Jonathan Chute - "Broken Open"

Mark 16: 1-8. On the morning of the resurrection, three women make their way to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices. But when they arrive, they find that the stone is already gone and the tomb is empty. A man in white tells them not to be alarmed ... that Jesus has been raised from the dead and will meet them in Galilee. The women are overcome with fear and flee, saying nothing to anyone.

Jonathan Chute - "Denied"

Mark 14: 12-72. Our text includes three brief episodes from the last day of Jesus' life. The first takes place in the evening, as he shares a last supper with his disciples. The second follows in Gethsemane, as Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the authorities. Lastly, we watch and wait with Peter, in the courtyard outside where Jesus is being questioned.

RHUMC Youth Sermons - "The Time of Our Lives"

John 12: 20-33. It is a festive time in Jerusalem as many have gathered to commemorate Passover. Jesus had just arrived and a great crowd surrounds him. It is here that Jesus shares with his disciples and the crowd surrounding him what is on his mind.

Jonathan Chute - "Snakes on a Plain"

Numbers 21: 4-9 and John 3: 14-16.

Jonathan Chute - "The Gift"

Exodus 20: 1-17. People often misunderstand the meaning of the 10 Commandments. Often Christians separate "Law" and "Grace" in our minds, seeing them almost as polar opposites. But the apparent restrictions of God's law are supposed to make it easier to live in grace.

John Kwan - "What If Jesus Agreed"

Mark 8: 31-38. In this week's gospel text, Jesus begins to teach his disciples that he must suffer, be rejected, and killed and after three days rise again. His disciples, particularly Peter, begin to rebuke him. What would have happened if Jesus had agreed with Peter and his other disciples?

Jonathan Chute - "First, the Blessing"

Genesis 9: 8-17, Mark 1: 9-15. On this first Sunday in Lent, we begin the journey that lies at the heart of the Christian story. We look to Jesus as the example of a life of courage, compassion and hope. During Lent, we walk with him from his temptation in the desert to his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Our first scripture is the story of God's promise to Noah and all creation, that the earth shall never again be destroyed by flood. Our second scripture is Mark's account of Jesus' baptism, which is followed immediately by his temptation in the wilderness.

Jonathan Chute - "Fast Forward"

Mark 9: 2-9. This is the Sunday of the Transfiguration, one of the most mysterious events in the life of Jesus. He takes three of the disciples with him to the top of a mountain. Once there, his appearance changes dramatically. His clothes become bright white, and he is joined by Moses and Elijah.

Jonathan Chute - "Keeping the Secret"

Mark 1: 40-45. A man comes to Jesus and begs to be cured of his leprosy. Jesus helps him and then tells him to go to the priest and do what the law requires, but not to tell other people about it. Instead the man goes all over the countryside, telling everyone what Jesus has done. It seems that some things are just too good to keep to yourself.

Jonathan Chute - "Public Private Partnership"

Mark 1: 29-39. In this week's gospel Jesus experiences a popular response to his healing work in Galilee. Many hear what he has done and come out to see him. He cures many, but When the morning comes, he goes out by himself to find a place to pray. The disciples want him to continue to see the people, but Jesus has other plans.