Coro Baptist Church

The Sadducees came to Jesus to confound Him with their question about the resurrection. They didn't believe in the resurrection or the afterlife, or heaven or angels at all. Despite their study of the books of Moses, The Torah, they didn't know the God who is. They could not see the nature of God, nor understand or have faith in His power. There is eternal life in God. Why? Because in Jesus, death is defeated, sin is judged and through Jesus, the Father has established an eternal family. We are hid in Christ by faith and this is a permanent reality whether we are here, present in our bodies, or in Glory, present with God.

Jesus has finished speaking three parables, revealing the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians and the condition of their faith. They are not pleased and will not take Jesus' words lying down. Set on removing Jesus, the leaders take turns attempting to trap Jesus in his own words. This week, the Herodians, along with the disciples of the Pharisees, pose the question, "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" Jesus' response leaves the people amazed. Join us on Sunday as we hear Jesus respond and discover how we are to live in relation to our government and God.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast tells us of the immensely generous character of God, who not only prepares and provides all that is necessary to host this feast for his Son, but is intent on having a 'wedding hall' full of guests. The parable also speaks of a variety of responses to the King's gracious invitation. Sadly, not everyone who hears the call of the gospel responds in faith. They are found unworthy to enter the kingdom. Others still, believing they can enter on the basis of their own righteousness, refuse to receive and wear the 'wedding garments' provided them by the king. And yet, the banquet hall is filled with those who have heard the call, "Everything is ready, so come!" By the grace of God, we are grateful to be among those who have been called and chosen by God. May our lives bear the fruit of his grace towards us in his Son.

The Lord is indeed merciful and gracious and slow to anger. In his divine forbearance he has passed over many former sins. But there will be a day when the time of his patience comes to an end. And on that day, those who have presumed upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance without coming to repentance and faith will realise the wrath they have been storing up for themselves. This is the message Jesus brings in the Parable of the Tenants to those who have seen the way of righteousness but refuse to change their minds and believe in him. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

Authority and submission. These two words are so heavily laden with sorrowful experiences and resistance that we only dare whisper them in public spaces, if at all. It is all too easy to think of stories where authority has been used to tear down, control, and abuse others. Equally, it is easy to see a history of humanity bucking the control of authority for the sake of independence and perceived freedom. For these reasons, our culture in the West resists any authority or submission. Yet these are words and concepts we find in the Bible—words and concepts that describe the author and perfecter of life and our relationship to him. In our passage this week, we read of Jesus possessing an authority over and above all of humanity, an authority by which he can judge the world's submission to him and an authority he uses to lead, build up, and liberate people into the kingdom of God.

As more and more people recognise who Jesus is - the Son of David, there is growing opposition from those who refuse to accept him as the Christ. Like the fig tree which Jesus curses, there are many who show signs of faith, but bear no fruit. They make a show of being religious, having an appearance of godliness, but deny its power. In contrast, Jesus teaches his disciples -if you have faith and do not doubt,- they will receive whatever they ask in prayer. Amidst this lesson in faith and fruitfulness, is an invitation to come before the Lord in prayer. And with that invitation is the promise, that -whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.- Please pray that we might be granted the wisdom to both understand what Jesus is saying here, and to respond in faith, without doubting.

As more and more people recognise who Jesus is – the Son of David, there is growing opposition from those who refuse to accept him as the Christ. Like the fig tree which Jesus curses, there are many who show signs of faith, but bear no fruit. They make a show of being religious, having an appearance of godliness, but deny its power. In contrast, Jesus teaches his disciples "if you have faith and do not doubt," they will receive whatever they ask in prayer. Amidst this lesson in faith and fruitfulness, is an invitation to come before the Lord in prayer. And with that invitation is the promise, that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Please pray that we might be granted the wisdom to both understand what Jesus is saying here, and to respond in faith, without doubting.

Not everyone who is not blind can see. Two blind men saw what the seeing crowd could not see. They not only believed Jesus was the promised 'Son of David' but they believed He was like no other king the world had known – He cared! He was willing to touch their eyes that they might see and follow Him. Have we seen and believed in this humble King of love who came to His own city riding on a donkey – the One who came not to be served but to serve? It's easy to be caught up in enthusiastic worship just as the crowds did but to be caught up in serving and loving as He served and loved – that is beyond us without us being taken up into His death and resurrection. He knew what it would take to bring us to that – something the crowds could never see.

You have likely heard the saying, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." People have always vied for power and authority over one another. Sadly, even when intentions have begun nobly, over time, the self-serving nature of humanity has won over and resulted in poor leadership, immorality, and abuse. As slaves to sin, with only one exception, there has never been a person who truly used their authority to serve another. The exception is Christ. Jesus' use of authority is a perfect selfless service to God and humanity through his suffering, death, and resurrection. His actions are the power and pattern of authority in the kingdom of heaven that ransom us from slavery to sin. Only now, free from sin, can we follow our beloved Saviour in serving God and one another.

When Jesus was asked a question to test him regarding the law and divorce, he responded by speaking about marriage– marriage, from the beginning. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that before we even consider the notion of divorce we must first understand what marriage is. No piece of paper such a certificate of divorce can nullify the one flesh union that God himself has joined together. As the disciples did that day, I pray that we might recognise the deep profundity of what Jesus teaches us here, and receive it in faith.