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Neither Do I Condemn You

Lent 2023

February 26, 2023 • Gerrit Dawson • John 8:2–11

Jesus, this woman, this man, was caught. The law demands condemnation. What do you say? The God who wrote the law with his divine finger, now writes with a human finger. And Jesus writes through his servant Paul “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” (Rom. 8: 1). I have made your condemnation my own. For you there is no condemnation! From you there is to be no condemnation. Sin no more. Go in peace.

The Place and the Way

April 9, 2023 • Gerrit Dawson • John 14:1–7

For at the core, Christ is about an invitation to change. He’s about the dawning of freedom. We don’t have to stay stuck where we are. We don’t have to stay stuck as we are. We don’t have to stay mired in shame, wracked with guilt, wandering in futility and just plain sick of ourselves. We can move from where we are. We can move into him. Jesus offers us freedom to move along a way of life, hope and peace. He issues an invitation to join him. To change roads from one way of life to another through walking in his way, the Way.

Sir, We Wish to See Jesus

April 2, 2023 • Gerrit Dawson • John 12:20–28, John 12:31–33

Sir, we wish to see Jesus. That’s a lovely thing to say. But questions have to be asked in reply. Do you wish to see Jesus as a tourist or a disciple? Do you want to see Jesus as a detached observer, or will you submit your life to him? Do you demand that you stay independent and solitary, always in control, or will you risk dying with him? Will you let your ego be buried in order that you might rise in a new life of love and giving and worship? Knowing the path Jesus had to follow, knowing the path he calls you to follow if you would be joined to him, can you still make the statement the Greeks made? Is it the desire of your heart to say, with all your heart, “Yes, we wish to see Jesus.”

Lord, Come and See

March 26, 2023 • Gerrit Dawson • John 11:28–44

When Martha said, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died,” Jesus replied with a theological assurance. “Your brother will rise again.” He engaged Martha about the future resurrection of the dead, and astounded her with the news that he, himself, is resurrection and life. Jesus answered Martha with confidence and hope. He knew what was going to happen.