For some, it is the gospel within the gospel, or even the most beautiful short story ever told. It has been painted by a host of artists, most notably Rembrandt, made the subject of plays, or provided the themes for plays, most notably Shakespeare.
People haven’t changed much over the two thousand years since the death and resurrection of Jesus. People, then, as now, avidly discuss the latest news of death and destruction…
A professor of mine at the seminary told us a story of when he used to be a pastor. He visited the husband of one of his members and he asked him why he didn’t come to church with his wife. The man said, “I don’t go because your church is full of hypocrites!”
The children came into his house all out of breath. It’s not that the distance we so great…only a mile or two…but, as usual, they ran the last half mile or so. They raced to Grandpa’s house because they wanted Grandpa to tell them their favorite story.
“One little word can fell him.” We just sang those words in stanza 3. I’ve sung that line hundreds of times, and many of you have too. But until this week, I never bothered to wonder what the little “word” was.
This evening, in the upper room, we watch as Jesus of Nazareth is Passing By, passing by Judas Iscariot with one final opportunity of grace.
It’s easier than we might think for people to know where we’ve been or what we’ve been doing. When the kid with chocolate smeared all across his face says…
Why couldn’t God have just made it easy? Why did he have to make this so difficult? Have you ever had that thought?
Does God have any practical words for us, faithful people with a wide array of salaries and situations, who wish to give in response to his love? Sermon based on 1 Corinthians 16:2.
“No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” Any guesses who spoke those words?
Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
2310 Independence Lane
Madison, WI 53704
