Jesus told many stories as parables: dangerous, short works of fiction that illustrate the larger truths of the Kingdom of God. But while truth is powerful and life changing, it all depends on what kind of heart one has while listening.

There is a stern warning for those who ignore and even deny the work of the Holy Spirit. There is also a great promise of eternal family with those who have aligned themselves with his Lordship and His kingdom.

All that Jesus had done so far was sure to draw a crowd, and he quickly reached rockstar status. Everyone wanted to be near him… but why? As Jesus keeps his distance from the crowd, he instead appoints a small number of disciples and commissions them to go and preach the gospel.

The Sabbath was given by God as a commandment to guard a day of rest for being restored, replenished, and healed. But Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ heart condition when they care more about their rules for the Sabbath than they do the handicapped man Jesus wanted to make whole.

Many scriptures speak of God revealing his kingdom through gathering around the table to share a meal together. As a community we are hardwired by God to celebrate life together over food and drink - a witness that we are grateful sons and daughters of the King waiting for the great wedding supper of the lamb.

People approach God for all different reasons. But He is not here to grant us our deepest wishes or fulfill our greatest dreams - He takes things deeper than we ever could imagine by healing the real issues at hand.

As Jesus begins to teach, confront demons, and heal the sick, what we are witnessing is proof that the one greater than sickness, the demonic, and the law is here. This is what it looks like when the author of our story comes near.

The call of God on our lives is to be followers of this Jesus. To learn his teaching, to learn his ways, and to carry on his work wherever he might lead. What will that cost?

Jesus’ first words proclaimed the good news: “The time has come! The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe!” But if this is true, then we must rethink everything we know about God, ourselves, each other, our world, and life itself…

Loom International, an organization based in Portland, gave a special message at Church on the Hill regarding their partnerships with grassroots projects around the world working with children at risk, and how each one of us has the power to change a child’s life.