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CloseThere are some years where singing “Joy to the World” can feel a little tone deaf. There are plenty of Christmases that feel less than joyful. But the truths hidden in this carol remind us that God’s mob always have a reason to be joyful. Jesus is King so we know things are under control. Jesus is Saviour so we can be sure we are right with God. Jesus is coming back so we can be sure the future is bright. Because of this God’s mob will always have good reasons to be joyful even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
Scripture References: Psalms 98:1-9, Luke 1:26-33, Luke 19:21-40
Related Topics: Christmas | More Messages from Ben Connelly | Download Audio
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2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11Tim Baxter - Sunday, 22 May 2011 |
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God's strength in PaulTim Baxter - Sunday, 15 May 2011 |
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The Narrow DoorPaul Foster - Sunday, 8 May 2011 |
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The Power of EasterTim Baxter - Sunday, 1 May 2011 |
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False ReportingTim Baxter - Sunday, 24 April 2011 |
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Save YourselfTim Baxter - Friday, 22 April 2011 |
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Plots, Betrayals & MurderTim Baxter - Sunday, 17 April 2011 |
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Kylie Letcher TestimonyMatt Letcher - Sunday, 10 April 2011 |
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Recognising ValueMatt Letcher - Sunday, 10 April 2011 |
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Jesus is returning to Jerusalem for the second day. Jesus is hungry – he is human. Jesus sees fig tree – but, despite its leaves, it has no fruit. Jesus curses the fig tree. Jesus is God, taking on the divine role of pronouncing judgement. This brief episode is a living example of the judgement brought by the king of God’s people returning to his mob: they have become independent, insiders not aligned with the desire of God for the outsider. They are unfruitful, and they are judged. God’s mob, however, have true fruitfulness when they recognise the authority of the king, and completely and totally depend upon him. Such dependency will change the world, because of the one they depend upon!
Jesus has finally made it to Jerusalem. As Matthew prepares us for His entry into Jerusalem, he helps us confront Jesus’ authority, and the way in which it restores the concern of God for the outsider, and confronts the insider. This is the start of the Passover week. Jerusalem is a roiling maelstrom of religious and political fervour. And Matthew organises the narrative of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem around displays of His authority, rooted in recognition of His ‘old power’ – four Old Testament quotations structure the passage. As we come face-to-face with Jesus’ authority, three truths stand out. First, Jesus’ authority is extensive and all-encompassing. Second, Jesus’ authority is for the outsider, and rooted in God’s deep commitment to bring the outsider inside His kingdom. And, third, Jesus authority confronts the insider, and urges them to repentance. Come and meet Jesus, the King, in all His authority, as He enters Jerusalem!
What is greatness? In particular, what is greatness in the kingdom of God? That is the question addressed in the passage from Matthew today. Jesus is approached by two different groups. First, the family of Zebedee: James and John and their mother. Second, two blind men. Jesus asks both groups the same question “What do you want me to do for you?” What they request is quite revealing. And so is Jesus’ response to their requests. The Zebedees request position, status, reward for effort. The blind men request mercy, for their eyes to be open. Which request lines up with Jesus’ teaching previously? Which request do we tend to go to ourselves?
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