This is Love
Love is Humble
March 24, 2024 • Rev. Wendy Jones • Matthew 21:1–11
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. On this day, we remember and celebrate Jesus' joyful entrance into Jerusalem when the crowds welcomed Him with their coats and palm branches. It felt and looked like love, but in a matter of hours everything would change and the only love that remained was Jesus’ willingness to endure the suffering that would follow the joyful parade.
Love is compassion: Miracles & More
March 17, 2024 • Rev. Wendy Jones • Matthew 15:29–38
Jesus’s power was revealed in and through miracles. But these miracles also reflected Jesus’ compassion for those who were suffering or in need. Love is more than a feeling – love always leads to action made to make a difference. Jesus models for us that love is compassion, and that compassion compels us to act, for the benefit of others.
Love is the Greatest: Part 2: It’s Golden
March 3, 2024 • Rev. Jason Mincey • Matthew 22:34–40, Matthew 7:12
Jesus calls the commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves the greatest of all commandments. Jesus not only taught this commandment, but he also lived it out in his everyday life. Jesus extended love and grace to all, especially those who needed it most. This reflects God’s love for all people and teaches us to love others as we want to be loved.
Love is the Greatest: Part 1: It’s a Priority
February 25, 2024 • Rev. Wendy Jones • Matthew 22:34–40, Luke 5:16
Jesus calls the commandment to love God the greatest of all commandments. Jesus not only taught this commandment, but he also lived it out in his everyday life. Jesus always made time with his Heavenly Father a priority. This reflects Jesus’ love for God and teaches us to make time with God a priority in our lives.
The Beloved: The Baptism of Jesus
February 18, 2024 • Rev. Wendy Jones • Matthew 3:12–17
At Jesus’ baptism we get to see and experience the love that is shared between God, the Father – Jesus, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The gift of holy baptism unites us in that same love and is a constant reminder that we belong to God – that we are God’s own beloved children.
Love Starts Here: God is Love
February 14, 2024 • Rev. Wendy Jones • 1 John 4:7–12
Occasionally Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. What an odd combination; a day to remember that we are needy, sinful humans with a day set aside to celebrate love. Perhaps it’s not odd, but instead a perfect reflection of what love looks like. God, who is love – draws near to us amid our messy, human and sinful lives to save and love us.