Caleb Drahosh \\ The realization of Jesus' kingly reign was imminent as He spoke to His disciples. The judgments that come upon the kingdoms of the earth aren't meant to scare His people, but embolden them that His authority is absolute. The old is giving way to the new. Although the day and the hour of the full revelation of Jesus' kingship is not known, history is moving toward it. Therefore, His people should avoid speculation, but instead remain awake and watchful by faithfully living in obedience to His Word.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Tuesday of Holy Week is drawing to a close and Jesus leaves the Temple. One of the disciples comments on the beauty of the Temple and Jesus takes the opportunity to go into greater detail about what is to become of it. What is old is about to give way to the new. And that will result in suffering and persecution for Jesus' disciples. But the disciples are warned. They are able now to discern the events.

Caleb Drahosh \\\ As Jesus' public teaching ministry comes to an end and He has a seat in the temple. He observes people bringing in their offerings. Rich people put in large amounts, but an impoverished widow drops a very small amount. Jesus remarks that her gift is extraordinary because it's all she has. Giving is done before the face of God and is reflective of what we believe about Him. How will tomorrow's needs be provided for? Even small gifts can reflect extraordinary trust.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Now Jesus poses a question regarding the scribes’ claims to highlight His own deity and humanity. Jesus flies in the face of the expectations of the religious leadership. And the crowds were glad to hear Him. But much like the scribe in the previous passage, would they submit to Him? Jesus then issues a warning against the scribes and their performative practices, their predatory posture and their pretentious praying. Seeking the praise of men in self-righteousness is not in line with Jesus’ message and mission.

Caleb Drahosh \\ When the Pharisees, Herodians, and the Sadducees approach Jesus, they do so out of antagonism. Jesus keeps turning the tables on them, showing that He's the One who is over them. Jesus doesn't go into His final days with His back up against the wall; He goes to the cross in full control, completely unrivaled. But now a scribe comes questioning Jesus. Unlike the others, the scribe is happy for an answer. He is close to the kingdom because He believes Jesus' answer. But will this belief be validated by submission to Jesus?

John Baumgartner \\ Another group faces off against Jesus with a tricky question. The Sadducees think they understand the Bible, but they only use it to win their arguments. They are proud of their knowledge while being ignorant of the scriptures. Jesus reveals their ignorance by beating them at their own game. He is the true King of Israel, and He is defeating His adversaries with the Word of God.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Christmas Eve Sermon 2025

Caleb Drahosh \\ Some Pharisees again come to Jesus with the intent of trapping Him. They ask Jesus about paying taxes: is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar? Taking a Roman coin Jesus asks about the inscription on it: whose likeness is it? It's Caesar's. Jesus says to give Caesar that which bears Caesar's likeness and give to God that which bears God's likeness. We are created in God's image. God gives earthly governments and civil authorities real, but limited, authority. Our final allegiance is to the One who has placed His image on us.

Caleb Drahosh \\ There is nothing that we need that cannot be found in Jesus Christ. He is not far off. He is Immanuel, God with us. Specifically, the incarnation brings this into reality; the Word took on flesh. Christmas is a celebration of this event.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Those who receive Jesus are given the right to be called the children of God. But in order to receive Jesus as the true light come into the world, one must be born of God. Jesus made the world, came into the world, and now sets out to make those the Father gave Him new creations in Him. Christmas sets the stage for the final scene for the advent of a new creation completed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead.