In reflecting on the death and burial of Jesus in Luke 23, we see a profound contrast between those who viewed the crucifixion as a mere "spectacle" and those who responded with genuine faithfulness and sacrifice. We recognize that while the crowds were drawn to the drama of the event, the Centurion recognized Jesus' innocence, and the faithful women remained present even when the world seemed to have won. We understand that Joseph of Arimathea’s gift of a costly tomb serves as a model for how we can offer our best to the Lord, even in moments of perceived defeat. Ultimately, we are challenged to move beyond the search for spiritual "adrenaline rushes" and "cosplay" and instead embrace the quiet, consistent devotion of those who stayed by Jesus’ side until the very end, trusting that the stillness of the Sabbath is not the conclusion of the story.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A%2044-56&version=NRSVUE

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In Luke 23, we see the profound theme of mercy unfolding through the final moments of Jesus' life. From the physical burden shared by Simon of Cyrene to the spiritual grace extended to those mocking and crucifying Him, Jesus consistently chooses forgiveness over retaliation. This mercy is most poignantly captured in His promise of paradise to the repentant thief, reminding us that no matter the "size" of our sins—whether they are public acts or private struggles with pride and envy—we all stand in equal need of God's grace. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to move beyond our own suffering to reflect that same transformative mercy to the world around us.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A%2026-43&version=NRSVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our sermon from February 1, 2026, Andy shares with us from Colossians 3:16-17. We are supposed to marinate ourselves in God's Word, let it drench up every part of who we are.  And when we do that, it will change how we live our very lives. 

In examining the exchange between Pilate, Jesus, and the crowd in Luke 23, we see the dangerous consequence of choosing political convenience over moral truth. We recognize that by demanding the release of Barabbas—a violent Zealot—and the crucifixion of Jesus, the crowd chose the way of earthly power and insurrection over the way of the Kingdom of God. We understand that Pilate’s failure to stand on his convictions, despite knowing Jesus was innocent, serves as a warning that "peace at any price" often leads to greater destruction in the long run. Ultimately, we are challenged to have the courage to stand for what is right and holy, trusting that even when the path is difficult, our true allegiance belongs to the King of Kings rather than the demands of the crowd.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A13-25&version=NRSVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In examining the interrogations of Jesus by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23, we recognize the human tendency to view Christ through the lens of our own personal interests and convenience. We see that while Pilate sought political peace and Herod sought entertainment, neither was willing to confront the reality of Jesus' true identity or authority. We understand that our faith cannot be something "moderately important" or a means to get what we want from a "heavenly genie," but must instead be a total surrender to His Lordship. By looking past our own desires and distractions, we commit to following Jesus not for the "signs" He might perform or the comfort He might provide, but because He is the King of Kings whose will must become our own.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A1-12&version=NRSVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on the mockery and trial of Jesus in Luke 22, we see the profound power of His restraint and His unwavering commitment to the Father's mission. We recognize that while we often feel a natural impulse to defend ourselves and lash out when treated unfairly, Jesus chose the path of silence and submission, trusting that God's plan for redemption was greater than His current suffering. We understand that this "endgame" was not a result of weakness, but of a deliberate "not my will, but yours" posture that prioritized the salvation of the world over personal safety. Ultimately, we find encouragement for our own difficult paths—whether they involve health, finances, or relationships—by looking to the example of Christ, who trusted in the beauty of the final destination even when the road was paved with trials.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A63-71&version=NRSRVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, we see the profound depth of His humanity and the intensity of His spiritual struggle. We recognize that Jesus’ plea to "remove this cup" validates our own moments of weakness and fear, showing us that true faith involves being honest with God about our burdens. We understand that while the disciples struggled to stay awake due to the sheer exhaustion of grief, Jesus remained alert, choosing to align His will with the Father’s even as His body bore the physical toll of His anguish. By following the example of the one who submitted to God’s plan despite the cost, we find the courage to bring our own "heavy cups" to the Lord, trusting in His presence as we walk toward the challenges ahead.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2039-46&version=NRSVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on the transition from Jesus’ command to carry swords to His healing of the servant’s ear, we recognize the tension between fulfilling prophecy and practicing the ethics of the Kingdom. We understand that while the disciples were quick to use force to protect their interests, Jesus’ firm "no more of this" sets a definitive boundary against violence and retaliation. We acknowledge that in our own lives, especially in the heated climate of social media, we are often tempted to "lop off ears" in a show of misplaced righteousness. By following the example of the one who healed His enemy even in the moment of His own arrest, we commit to the difficult path of peace, trusting that God’s purposes are never achieved through the "power of darkness" but through the transformative power of humble service and healing.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2035-38%3B%2047-53&version=NRSVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional sermon from January 25, 2026, Andy shares from John 17:1-3. Jesus tells us here what eternal life is: know Him. We experience it every day, and when Jesus is in the center of life together, we have unity.

In reflecting on Peter’s denial in Luke 22, we see that our failures, no matter how bitter, are never outside the reach of God’s foreknowledge and grace. We recognize that Jesus’ prayer for Peter was not that he would avoid the "sifting" of trial, but that his faith would endure and his future leadership would be defined by his return to the Lord. We understand that while our sin and betrayal cause genuine pain—as evidenced by Peter’s bitter weeping—they do not alter God’s fundamental commitment to us. Ultimately, we find hope in the truth that Christ has already "baked in" our mistakes to His plan for our lives, inviting us to turn back, receive His gaze of love, and find a purpose that extends far beyond our greatest stumbles.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.

You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2031-34%3B%2054-62&version=NRSVUE

Click here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/