The well-known story of the 10 lepers teaches us at least three lessons. It shows us that the heart of God is full of mercy. Negatively, we see the tragedy of ingratitude, which incurs the judgment of God. Positively, we learned that the nature of saving faith is always accompanied by expressions of glory and gratitude to God who is the source of all of our good gifts.

In order to increase the faith of the disciples that will enable them to forgive, even seven times in the same day, Jesus reminds them that they are unworthy servants -literally, slaves-. The connection between faith and viewing ourselves as unworthy slaves is not obvious. But if we are slaves, then Jesus is our Lord, and that relationship necessitates obedience.--What is transparent is that humility and faith also go hand and hand. The only reference to Jesus marveling at a person's faith was in response to a centurion who understood that he was not even worthy to have Jesus come under his roof -Lk. 7-1-10-.

One of the ironies of this passage is that the unbelieving Pharisees exercise more -faith- in regard to Jesus' teaching about rising on the third day than did his own disciples. This -faith- was the result of witnessing the power of God working through Jesus during his life, in his death, and in the resurrections he performed. However, the clear and compelling evidence, even of numerous resurrections from the dead, never resulted in true, saving faith. That requires hearing the voice of Jesus Christ in his Word as it is proclaimed.

The terrible agony that Christ endured on that first Good Friday made it look like a disaster from all outward appearances, but the results that followed revealed the reality of the triumph and the victory of the cross. As one commentator noted, -It cannot be too strongly emphasized that the cross is the instrument and point of victory, not the point of defeat which has to be reversed on Easter morning.---The physical agony that Jesus endured was only the tip of the iceberg, the greater part of his agony was spiritual. -Specifically, the agony of being forsaken by his Father as he took upon himself our sin and our curse. In other word, as He experienced hell.--A list of results enumerating the benefits of the crucifixion could be long. But we should note that Jesus was cursed, so we could be blessed. He died that we might live. He was separated from God, so we could be reconciled to God. He descended into hell, so that we might ascend into heaven. He who knew no sin became sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey intentionally fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9-9, and others, publicly and provocatively declaring His kingship. The crowds hail Him as the King of Israel expecting Him to fulfill the Davidic Covenant. He will, but first this King will lay down His life for His people, answering their shouts of -Hosanna- -meaning, -Save us now--. They are expecting salvation from Rome, but King Jesus will bring about a greater salvation, delivering His people from sin, death, and the devil.

Imagine a religion with hundreds of laws requiring strict adherence and obedience. Further, imagine that the violation any one of these laws, which leads to injustice, will receive its just punishment. And even worse, imagine that this punishment, with all of the accompanying guilt, shame, and ruined reputation, occurs without any possibility of forgiveness, atonement, or redemption.--With the exception of Christianity, this describes every religion in the world, including the pervasive secularism of our modern culture. This sermon lays out God's teaching and application on this essential subject.

In this passage, we find the Pharisees, who Scripture teaches were lovers of money, ridiculing Jesus. Why- Because when faced with the evident truth of God's Law-Word, man in his hypocrisy often chooses ridicule over repenting. Hear our Lord's response.

This sermon series -1 of 2- unpacks Jesus's teaching about Lazarus and the rich man. Was this strictly a parable, or was Jesus making reference to actual people and situations in His midst- Hear both cases, and regardless, hear the Lord's key points about money, the reality of Heaven and Hell, and sinful man's stubborn commitment to unbelief.

This sermon unpacks Jesus's teaching about Lazarus and the rich man. Was this strictly a parable, or was Jesus making reference to actual people and situations in His midst- Hear both cases, and regardless, hear the Lord's key points about money, the reality of Heaven and Hell, and sinful man's stubborn commitment to unbelief.

Jesus taught that there would be a cost to following Him. Since the world hated Him, we ought not be surprised to learn that it would hate us as well, who follow Him. This sermon examines our Lord's own words on this subject and considers their application to our present day.