Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 1251 to 1275 of 4968 results

1251. Divorce

Mark 10:1-12

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

... –87; “Divorce,” IDB, vol. 1, p. 859.) 10:5 Because your hearts were hard: “Hard-heartedness” refers to a stubborn, willful attitude (see, e.g., Deut. 10:16). This is not the same wording in Greek as the description of the spiritual dullness of the disciples in 8:17, but may be synonymous. 10:7–8 And be united to his wife is absent in some important ancient manuscripts (see NIV marginal note), and scholars are unsure whether they were in the original text of Mark or were inserted by some copyists ...

1252. The Twelve Apostles

Luke 6:12-16

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... in Luke, Jesus is transfigured on the mountain (9:28–36). to pray: Before selecting his apostles and before delivering the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus prayed. This is characteristic of the Lucan portrayal of Jesus; see note on 5:16. 6:13 he called his disciples to him and chose twelve: The earliest sources know of the tradition of the Twelve Apostles (Paul and the Synoptics), even if they are not in exact agreement as to the names. According to one rabbinic tradition in the Babylonian Talmud (ca. A.D. 500 ...

1253. Peter's Confession of Christ

Luke 9:18-27

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... Mark 8:30 and is part of the so-called messianic secret in Mark’s Gospel (see note on 4:41 above). In the Lucan context (and probably in the Marcan as well) the prohibition applied only to the time of Jesus’ pre-Easter ministry. After the resurrection the disciples will be commanded to preach Jesus as God’s Messiah and humankind’s Savior (Luke 24:46–48; Acts 1:8; 2:36). 9:22 This is the first announcement of Jesus’ impending passion (two others are found in 9:43–45; 18:31–34). There is the ...

1254. The Triumphal Entry

Luke 19:28-44

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... that “man of noble birth” (as seen in the Infancy Narrative, 1:26–38; 2:1–38) who is to be absent for a time, but who will receive a kingdom. As Jesus and his followers approached Bethphage and Bethany (see note below) he sent two of his disciples ahead to fetch a colt (either a young horse or donkey; see Matt. 21:2). Some commentators have argued that Jesus’ instructions in vv. 30–31 imply that Jesus has made a special prior arrangement with the colt’s owner (so Marshall, p. 713), but this is ...

1255. Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

Luke 22:39-46

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... ). Luke has derived his material from Mark 14:32–50, 53–54, 66–72. 22:39–46 As has been his practice (see 21:37) Jesus went … to the Mount of Olives (see note below) with his disciples. In keeping with Lucan interest, the emphasis of the passage falls on prayer. In v. 40 Jesus admonishes his disciples, Pray that you will not fall into temptation, and in v. 46 he states this again to his drowsy companions. Prayer is necessary at this moment because the hour of sorest testing will shortly come upon ...

1256. The Rider on the White Horse

Revelation 19:11-21

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... plot. The forces of good are pitted against the forces of evil, including actual enemies, for one last show-down, when good triumphs and evil is destroyed. In John’s version, the reign of God is represented by God’s Messiah and his community of disciples; they are opposed by armies consisting of all people … small and great, who have refused to repent and give glory to God, and those evil powers who lead them, the beast and the kings of the earth. However, “no battle is described; there could be ...

1257. Jesus Predicts His Death

Mark 8:31--9:1

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

... this is to be on the side of erroneous human thought and against God’s will. Indeed, it is to be under the sway of Satan, without even knowing it (8:33). Mark 10:35–37 gives us some indication of the kind of glorious expectations that the disciples must have entertained in light of their hope that Jesus was chosen to be God’s Christ, the king of a new reign of divine righteousness and blessing. Perhaps in their own way Mark’s first readers were in danger of not realizing the central importance of ...

1258. Do Not Worry

Luke 12:22-34

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... treasure. People put their time, energies, and resources into those things they value, those things dear to their heart. Resources invested in material things are a sure sign that the things of this world are valued and not the things of God’s kingdom. The disciple willing to use personal resources to help those in need and to further the work of the kingdom, however, demonstrates a heart inclined to God’s work. Jesus’ assuring words in v. 32 constitute the high point of the section (so Tiede, pp. 226 ...

1259. Watchfulness

Luke 12:35-48

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... watching. The theme of the need for preparation and the unexpectedness of Jesus’ return is furthered by the image of the thief who breaks into the house at a time when the owner least expects it. The import of these illustrations is captured in v. 40. The disciples of Jesus are to be ready, for Jesus the Son of Man will come suddenly, and then there will no longer be opportunity for further preparation. 12:41–48 The question of Peter (12:41) surfaces only in Luke. (The parallel material in Matt. 24:43 ...

1260. The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:1-14

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... no longer a faithful testimony to God’s gospel? What happens when social evil increases and intensifies, and the “trampling” of worshipers in the “holy city” turns ugly and ends in their martyrdom? Without the ongoing testimony of Jesus, provided by the community of faithful disciples, any great city can turn into a wicked Sodom (cf. Isa. 1:9–10; Ezek. 16:46–55) in a rather short period of time—in three and a half days. In this context, the great city does not refer to a specific city, but ...

1261. The Ultimate Mountaintop Experience

Mark 9:2-9

Sermon

King Duncan

... obedient.” (4) When we hear Christ calling us and are obedient to his voice we discover a meaning and purpose for our lives we will never find any other way. Don’t hesitate to answer his call. It is the only path to true happiness. The three disciples were on the mountain with Jesus when he was transfigured. “His clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.” And they saw their Master in the company of the two great leaders of the Jewish faith, Moses and Elijah. Then they ...

1262. Uncertain Certainties

John 20:19-31

Sermon

John Jamison

... .” Thomas asked for proof, and he got proof. Jesus talked with them a bit more and then said, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” And then he left. It’s a bit unfair that this disciple ended up being known from then on as Doubting Thomas. I doubt he was any more doubtful than most of us are at times. To fault him for his doubts just doesn’t seem fair at all. I probably would have said the same thing if it was me hearing ...

1263. Please Pass the Resurrection Biscuits

Luke 24:35-48

Sermon

King Duncan

... , it is a very unusual event. And second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live.” Did you hear that? “If you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live.” That happened in the lives of those first disciples. Their lives were changed in a matter of days or a few weeks after their encounter with the risen Christ. From frightened and uncertain men marked by doubt and envy, they became apostles of great courage and self-giving. How about you? What difference has been ...

1264. Six Days to Make a Decision for Christ

Mark 8:27-38

Sermon

Rick McCracken-Bennett

... were going to end well; but his charge to the crowd and us about denying ourselves, our feeble attempts to save our lives resulting in losing them, might bring us up short. And they should! Take the next six days if you dare, to consider your behavior as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Are you living up to the call of discipleship as he has described it? Where could you do better? How could you, as busy as your life is, live it more completely for God? Are your priorities where they need to be or are you too ...

1265. Things a Child Can Teach Us

Mark 9:30-37

Sermon

King Duncan

... more different. He warned his followers not to despise children nor to cause them to stumble. This passage is not the only place in Scripture where we find Jesus glorifying children. He enjoyed the presence of children. You remember that wonderful scene where the disciples were keeping the children away from Jesus, afraid that they might bother the Master. And Jesus said, as translated in the King James English Version, “Suffer the little children to come to me.” (Mt. 19:14) Some of us smile at that ...

1266. What Really Counts

Mark 9:38-43

Sermon

King Duncan

... time causing him to shake his head sadly. “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.” What a blow to the disciples’ egos. They wanted Jesus to affirm them as his only true representatives. They wanted to know that they owned the trademark and that others were infringing on what was rightfully theirs. But instead Jesus told them to let that man do what he would to help those who ...

1267. Hard and Soft Hearts

Mark 10:2-16

Sermon

Steven E. Albertin

... them. They needed to hurry up and become adults. You had children because you needed the economic contribution they could make to family life. You needed them to work on the farm or to help with the business. Children were to be seen and not heard. No wonder the disciples were upset with all these children being brought to Jesus. If Jesus was to be the Messiah, if he was to be a powerful leader for his people, he didn't need to waste his time on the weak and vulnerable. He needed the strong and powerful on ...

1268. We Are Not Alone

John 14:15-31

Sermon

Robert C. Cochran

... heart as much as a winter blast. Sometimes, those who are enamored with stormy religiosity miss the subtle movements of the Spirit. Have you ever read the end of the book of Matthew? Matthew ends after the resurrection with Jesus telling his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” His final words are, “And remember, I am with you always ...

1269. The Garden of Betrayal and the Garden of His Burial

John 18:1-11

Sermon

King Duncan

... and gives up his spirit. That brings us to the second and final garden story in John’s Gospel which we might call the Garden of His Burial. That story goes like this: Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, “but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.” I know some believers like that. They try to follow Jesus secretly. If you do it because your life is in danger, I suppose that’s all right. However, if you’re doing it simply out of ...

1270. Parabola

Luke 10:25-37

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” The Parable of the Dishonest Manager (as told by Luke) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot ...

1271. Grounds for Blessing

Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:1-15, Mark 4:1-20

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... ; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds ...

1272. True Colors

Acts 9:1-19a, Acts 9:19b-31

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named ...

1273. Surely, Surely

Luke 1:1-4, Luke 1:26-38

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Image Exegesis: Eyes and Ears “A good eye and a humbled spirit and a lowly soul, those who have these are disciples of Abraham our Father.” (Mishnah, Aboth, 5.19) “The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22) “God will always have a witness.” The longevity of the faith depends upon the ...

1274. House of God

Ephesians 2:1-10, Ephesians 2:11-22

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... ’s Promise to Flourish the House of David (2 Samuel 7 / 1 Chronicles 17) Psalm 84: Psalm of Praise for the Courts of the Lord Psalm 18: The Lord is My Rock The Mountain of the Lord is the House of the God of Jacob (Isaiah 2) Jesus Teaches His Disciples and Many Others On a Mountain in Galilee: a Weeding Out Story (Matthew 4:23 through 7:29) Jesus Choose His 12 Apostles and Then Teaches Them Among Others in Galilee (Luke 6:12 through 6:49) You Are Members of the Household of God Says Paul As for you ...

1275. Seeing with Eyes Closed

Exodus 34:1-28, Exodus 34:29-35, John 1:1-18, Acts 9:1-19a

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So, they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named ...

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