Sermons on Rejection
The Day the Light Went Out
The Day the Light Went Out – John’s gospel chapter 12, verses 36 and 44 to 50 The day the light went out. No, not Y2K! Jesus’ life marked more by rejection more than by belief. Jesus, the God-Revealer Then Jesus cried out, ‘Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. John 12:44-45 To believe in God is…
Jesus, the Glory and the Shame
Jesus, the Glory and the Shame Glory and shame The hour of Jesus’ glorification Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’ 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I…
Lazarus Raised, Jesus Rejected
Lazarus Raised, Jesus Rejected – John’s Gospel chapter 11 verses 45 to 57 Seeing is not always believing Miracles confirm the truth, but don’t always convert people (even raising a man 4 days dead). Some believed in Jesus, that He is God’s Son, the Messiah, but others rejected him. Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them…
I Once Was Blind But Now I See
I Once Was Blind But Now I See – John’s Gospel chapter 9, verses 13 to 34 Life can be like the “Pin the tail on the donkey” game. Blind, tornadoed around and hearing many confusing voices. Jesus had just healed a man born blind by making some mud with his spit and putting it on the man’s eyes, but instead of joy and praise there is grumbling and hatred. Religious Formalism 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who…
The Attempted Stoning of the Saviour
The Attempted Stoning of the Saviour – John’s Gospel chapter 8 verses 48 to 59 A Vicious Response 48 The Jews answered him, ‘Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?’ 49 ‘I am not possessed by a demon,’ said Jesus, ‘but I honour my Father and you dishonour me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. John 8:48-50 A Gracious Invitation 51 Very truly I tell…
Truth That Will Set You Free
Truth That Will Set You Free – John’s Gospel chapter 8, verses 31 to 47 Catchcries- Truth and Freedom! But Truth with a capital “T” has become just any old truth – “You have your truth and I have mine!” But it doesn’t deliver. We still feel restricted, searching for more truth. The truth will set you free. 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you…
Let All Who Are Thirsty Come and Drink
Let All Who Are Thirsty Come and Drink – John’s Gospel chapter 7, verses 25 to 39 Confusion about Jesus 25 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, ‘Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? 27 But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will…
True and False Disciples
True and False Disciples – John’s Gospel chapter 6 verses 60 to 61 Before there was mass enthusiasm “Jesus gives us political security, universal health care and economic security. Make him King!” Jesus’ focus is different – “I am the bread of life.” So there is grumbling and unbelief from the religious leaders. Now the disciples are at a crossroads. The offence of Jesus: 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept…
The Controversial Claim of Christ
The Controversial Claim of Christ – John’s Gospel chapter 5, verses 16 to 30 2 Things: Jesus, a controversial figure 16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. John 5:16 Just before this He provoked controversy by healing an paralysed man on the Sabbath. Jesus’s controversial claim 7 In his defence Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.’ 18 For…
4 Testing Questions
4 Testing Questions – Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 22 verses 15 to 46 3 Trick Questions to Jesus, and all over-turned. 15 The Pharisees got together and planned how they could trick Jesus into saying something wrong. 1 Serious Question by Jesus. 46 No one was able to give Jesus an answer, and from that day on, no one dared ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:15-46 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society For more information about CEV,…
Making a Right Response
Making a Right Response – Matthew’s Gospel chapter 21 verse 28 to chapter 22 verse 14 “Our world despises authority and worships relevance” – in the Bible we have both authority and relevance and a right response is vital. Jesus makes this plain in 3 stories (“parables”). 2 sons under a father’s authority – Matthew 21:28-32 The evil tenants of a vineyard – Matthew 21:33-46 The King’s invitation to a banquet – Matthew 22:1-14 New International Version – UK (NIVUK)…