Initiating the Exodus (Luke 9:51-62)

In Luke 9:51-62, Jesus resolutely sets out for Jerusalem, knowing His mission involves suffering and sacrifice. On the way, a Samaritan village rejects Him, but He rebukes His disciples for wanting to call down judgment on them. As they continue, different people express a desire to follow Jesus, but He warns them that following Him demands radical commitment. He tells one that the Son of Man has no place to rest, indicating the hardship of discipleship. To others, He stresses that nothing, not even family obligations or looking back at past life, should take precedence over following Him.

This passage teaches that Christ’s exodus is laser focus on the heavenly Jerusalem.  The values and priorities of this age all submit to the the goal of the heavenly Vision of Peace (Jerusalem).

On That Day (2) (Zechariah 12:10-13:6)

Zechariah set a scary stage in the previous context. The setting is the nations marching against Jerusalem. The nations were meeting for the battle at the mountain of the assembly. This is not assembly for worship, but assembly with the intent to destroy God's city. God's holy mount Zion is being reclaimed as the mountain of war. The Lord promises to secure his holy mountain and his holy city. The Lord is going to establish his "vision of peace" or what we know as Jerusalem. History is moving to the goal of the Lord's heavenly city where God dwells with his people forever. Zechariah continues to describe the "Day of the Lord" with the assurance that the Lord's Spirit will be poured out. His people will repent. Idolatry will be removed. His people will grieve that they have pierced the messiah. However, the Lord's people will dwell in peace in the Lord's heavenly city dwelling in the presence of God himself.

(Preached September 18, 2022)

Behold! Your King (Zechariah 9:9-17)

Christ rides a donkey into the holy city of Jerusalem. This is upsetting to the rulers, but we might wonder why is riding on a donkey so upsetting? Why do the people chant praises to Christ as their king when he is on a donkey rather than a war horse? Zechariah provides the backdrop to this prophecy. Zechariah declares that the Lord will establish his vision of peace unlike the fallen nations. It is not through the war horse, but through the king laying down and taking up his life to establish the Lord's eternal kingdom.

(Sunday August 14, 2022)

Temple Cleansing (Matthew 21:12-17)

Our Lord arrives in Jerusalem with a remarkable reception.  The people praise him as the Lord he is, they throw down their cloaks, and it seems that Christ is able to take the city by storm.  However, Christ runs through the temple overturning tables, and driving people out of the temple.  Why does Christ react this way?  What does the temple tell us about the state of God’s people in this time?

The Humble and Majestic King (Matthew 21:1-11)

So often we view the cross of Christ in a sentimental way.  We do not see the radical absurdity of Christ’s mission in the way that he establishes the kingdom.  We see Christ humbling himself while seated on a donkey, but have we taken the time to think about the backdrop of Christ entering into Jerusalem on a donkey? How does Christ riding on a donkey demonstrate his humility and exaltation?

Worship Elements: Heavenly Vision (Revelation 22:1-22)

It is easy for us to lose our focus in this life.  This world, satan, and even our flesh will distract us from the purpose and goal of worship.  What is the ultimate goal and purpose of our worship as we gather together?

From City to Field (Micah 3:1-12)

I hope that we can agree that the ultimate splendor of Jerusalem was not the buildings, but ultimately that the Lord dwelt in the midst of the city.  If you were an Israelite in the ideal times of Israel it must have been reassuring to see the temple and know that the Lord was in Israel’s midst.  This is not necessarily a bad desire, but when can this desire be sinful?  When can the Lord withdraw His presence from His people?  Why would the Lord withdraw His presence from us?  How can that ultimately be a good thing for a time no matter how tragic and painful it might be?

Living in the Last Days (2) (Mark 13:24-32)

Christ has talked about a life of suffering and struggle.  The reality is that it is not encouraging to to think that one can pursue the kingdom only to find that there is just more and more suffering in this world.  So, why continue if the Christian message seems to be suffer, then suffer some more, and then eventually die.  Is that really the message?  What is the comfort we take in the midst of the tragic day that happens in Jerusalem? How does that tell us this suffering will not always continue and be the thing that defines us?

Arriving at the City (Mark 11:1-12)

When we see Christ riding into Jerusalem we see that Christ is entering into a holy and incredible place that is so full or history.  This is the place where God is to dwell in the midst of HIs people.  Now is finally the time in Christ’s ministry when you would expect His people to embrace their God.  Is this the time for God to sit on the throne and finally make His city holy?  If that is the case then why is Christ seated on a donkey and not a war horse?