The crucifixion of Jesus is something we have struggled to find a purpose for, to explain it in a way that makes sense. But maybe we take away from the real meaning of the cross when we try to explain it, instead of allowing the tragedy of it all to be the meaning. The last in the sermon series on the Passion Story in the Gospel of John. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Good Guys and Bad Guys
Hollywood makes its movies with conflicts between "good guys" you root for and "bad guys" you can't sympathize with. But in the real world we have mixed motivations, personal histories, and systems of power that don't always make the moral choice easy. In our struggle to find the "bad guy" in the story of Jesus' trial, we miss the larger point about all the actors being both sinners and saints in an unjust world.
Fourth in the sermon series on The Passion Story of Jesus in the Gospel of John. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
The False Appeal of Barabbas - sermon - March 7
We imagine that if we were in the crowd, and had to choose between Jesus the Messiah and Barabbas the killer, that it would be an easy choice. But the people chose the criminal, and we need to know the appeal of revenge, pride, and getting even that he promised - instead of Jesus' Kingdom of God. By Pastor Lars Hammar. March 7, 2021
Third in the sermon series on The Passion Story in the Gospel of John.
Talking Back - sermon Feb 28
If the Gospel message were simply that we should do what we're told and follow the rules and we'll get to go to heaven, the powers would never have tried to kill Jesus. Rediscover the Jesus who challenges authorities and provides a different meaning to "follow your cross". Second in the sermon series on the passion story in the Gospel of John. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
19 Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20 Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said." 22 When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" 24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. - John 18:19-24
The Unfairness of the Sword - sermon Feb 28
When Jesus is being arrested, Simon Peter takes out his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's slave. But why? He did nothing wrong. He has not choice in being there. But He's also the least able to fight back. In an unfair world we dump on those who don't fight, and we punish the innocent, and Jesus, instead of being above it, suffers as well. The first in the Lent sermon series on the Passion Story of Jesus in the Gospel of John, by Pastor Lars Hammar.
John 18:1-12
