Stories of Generosity from Luke Sermon Series

The Thief on the Cross

October 27, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

(Luke 23: 32-43): The Man Promised Paradise (Luke 23: 32-43): This was the last day of his life. There was no hope. He was dying by Roman execution for his crimes. Next to him, was another man condemned to death. This man was different. He prayed for forgiveness for those who were tormenting him and killing him. Everyone was deriding him, even the third man dying with them. This man, Jesus, had done nothing wrong but grace and peace were evident as he died. There was something about Jesus which impacted the condemned criminal. He believed and asked Jesus if he would remember him when he came into His kingdom. Jesus promised that this he would receive the gift of paradise for trusting him. This was the response of the thief on the cross. How will you respond? Do we really trust Jesus? Do we really trust Jesus with our life. Too often we hold back, wanting control. The man beside Jesus cross trusted in Jesus as he died. Where do we need to trust Jesus? Do we need to trust him with our time or our resources? Do we believe that our service and our words will make a difference through Jesus? How is Jesus inviting you to respond?

The Thief on the Cross

October 27, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

The Man Promised Paradise (Luke 23: 32-43): This was the last day of his life. There was no hope. He was dying by Roman execution for his crimes. Next to him, was another man condemned to death. This man was different. He prayed for forgiveness for those who were tormenting him and killing him. Everyone was deriding him, even the third man dying with them. This man, Jesus, had done nothing wrong but grace and peace were evident as he died. There was something about Jesus which impacted the condemned criminal. He believed and asked Jesus if he would remember him when he came into His kingdom. Jesus promised that this he would receive the gift of paradise for trusting him. This was the response of the thief on the cross. How will you respond? Do we really trust Jesus? Do we really trust Jesus with our life. Too often we hold back, wanting control. The man beside Jesus cross trusted in Jesus as he died. Where do we need to trust Jesus? Do we need to trust him with our time or our resources? Do we believe that our service and our words will make a difference through Jesus? How is Jesus inviting you to respond?

Zacchaeus

October 20, 2024

Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): : Jesus was passing through Jericho. Zacchaeus was eager to see him. With the crowd around Jesus, Zacchaeus climbed a tree for a better view. Jesus, upon meeting Zacchaeus, told him to come down from the tree because he was going to Zacchaeus’ house today. The crowd began to grumble, because Zacchaeus was a tax collector and was despised by his fellow Jews. Zacchaeus was floored by Jesus’ radical acceptance and kindness. This rabbi not only saw him, but he was forging a relationship with him. Zacchaeus then told Jesus that he would give half his money to the poor and make amends for any financial misdealing. Salvation had come to Zacchaeus and his household. This relationship caused Zacchaeus to repent and turn. This is the response of Zacchaeus. How will you respond? Too often it is hard to change as we encounter Jesus’ grace. Zacchaeus surrendered his way of life, repenting and making amends. We are saved by faith, but change is the result of a surrendered life. What changes are needed in our lives? Do we need to more fully live into our membership vows? Where can we show grace in response to our salvation. How is Jesus inviting you to respond?

Zacchaeus

October 20, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 19:1–10

Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): : Jesus was passing through Jericho. Zacchaeus was eager to see him. With the crowd around Jesus, Zacchaeus climbed a tree for a better view. Jesus, upon meeting Zacchaeus, told him to come down from the tree because he was going to Zacchaeus’ house today. The crowd began to grumble, because Zacchaeus was a tax collector and was despised by his fellow Jews. Zacchaeus was floored by Jesus’ radical acceptance and kindness. This rabbi not only saw him, but he was forging a relationship with him. Zacchaeus then told Jesus that he would give half his money to the poor and make amends for any financial misdealing. Salvation had come to Zacchaeus and his household. This relationship caused Zacchaeus to repent and turn. This is the response of Zacchaeus. How will you respond? Too often it is hard to change as we encounter Jesus’ grace. Zacchaeus surrendered his way of life, repenting and making amends. We are saved by faith, but change is the result of a surrendered life. What changes are needed in our lives? Do we need to more fully live into our membership vows? Where can we show grace in response to our salvation. How is Jesus inviting you to respond?

The Woman with the Alabaster Jar

October 13, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 7:22–50

This is our second week in the 2025 Generosity Emphasis, journeying through Luke. In this gospel, Jesus meets folks where they are, offering radical grace. Each of the characters responded differently to God’s grace. The Woman with the Alabaster Jar (Luke 7: 22-50): Jesus was dining at the home of a Pharisee. A woman who had a bad reputation located Jesus and came to where he was dining. She brought with her an expensive jar of ointment and stood at his feet, weeping, bathing his feet with her tears and wiping his feet with his hair. She kissed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with the ointment. This scene outraged the Pharisees. Afterall, she was sinful and if Jesus were a prophet, then he would know and have nothing to do with this unclean woman. Jesus responded to the Pharisees, telling them she was only reacting to what she had experienced. She had experienced radical grace and from radical grace came extreme devotion, affection, generosity and love. Her sins were forgiven, and she responded with profound thanksgiving. This was the response of the woman with the Alabaster jar. How will you respond? Too often we fail to show gratitude to Jesus for what he has done. Unlike the Woman with the Alabaster Jar, we rarely go to lavish measures to express gratitude. How do we need to express gratitude? With our words and prayers? Through worship? By giving back to God a portion of what he has given us? Telling others about the goodness of God? How is Jesus inviting you to respond? How will you respond? Rev. Sherri

The Woman with the Alabaster Jar

October 13, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 7:22–50

This is our second week in the 2025 Generosity Emphasis, journeying through Luke. In this gospel, Jesus meets folks where they are, offering radical grace. Each of the characters responded differently to God’s grace. The Woman with the Alabaster Jar (Luke 7: 22-50): Jesus was dining at the home of a Pharisee. A woman who had a bad reputation located Jesus and came to where he was dining. She brought with her an expensive jar of ointment and stood at his feet, weeping, bathing his feet with her tears and wiping his feet with his hair. She kissed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with the ointment. This scene outraged the Pharisees. Afterall, she was sinful and if Jesus were a prophet, then he would know and have nothing to do with this unclean woman. Jesus responded to the Pharisees, telling them she was only reacting to what she had experienced. She had experienced radical grace and from radical grace came extreme devotion, affection, generosity and love. Her sins were forgiven, and she responded with profound thanksgiving. This was the response of the woman with the Alabaster jar. How will you respond? Too often we fail to show gratitude to Jesus for what he has done. Unlike the Woman with the Alabaster Jar, we rarely go to lavish measures to express gratitude. How do we need to express gratitude? With our words and prayers? Through worship? By giving back to God a portion of what he has given us? Telling others about the goodness of God? How is Jesus inviting you to respond? How will you respond? Rev. Sherri

Simon

October 6, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 5:11

Sermon Notes: Thursday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 This year’s Generosity emphasis is a journey through Luke. Throughout the gospel, Jesus meets folks where they are, offering radical grace. Each of these characters responded differently to God’s grace. Simon (Luke 5:1-11): One day, Jesus was teaching along the Sea of Galilee. He came across fisherman who were washing their nets. Jesus jumped in the boat with Simon asking him to cast his nets in the deep water. Simon responded that he had fished all night with no catch, but if this is what Jesus wanted then he would do as he was told. To Simon’s surprise, he found that when he cast his nets there were so many fish that the nets were about to break. There were so many fish that Simon had to call others to help. Seeing the miracle of the abundant catch of fish, Simon cried out to Jesus that he was unworthy, and that Jesus should leave. But Jesus did not go away. Instead, Jesus invited him to follow. Luke 5:11 tells us that he left everything to follow Jesus. This was Simon’s response to grace. How will you respond? Too often when we follow Jesus, we hold back. Unlike Simon, we rarely “surrender all.” What are we holding back? Making the time and commitment to a life of spiritual disciplines? Making a commitment to be active in worship and service? Resources? Sharing Christ with others? Using your being to glorify God? How is Jesus inviting you to respond? Rev. Sherri

Simon

October 6, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 5:11

Sermon Notes: Thursday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 This year’s Generosity emphasis is a journey through Luke. Throughout the gospel, Jesus meets folks where they are, offering radical grace. Each of these characters responded differently to God’s grace. Simon (Luke 5:1-11): One day, Jesus was teaching along the Sea of Galilee. He came across fisherman who were washing their nets. Jesus jumped in the boat with Simon asking him to cast his nets in the deep water. Simon responded that he had fished all night with no catch, but if this is what Jesus wanted then he would do as he was told. To Simon’s surprise, he found that when he cast his nets there were so many fish that the nets were about to break. There were so many fish that Simon had to call others to help. Seeing the miracle of the abundant catch of fish, Simon cried out to Jesus that he was unworthy, and that Jesus should leave. But Jesus did not go away. Instead, Jesus invited him to follow. Luke 5:11 tells us that he left everything to follow Jesus. This was Simon’s response to grace. How will you respond? Too often when we follow Jesus, we hold back. Unlike Simon, we rarely “surrender all.” What are we holding back? Making the time and commitment to a life of spiritual disciplines? Making a commitment to be active in worship and service? Resources? Sharing Christ with others? Using your being to glorify God? How is Jesus inviting you to respond? Rev. Sherri

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden

How Will You Respond?

The Thief on the Cross

October 27, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

The Thief on the Cross

October 27, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Zacchaeus

October 20, 2024

Zacchaeus

October 20, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 19:1–10

The Woman with the Alabaster Jar

October 13, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 7:22–50

The Woman with the Alabaster Jar

October 13, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 7:22–50

Simon

October 6, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 5:11

Simon

October 6, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds • Luke 5:11