Sermons from Church of the Incarnation, Dallas

In John 20:19–21, Pastor Shawn Torres reminds us that Jesus’ first words to His fearful disciples were, "Peace be with you." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished reconciliation with God, offering peace to all who believe. But this peace isn’t just for us to receive — it’s also a mission to share. As Jesus was sent by the Father, so He now sends us to proclaim that same peace to a broken world.

In John 20:19-31, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reminds us that even after Easter, the disciples were still locked in fear, doubt, and disappointment — until Jesus broke through their walls with unexpected peace. This sermon calls us to see how God's grace still surprises us today, breaking old patterns and breathing new life into places we thought were dead. We are invited to let the winds of God's mercy catch our hearts off guard and open them to joy and transformation.

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on the darkness of grief and fear, comparing it to entering a tomb—but reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus transforms even death into a doorway to life. Easter is not just about one man rising—it's the promise of a new world, free from sorrow, sin, and fear. Christ's resurrection means that the darkest places in our lives are not the end, but the beginning of something glorious.

Bishop Gregory Brewer proclaims the resurrection of Jesus as a real, historical event that still transforms lives today. He invites listeners—whether certain or seeking—to trust the risen Christ, who offers peace, forgiveness, and purpose. Through the witness of ordinary people, especially the women at the tomb, we’re reminded that Jesus meets us where we are and never turns us away.

Pastor Shawn Torres reflects on Isaiah 53, revealing how Jesus—once considered insignificant—carried the weight of humanity’s sin in humility and suffering. Despite being rejected and misunderstood, His death brought healing, redemption, and access to eternal life. Through the sacrament, we remember not just His death, but the living gift of His resurrection.

Bp. George Sumner reflects on the profound mystery of Good Friday: the death of Jesus and its meaning for humanity. He explores how Christ’s death opens a new path for us at the intersection of divine love and human weakness. At the cross, God does something utterly beyond our comprehension—creating a way through death into eternal life.

Bp. Greg Brewer shares how Holy Week confronts us with Christ’s relentless love—a love that exposes our rebellion yet invites us into mercy. Despite discomfort and distraction, we’re called to receive Jesus with open hands, walk to Calvary, and live as true heirs of God’s kingdom.

Fr. Cody Turner invites us to see Holy Week as a question of identity. When the crowd chooses Barabbas—whose name means “son of the father”—over Jesus, they choose a reflection of themselves over the true Son of God. Today, we face the same temptation: to reshape Jesus in our image. But Christ resists our control and instead invites us to follow him—to sit, listen, and be transformed as we walk with him to the cross.

Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reminds us that Hosanna is not praise, but a plea: “Save us now.” On Palm Sunday, the crowd welcomed Jesus with hope but misunderstood the kind of salvation he brought. As Holy Week begins, we’re invited to see that our deepest need is not for quick solutions, but for the transforming love of Christ—who enters Jerusalem ready to give his life so we might be truly saved.

Fr. Joe Dewey challenges us to examine what we treasure most: our resume virtues or our relationship with Christ. Drawing from David Brooks’ critique of meritocracy and Paul’s renunciation of worldly status, the sermon contrasts public success with the inner life God desires. Through Mary’s heartfelt offering at the feet of Jesus, we’re invited to bring our attentive presence—not our achievements. As Holy Week approaches, Fr. Dewey asks, Where is your heart? God wants not our credentials, but our trust, our vulnerability, and our love.