Sermons at Smoky Row Brethren Church

Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals. One joins the crowds in mocking, but the other affirms Jesus’ innocence and asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus responds with mercy and assurance.

As Jesus is crucified, he prays for his enemies.

In his last moments of anguish on the cross, Jesus cries words of lament from Psalm 22.

During the last week of Jesus’ ministry, sometime after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus begins to run afoul of the leadership in the Temple. Now, as they walk by the Temple, the disciples notice how impressive it is…but Jesus tells them it is going to be destroyed.

“Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

As Jesus’ miracles get more impressive, religious leaders just get more stubborn and hardhearted. Jesus begins speaking plainly to his disciples about the suffering to come, but they seem only concerned about their own status. They ask Jesus who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus answers them, but not in a way any of them expect.

Crowds continue to grow around Jesus, but not all are convinced by his message. As questions swirl about his identity and miraculous works, Jesus begins teaching in parables.

As the crowds continue to flock to Jesus for healing, restoration, and teaching, Jesus equips 12 disciples to multiply his work throughout the region. These are the instructions he gives them as he sends them on their way.

One day early in Jesus’ ministry, we’re told that he looked out and saw the crowds. So he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said something like this...

A reflection on the nature of our passions and the drastic actions they can lead us to.

What lessons on joy can we learn from the Magi?