Jesus names it in the Sermon on Mount, loving people who love us is not hard. Yet we are not just called to love those who are like us, or who love us. We are called to bring God’s love to those who God places in our lives.
In 1 Peter 3:15 we hear “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” On this Sunday we will hear three stories of that hope from people in our church, and how being part of this work has impacted them.
It’s three days later. The Jewish sabbath is not over, and Jesus’ followers go to prepare his body for burial. What follows is a series of history altering events including an earthquake, angels, and even politically motivated bribes. But what if our focus on Jesus dying for me, misses the breadth, the depth, and the impact of what all went down that first Easter Sunday?
Jesus’ last time with his disciples reflects what has always been core to his ministry, and a picture of what was about to happen. Jesus is gracious, faithful, and the fulfillment of the Passover lamb that Jews faithfully celebrated year after year. And after many years, the wait is over, if they will see it.