After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus walked the earth for a few more days and gave instruction to his disciples before He departed to heaven. Before Jesus ascended, He promised to return some day and the Holy Spirit descended upon His believers. Jesus charged us with a mission while we wait: to make disciples of all nations.

On the day Jesus was crucified he was put on the cross between two criminals who were justifiably in trouble. The two criminals on the cross had different responses to Jesus: one of mockery and one of repentance. Through this small glimpse into the story of the crucifixion we see the patience and genuine love of Jesus, reminding us that we're never too far gone to accept the grace of God.

As the crucifixion drew nearer, Jesus reclined with his disciples for a meal which ended in Him washing the disciples feet. This act was one of humility and a symbolic reminder about His authority to forgive sins.

In a unique encounter with Jesus, he is tempted in the wilderness by Satan. This encounter emphasizes the humanity and deity of Jesus. Because of his time on earth, Jesus is able to relate with us in suffering and temptation. He also promises to provide a way out when we are tempted, and he himself never fell into temptation.

In today's message, Pastor David dives into the story Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was not one who was thought of highly due to his social status and career. Despite these facts, Jesus chose to dwell with him and Zacchaeus' life was changed from that day forward.

Through the encounter with Jesus studied in today's message we see a rich young ruler inquiring of Jesus about who goes to heaven. In the context of those days, social status dictated a lot to do with who they believed would make it to heaven. The teaching of Jesus goes beyond social status and takes a deep look at the heart behind those who are truly in relationship with Him.

The story of the man born blind is one that illustrates spiritual illumination: coming out of darkness and into the light offered only by Christ. Pastor Shane teaches that through this encounter of Jesus, a man formerly blind is now able to see due to his obedience and faith in Christ. Scripture teaches that faith without works is dead, and this story is one that illustrates what faith along with works looks like. Not that the works are what healed the man, but his obedience and trust in God.

In one encounter that Jesus has, a group of men bring an adulteress woman to Jesus asking how they should punish her for her sins. While the intent of the persecutors was to trap Jesus by quoting Mosaic law to him, he remarkably disputes their arguments by allowing the first one without sin to throw the first stone, which none of the persecutors were able to do. We see through this story the forgiveness that comes from Jesus, not the condemnation. For Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17).

Pastor David continues our series studying the Encounters with Jesus with the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee leader and ruler of the Jews. Jesus tells Nicodemus how we can be saved through a spiritual birth, and we all are able to choose whether we accept this gift of God or not.

As believers we have been called to be in community with one another as we walk with God. Pastor Shane emphasizes the importance of Christian community such as that we see illustrated in Mark 2. The community that we surround ourselves with should be one that encourages us to walk closer with Jesus.