As Jesus begins to teach in parables various aspects of His life and ministry among us,
• He invites us to exchange our natural understandings for the supernatural
• and embrace His Gracious Kingdom that produces bountiful blessings.
1. Surprisingly, Jesus’ ministry does not have automatic “success”
a. The Pharisees have already determined to destroy Jesus
b. We live in humble dependence on the grace of His Word
2. Jesus’ ministry does produce faith and good works
a. He creates great comfort and confidence
b. Faith is never alone – good works and blessings abound
3. Jesus’ ministry moves us to marvel at the generosity of God
a. Friend of tax-collectors and sinners
b. Tell the Good News to every creature
4. Jesus’ ministry calls us to live in wisdom and vigilant discernment
a. The wicked one, troubles/persecution, worries and deceitful wealth do not retire
b. Undeterred, Unhindered and Unashamed!
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Where the Seed is Planted
July 12, 2020 • Pastor Paul Becker
Second Sunday of Easter
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Paul Becker • John 20:21–23
To demonstrate that with God all things are possible, Jesus sends us into the world as He was sent, with divine peace, with the Holy Spirit and with the forgiveness of sins. 1. We are sent into the world with divine peace a. Not a false peace that “heals the wound of My people lightly” b. The Prince of Peace makes us peacemakers in a strife-torn world 2. We are sent into the world with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter a. By saturating in the means of grace, not of ourselves b. By appreciating the fruits and gifts of the Spirit 3. We are sent into the world with the forgiveness of sins a. Daily in the Lord’s Prayer / Luther’s evening prayer b. For our enemies and persecutors, bless those who curse
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Paul Becker • Philippians 2:7–8
As Jesus emptied and humbled Himself, becoming like us in every way except sin, He resisted the devil’s pride, breaking the power of death on the cross. 1. Jesus emptied and humbled Himself for us a. He did not cling to His divine privileges b. He manifests the power of humility 2. Jesus became like us in every way except sin a. The joys and sorrows, trials and temptations b. Being subject to suffering and death 3. Jesus resisted the devil’s pride / broke the power of death a. God resists the proud/gives grace to the humble b. He who keeps My Word shall not see death forever