Better Way
Pastor Ben Johnson
Session 4
March 2, 2022 • Pastor Ben Johnson
If Jesus’ audience was relaxing in the assumption that the preceding teachings were directed only at the Pharisees and their followers, they could not dodge the direct force of this challenge. It is specifically directed to those who profess to follow Jesus and looks at what it means to build our lives on Him as the solid rock. Jesus is making the point that it’s not mere words or even generally ethical behavior or religious practice that mark true believers, but whether they do what He says. Jesus is calling His followers to a radical obedience that will lead them to continue to turn the world upside-down through His love and grace.
Session 3
March 2, 2022 • Pastor Ben Johnson
Jesus is going to be turning his attention to the lack of mercy present in the spiritual leadership of Israel. He is speaking to a judgmental and condemning spirit that withholds love, grace and forgiveness from others because of what they have done, said or who they are. Jesus is teaching us a Better Way and the only way that will bring true change to a person and this world. The Better Way is through the power of love and grace as we give to others what has been so freely given to us through Jesus.
Session 2
March 2, 2022 • Pastor Ben Johnson
Jesus unveils the cornerstone of his master plan as He teaches His followers His expectations of them and how they will navigate a world that will never understand them. This teaching is what turns the world upside-down and clearly communicates that His disciples will be known by how they love one another. This love will be so radical, and out of this world, that it will even extend to their enemies. Jesus is saying that if we want to act like and be like God then we must love even our enemies…Why? God loves His enemies.
Session 1
March 2, 2022 • Pastor Ben Johnson
Jesus is giving His marching orders to those who will follow Him. He is tipping His hand and telling them what a life of being His disciple will entail and it won’t be like anything they have ever experienced in this world. Contrary to what our social groups may be telling us, society may be telling or even the world may be telling us, Jesus is offering a Better Way of living…living in a world turned upside-down by His love and grace. A world where the poor are rich, the marginalized are exalted, the sinner is forgiven, and the dead are raised to life again.