Illustrating the Text Jesus calls his followers to practice their covenant loyalty with God as audience rather than to gain honor from others. Television: Examples of public, extravagant gifts are easy to come by. Take, for instance, the September 13, 2004, episode of The Oprah ...

2803. Sermon on the Mount: Allegiance and Trust

Matthew 6:19-24, Matthew 6:25-34

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Jeannine K. Brown

... Jesus portrays as having “little faith” here and elsewhere (e.g., 6:30; 8:26), Matthew calls us through the words and deeds of Jesus into a deeper trust of our heavenly Father, who listens, cares, and works in this world for restoration. Illustrating the Text Jesus calls his followers to an allegiance to God’s kingdom rather than to material possessions, wealth, and worry about the needs of daily existence. Lyrics: Consider the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s song “Gotta Serve Somebody.” If your context ...

2804. Jesus’ Authority to Perform Miracles

Matthew 8:18-22, Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 8:28-34, Matthew 9:1-8

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Jeannine K. Brown

... that he is bringing. Have other loyalties displaced this primary one? Do we value comfort and security more than the values of the kingdom? And might our families become places for reflection and practice of kingdom values such as mercy, justice, and faithfulness? Illustrating the Text Jesus, as rightful king of this world, has power over nature and forces that work against God’s purposes. Quote: Our modern worldview leads us to assume a God who is distant from creation, with the laws of nature alone ...

2805. Jesus Eats with Sinners and Heals the Sick

Matthew 9:9-13, Matthew 9:14-17, Matthew 9:18-26, Matthew 9:27-34

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Jeannine K. Brown

... ) provides. As much as possible, we might follow the contours of his story of Jesus. In 8:1–9:34 the vision of Jesus healing and performing miracles with power and compassion is one that can encourage people to trust him more fully. Illustrating the Text Jesus’ table fellowship with those on the margins flows from the centrality of mercy in God’s kingdom. Quote: Mark Batterson explains why National Community Church decided to build a coffeehouse rather than a church building in Washington, D.C. [Jesus ...

2806. Jesus as Isaianic Messiah and Wisdom Embodied

Matthew 11:1-19

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Jeannine K. Brown

... , this is not readily apparent to all who are introduced to him. Rather than assuming that we can convince people of Jesus’ identity by proofs alone, we may do better to acknowledge, with Matthew, that it takes faith to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Illustrating the Text Jesus comes as a Messiah who enacts Isaiah’s message of healing and the good news of God’s reign. Mythology: In Homer’s Odyssey we read of the adventures of Odysseus returning home from the Trojan War. After incredible trials and ...

2807. Sabbath Controversies with the Pharisees

Matthew 12:1-14

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Jeannine K. Brown

... who follow the ways of Jesus. And as Matthew will make very clear by the end of his narrative, Jesus is the king who inaugurates God’s reign, and Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and of everything “in heaven and on earth” (28:18). Illustrating the Text God’s mercy is the lens through which we ought to understand our covenant obligations. Human Experience: When you take an eye exam, the optometrist has you look through various sets of lenses to determine your prescription. Bit by bit, the doctor zeroes ...

2808. Jesus as the Isaianic Servant of the Lord

Matthew 12:15-21

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Jeannine K. Brown

... . In our preaching and teaching we may tend to lean into one or the other of these primary values of mercy and justice. This passage reminds us to bring mercy and justice—as qualities that characterize God and should characterize Christians—into balance. Illustrating the Text Jesus is the servant of Yahweh who announces and enacts God’s restoration for Israel and for the nations. News: Neal Peckens and Jason Hiser were just hoping for a little time away, a hike in the mountains. The Virginia natives ...

2809. Parables Discourse: Importance of Response to the Kingdom Message

Matthew 13:1-23

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Jeannine K. Brown

... , but wealth and worry about daily life can do this damage. As Jesus has indicated in the Sermon on the Mount, serving God rather than money allows the believer to trust fully in God’s provision for daily life and needs (6:24–34). Illustrating the Text Jesus teaches that the kingdom has an element of hiddenness in the present time that takes eyes of faith to see. Quote: Anthony Thiselton suggests that the parables of Jesus themselves have an element of hiddenness for an important reason. He suggests ...

2810. Herod and Hometown Misunderstand Jesus’ Identity

Matthew 13:53-58, Matthew 14:1-12

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Jeannine K. Brown

... for any and every political perspective. Yet to preach Jesus from Matthew’s point of view is to highlight Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah and inaugurator of the kingdom, even if this challenges people’s comfortable assumptions about him. Illustrating the Text Jesus’ miraculous power signals his messianic identity but does not guarantee acceptance and reception. Literature: The Last Battle, by C. S. Lewis. In this children’s novel, Lewis weaves the theme of testing through his portrayals of the ...

2811. Jesus’ Compassion and Authority to Do the Miraculous

Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 14:22-36

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Jeannine K. Brown

... ), which points to Matthew’s christological focus of the story. When preaching or teaching this passage, we might well emphasize Jesus as one with authority over even the forces of nature. As such, he is worthy of our faith and worship. Illustrating the Text By fostering connections with the Exodus narratives, Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ authority and compassion toward Israel in line with a similar portrait of Yahweh from Exodus. Film: The Ten Commandments. Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 classic movie offers a ...

2812. Jesus Transfigured as a Foreshadowing of Future Glory

Matthew 17:1-13

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Jeannine K. Brown

... faith and draw us into deeper loyalty. Preaching this passage provides us with an opportunity to do just that—to portray with Matthew the glory and uniqueness of Jesus and to call people to trust in this glorious Messiah. Illustrating the Text Disciples should listen well to the teachings of Jesus, who is God’s authorized servant and son. Human Experience: Literary theorist Roland Barthes distinguishes between hearing and listening: “Hearing is a physiological phenomenon; listening is a psychological ...

2813. The Disciples’ Insufficient Faith to Heal as Jesus Heals

Matthew 17:14-23, Matthew 17:24-27

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Jeannine K. Brown

... as inaugurator of the kingdom through his compassionate healing ministry is an important task. Yet the pallor of the cross falls across the latter half of Matthew’s narrative, so preaching the cross and resurrection as climactic kingdom actions is also crucial. Illustrating the Text Matthew, drawing on the picture of the disciples as those of little faith, encourages his readers to trust fully in Jesus and his authority for doing what he has called them to do. Popular Culture: We live in a “vending ...

2814. Community Discourse: Lavish Forgiveness in the Kingdom

Matthew 18:21-35

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Jeannine K. Brown

... against us. But Israel’s covenant God always has been and continues to be a forgiving God (see Ps. 103:12; Isa. 43:25). And in line with kingdom values, God’s people are called to live out this way of forgiveness with one another. Illustrating the Text Jesus teaches that the community of his followers should be marked by extravagant and unlimited forgiveness. Scenario: An employee has been invited to a work party at his employer’s home. While there, he accidentally bumps an end table, knocking an egg ...

2815. Jesus Warns of Presuming Reward and Status

Matthew 20:1-16

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Jeannine K. Brown

... . We respond to God’s daily leading with dependent discernment. And in those moments when we more fully realize all that God has worked to return us and love us, we fall on our knees in gratitude for such goodness and grace.2 Illustrating the Text The parable of the workers highlights the surprising equality of the kingdom. Children’s Book: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl. This popular book tells of a fantastical world of trained squirrels and chocolate waterfalls. When factory owner ...

2816. Jesus Enters Jerusalem as a Peaceable and Humble King

Matthew 20:29-34, Matthew 21:1-11

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Jeannine K. Brown

... picture kingship in ways that do not fit Matthew’s royal portrait of Jesus. Matthew portrays Jesus as the humble Messiah-King, who comes with peaceful intentions. This is an essential part of how we are to preach and teach Jesus as king. Illustrating the Text Matthew shows Jesus to be the true king of Israel, the Son of David, who brings restoration. Cultural Institution: For political junkies, election night is like the Super Bowl. Especially in close elections, the evening can progress with nail-biting ...

2817. Jesus Demonstrates Messianic Authority over the Temple

Matthew 21:12-17, Matthew 21:18-22

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Jeannine K. Brown

... But there are other models of faith in Matthew that can help us as we preach and teach this theme, such as the seekers who come to Jesus for healing (8:5–13; 9:1–8, 18–26, 27–31; 15:21–28). Illustrating the Text Jesus shows his messianic authority over the temple by critiquing the Jerusalem temple administration. Quote: Stanley Hauerwas provides helpful context for understanding Jesus’ temple action: It is tempting for us—for people who have learned to distinguish between politics and religion ...

2818. Jesus, Messiah and Lord, Is True Interpreter of the Torah

Matthew 22:15-22, Matthew 22:23-33, Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 22:41-46

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Jeannine K. Brown

... (see Luke 10:29, 36). Preaching the truth that Christians ought to cross all kinds of boundaries to become neighbors to all kinds of people may be unsettling for us as we reconsider how we have drawn boundaries between “us” and “them.” Illustrating the Text Jesus is the true interpreter of the Torah and able to navigate wisely the tests of his opponents. Human Experience: The following quotation is attributed to Albert Einstein: “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to ...

2819. Jesus Is Anointed and Celebrates the Passover with His Disciples

Matthew 26:1-5, Matthew 26:6-13, Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 26:17-30

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Jeannine K. Brown

... , snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Illustrating the Text Jesus as the Messiah will bring covenant renewal and forgiveness of sins by his missional death. Christian Liturgy: Alexander Schmemann describes the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) as a kind of entry into a fourth dimension. By doing so, he intimates the way this ...

2820. The Resurrected Jesus Is Vindicated by God and Given All Authority

Matthew 28:1-10, Matthew 28:11-15, Matthew 28:16-20

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Jeannine K. Brown

... with a dead person of the past but with a person whose life continues, however mysteriously, in the present, then it is better to speak of “learning Jesus” than of “knowing Jesus.” We are concerned with a process rather than a product.8 Illustrating the Text Jesus’ resurrection is the sign of God’s vindication of Jesus’ identity and mission as the Messiah. Quote: N. T. Wright, in Matthew for Everyone, sums up nicely the way that Jesus’ resurrection helps to interpret the whole of Matthew and ...

2821. Jesus’s Identity as Messiah and Son of God Established

Mark 1:1-8

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Grant R. Osborne

... God’s salvation to humankind. He preaches repentance (Mark 1:4), preparing for Jesus’s proclamation, “Repent and believe” (1:15). His task is to prepare the highway so that Jesus can lead lost humankind to Zion, bringing redemption to all. Illustrating the Text Jesus the Messiah as the Suffering Servant Popular Culture: When a person meets the queen of England, a complicated royal etiquette is to be followed. This includes a “no touch” rule, which all visitors, including dignitaries, are to ...

2822. The Actions of the Triune Godhead Prove Jesus’s Divine Office

Mark 1:9-15

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Grant R. Osborne

... the “wild animals” are indeed part of an Isaianic “paradise” theme (see above), the idea is that Jesus in his glorious presence transforms this world. Either way, the victory over Satan and his forces provides a powerful beginning to Jesus’s ministry. Illustrating the Text Heaven is split open at the coming of the Spirit, and the new age arrives. Quote: Barak Obama. On January 21, 2009, President Obama was inaugurated as the forty-fourth president of the United States. In his inaugural address he ...

2823. Jesus Inaugurates the Disciple Band and Conquers the Unclean Spirits

Mark 1:14-20, Mark 1:21-28

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Grant R. Osborne

... . 10:13]) and trust in our own strength. The forces of evil must retreat whenever we refuse to fight with “the weapons of this world” but instead utilize the weapons of the Spirit, which “have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Illustrating the Text Fishing for people Object Lesson: Whether in salt water or fresh water, a key to successful fishing is the choice of bait. Show examples of natural bait (dead or alive), lures, artificial flies, and cut bait, and how each one might be ...

2824. Jesus’s Authority to Forgive and Heal Sinners

Mark 2:1-12

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Grant R. Osborne

... the participation of the recipients in the healing process and is connected to the experience of spiritual as well as physical healing. Jesus is involved in healing the whole person, the physical as well as the spiritual aspects of fallen humankind. Illustrating the Text The authority of Jesus to heal Comparison: The U.S. Army Board Study Guide includes a section titled “Authority.” The guide defines authority as “the right to direct soldiers to do certain things. Authority is the legitimate power of ...

2825. Jesus Calling and Accepting the Outcasts

Mark 2:13-17

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Grant R. Osborne

... realize that each one of us is made in the image of God, and thus he has placed in us seeds of greatness that can produce a harvest of incredible results if we simply surrender completely to Christ and allow the Spirit to guide our lives. Illustrating the Text The strengthening power of bold faith Bible: One of the consistent themes of the Bible is that blessing comes through acts of faith. We see this in Mark 2, with the paralytic, but also throughout the Bible. For example, Abraham did not receive the ...

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