Sermons @ Shepherd

Like a good neighbor... The crowd to which Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan new the law, but somehow they, like us, had put limits on whom to love. They had created a group of "others". Sound familiar? Jesus calls us to action: to come near, notice, be moved, to care and carry for those in need. Luke 10:25-37

When Jesus asks us to love our neighbors, those who live near us and those who live afar, we ask the obvious question: to what extent? Where is the line, the limit, of our love and care? Jesus tells us there is no limit, no line. When we stop seeing our faith as being about "I and me" and shift to "us and we", then we are ready to go and do likewise. Luke 10:25-37.

We live in a wondrous time of science, health care, and technology. But we still cannot escape the pit of pain and death. Sometimes the best we can do is to jump into the pit of those who are suffering and say "I am here." Jesus goes a step further; he offers the gift of new life, right here, right now. John 11.

All Saints day is personal. It is a time when we remember who is in our "cloud of witnesses." How have people in our past revealed the love of Christ? Are we living into that influence? Hebrews 12:1-2

The Apollo astronauts were in constant contact with their guides here on Earth. In the same way, Jesus serves as the vital link between us and God. At its core, the metaphor of the vine is about relationship to God as the source of our abundant life.

In his farewell discourse (John chapters 13-17), Jesus shares his hope that the disciples stay connected. As branches of the vine, we bear the most fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness - when we prune off those parts of our lives that keep us from being our best selves. John 15:1-6

In times of trouble, we need to know the way to go. Jesus provides us that way, the truth of the world's reality, and the life that comes from God. Our lives can start anew, right now. John 14:1-6

Goodbyes are often difficult. The same was true for Jesus and his disciples at the last supper. Jesus' words are meant to comfort, not condemn. Find your home in Jesus, and you will know the way, truth, and life. John 14:1-6

Like a good Netflix series, Jesus and his disciples have had a good 3-year run. But it is all coming to a close. As Jesus prepares for one of his last miracles - the raising of Lazarus - Jesus proclaims to Marth "I am the resurrection and the life." Right here, right now. You don't have to wait! John 11

"This world  is not conclusion... a sequel lies beyond." These lines from Emily Dickinson echo the words of Jesus: "I am the resurrection and the life." Like Martha, we get stuck on resurrection as theology or doctrine and fail to see resurrection as experience. For those who follow Jesus, resurrection is right here, right now. John 11.