What’s really going on in our world? What should we do about it? Jesus answers these two questions in two parables in which he reveals secrets of the kingdom of God.

Jesus has something to say to us about the way we see people. And in order to see people rightly, we have to see ourselves rightly–and Jesus rightly.

People are often willing to follow Jesus—as long as he behaves the way they expect him to. In Luke 7:18–35, Jesus confronts our assumptions and asks whether we will trust him on his terms rather than our own.

In Luke 7:1-17, Jesus shows us more of who he is - not merely a man, but one with great power and authority to heal from afar and bring life into death. Do we recognize Jesus as the one who can do the impossible? Do we accept the invitation to marvel at his compassion and power?

There are resume virtues: those you bring to the marketplace. Then there are eulogy virtues: those are talked about at your funeral—kindness, bravery, honesty, compassion, and the like. Which virtues are more important? And if we want to develop eulogy virtues, how do we do so?

Everyone’s got an opinion. Everyone’s got a verdict. We live in a world that turns comment sections into courtrooms and strangers into defendants. But what happens when the camera turns and it’s your life on the screen? This Sunday, we sit with the most misquoted words Jesus ever said: "Judge not.”

Most people probably don’t love their enemies. Most people probably don’t even try to love their enemies. In fact, many people love to have enemies: They love to have enemies to hate. Then again, Jesus commands us to love our enemies. Yes, but how?

In a world that celebrates strength and self-sufficiency, Jesus reveals a kingdom that draws near to those who know they need Him—especially those who lack the resources to care for themselves. Jesus invites us into a different way of seeing ourselves and others, as he comforts the lowly and challenges the comfortable.

With so much happening around us and within us, it can feel like the darkness is winning. But Easter tells a better story: though the darkness still exists, it has not overcome. Jesus has defeated it—and through faith, we share in his victory.

Message from Rolana Smith on April 3, 2026