Joe preaches on Matthew 9:14-17

The disciples in the boat ask, "What kind of man is this?" when Jesus calms the storm, a question rooted in the significance of the sea in Jewish culture. In the Old Testament, the sea symbolizes chaos and death, but God alone has the power to control it. Jesus' act of rebuking the winds reveals his divine authority, claiming power over the chaos of creation. This story shifts Jesus from being seen as a teacher to being acknowledged as lord. His authority extends beyond his teachings, pointing to his true nature. Do you think he is lord, liar or lunatic?

Mike takes a look at how Matthew responds to Jesus, and how Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism of him eating with tax collectors and sinners. After introducing Matthew, Mike considers how Jesus explains that just like a doctor is needed for the sick, he has come for those in need, not the self-righteous. Mike invites reflection on whether we identify with the Pharisees, especially when we feel disconnected from God due to failures in prayer or Bible reading, and reminds us that God's love remains constant and unchanging, regardless.

In this talk Joe explores Jesus's authority in Matthew 8:28. His authority is unique—self-sacrificial and loving, unlike the "authority that's hurt you." It’s accepted by consent, not force; those who reject it can remain in their "comfortable brokenness." Yielding to Jesus means seeing others as precious beloved children, not objects of resentment or desire. Struggling to submit is part of faith—it’s a “constant battle” to live as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12). If we are to wield Jesus's authority we first need to yield him. Through prayer and trust, we align with God's will, calling into being a world “that isn’t yet.”

Joe explores discipleship and suffering through Job’s story and Jesus’ resurrection. Discipleship mirrors apprenticeship: being with, becoming like, and doing what Jesus did. Job’s suffering shows the importance of honesty with God and rejecting the idea that suffering reflects failure. Like Job, we can trust our Redeemer—God himself—to vindicate us. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that we, like him, will be raised bodily, scars and all. Suffering, though painful, can bear fruit, reframed in eternity as part of God’s redemptive plan. Our hope lies in a risen Christ who transforms pain into glory and promises ultimate restoration.

In this talk Joe examines how discipleship—being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he did—shapes our response to suffering. Using Job’s story, he explores three types of comfort: the “bad comfort” from Eliphaz, who moralized Job’s suffering; the “better comfort” from Job himself, who openly lamented to God; and the ultimate comfort found in the gospel. Suffering, like Jacob’s limp after wrestling with God, isn’t always holy or meaningful, but it can transform us. Disciples are called to comfort others with food, rest, and presence, not explanations, trusting God amidst life’s unanswered questions.

Joe looks at how we all suffer and ask "Why?". We revisit part 1 of our vision - to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus did - and ask "how does this apply to us when we're suffering?" Joe highlight that God didn't strike Job; but he was there and in charge. Job suffered - stripped of wealth, family and health - but he didn't blame God. Our proof that God loves us is Jesus; though perfect he suffered to give us hope. Joe encourages us in suffering to draw near to God, be honest and to know that God loves you.

faith by stripping him of his wealth, family, and health, yet Job remains faithful despite intense suffering. The reflection highlights that discipleship means trusting God during hardship, not just in good times. Jesus’ suffering shows God's love, offering hope in the midst of life's struggles.

Welcoming us back after Summer Joe sets up the next sermon series. "What do I believe?" and "How should I live?" are two fundamental questions humans ask themselves. In our modern, fractured society life can be particularly unsettling but the truths of Christianity continue to provide hope. We return to our vision - being with Jesus, becoming like him and doing what he did. We will look through a fresh lens - discipleship through suffering. Why do we experience it and how should we deal with it? We are going to work through at the ancient and insightful book of Job.

Joe brings us another from our series in Matthew's gospel, today looking at the disguises of the 'Wolf Pack'...

Joe continus our series in the gospel of Matthew, looking at 2 verses that offer 2 ways...