New Testaments

  • Hope in a Hopeless World: Discovering Christ in the First Week of Advent

    November 30, 2025

    Today, we begin the season of Advent. With this beginning, we are reminded that this season is a time of hope. Yet with this season of hope, we also find ourselves thinking about those who have none.

    To start today’s message, I’d like to share a passage from the Apocrypha—The Wisdom of Solomon. This book, also known as The Book of Wisdom, is not part of the Protestant Old Testament but is included in the Deuterocanonical books recognized by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.

    Before Jesus’ time, Jewish people used two main versions of Scripture: the Hebrew Bible, used in Israel, and the Greek Septuagint, used by Jews living in Greek-speaking regions. The Wisdom of Solomon was written in Greek about a century before Christ and was included in the Septuagint, but not in the Hebrew Bible.

    Early Christians often read from the Septuagint, so The Wisdom of Solomon was familiar and respected in the early church. After the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, Jewish leaders recognized only the Hebrew Scriptures as their official Bible, which did not include this book. During the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, church leaders such as Martin Luther chose to follow the Hebrew version of the Old Testament. They saw The Wisdom of Solomon as valuable reading but not inspired Scripture. The Catholic Church, however, officially retained it in 1546 at the Council of Trent.

    Even though this text isn’t part of the Protestant Bible, it still carries a valuable message. That’s why I’m including it in today’s reflection.

    Wisdom of Solomon 2:1–5 (NRSV)

    1 For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves,
    “Short and sorrowful is our life,
    and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end,
    and no one has been known to return from Hades.

    2 For we were born by mere chance,
    and hereafter we shall be as though we had never been,
    for the breath in our nostrils is smoke,
    and reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our hearts;

    3 When it is extinguished, the body will turn to ashes,
    and the spirit will dissolve like empty air.

    4 Our name will be forgotten in time,
    and no one will remember our works;
    our life will pass away like the traces of a cloud
    and be scattered like mist
    that is chased by the rays of the sun
    and overcome by its heat.

    5 For our allotted time is the passing of a shadow,
    and there is no return from our death,
    because it is sealed up and no one turns back.”

    Understanding the Passage

    At the start of chapter 2, the author (King Solomon) describes a group of people who “reasoned unsoundly,” meaning they think and live without God. These are not specific individuals but rather a mindset: people who see life only through human reason and earthly experience.

    They have no faith, no belief in God, and no hope in life after death. They live as though there is no God, no judgment, and no eternal truth. They believe death is final—“no one has been known to return from Hades.” This perspective aligns with an ancient form of atheism or materialism—the idea that humans are merely biological matter, not created by God: “We were born by mere chance.”

    From such a mindset flows hopelessness: “Our name will be forgotten.” They deny divine justice and eternal life, saying, “There is no return from our death.”

    Sound familiar?

    Sadly, many of us know people like this—people who see life as limited to what happens on this earth. How do we bring them to Christ? How do we offer hope to someone who has none?

    The truth is, we never fully know another person’s spiritual journey. I’ve heard people say, “So-and-so was a lost cause—died without knowing Jesus.” But the reality is, we have no idea where that person’s heart or spirit was in their final moments.

    Our purpose is not to dwell on what we don’t know, but to lift others up with hope.

    We see people walking through life without hope—especially during this time of year. We see them rushing through shopping malls, cutting ahead in line, or grumbling about prices. They may complain that they’re “shopping to death,” frustrated about buying gifts for people they barely know.

    The commercial side of this season easily distracts us from its true meaning. Though Advent is a season filled with hope, few truly find it.

    The Source of Hope: Romans 15:7–13 (NKJV)

    7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
    8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
    9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
    “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
    And sing to Your name.”
    10 And again he says:
    “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”
    11 And again:
    “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”
    12 And again, Isaiah says:
    “There shall be a root of Jesse;
    And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
    In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”
    13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    In this text, Paul reminds us of Isaiah’s prophecy: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

    Jesus came for both Jews and Gentiles. The “root of Jesse” refers to Jesse, the father of King David. Jesus comes from this family line, fulfilling God’s promise that the Messiah would come from the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12–16). The term “root” suggests that Jesus is not a branch but the very source of David’s line.

    “In Him the Gentiles will find hope” shows that Jesus brings hope and salvation to everyone. God’s promise is inclusive—open to all who believe, not just to those with Jewish heritage.

    Romans 15:12 confirms that Jesus is the promised Messiah from Jesse’s line. His kingdom is for all nations. Everyone—Jew or Gentile—can find hope, salvation, and belonging in Him.

    The Creed and the Christmas Story

    As we enter this season, we celebrate the incarnation of Christ—God made flesh. We witness the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and continue to proclaim our faith through the Apostles’ Creed:

    I believe in God, the Father almighty,
    Creator of heaven and earth.
    I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit 
    and born of the Virgin Mary…

    This part of the creed is especially meaningful today. Hope is found in a belief system rooted in the truth of Christ, born of the Virgin Mary. The Christmas story must be believed in its entirety. If we abandon any part of it, we weaken the very message that brings us hope.

    If Christ were not born of the Virgin Mary, we would have to question whether He came into the world at all. And if Jesus did not come into the world, how could anyone claim Him as the One who brings hope?

    Where Is the Hope?

    Hope is found in Jesus Christ.
    We read about it. We sing about it.

    Edward Mote expressed it beautifully in his hymn:

    My hope is built on nothing less
    than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
    but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

    On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
    all other ground is sinking sand.

    As Paul wrote to the Romans:

    “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

    Paul knew that there is peace in believing. God is the source of all hope, and joy and peace come through the power of the Holy Spirit.

    May we find hope in Jesus Christ today.
    May that hope strengthen us through the holiday season and carry us into a new year.

    About The Art: The Annunciation (1898) by Henry Ossawa Tanner

    The Annunciation (1898) is one of Henry Ossawa Tanner’s most celebrated works, offering a fresh and intimate interpretation of the moment the angel announces to Mary that she will bear Christ. Instead of portraying the angel in human form, Tanner uses a glowing column of light, emphasizing the holiness of the moment while keeping the scene grounded and realistic. His subdued colors, gentle lighting, and focus on Mary’s expression highlight the humility, awe, and humanity of this encounter.

    Tanner—born in 1859 and the first African American painter to gain international recognition—often drew on his Christian faith in his art. His move to Paris allowed him to escape racial prejudice in the United States and refine his style within the European art tradition. The Annunciation reflects both his spiritual depth and his artistic mastery, capturing a sacred moment with emotional honesty and reverent beauty.

  • Thanksgiving and Grace: Giving Thanks for God’s Unmerited Favor (Romans 5:12–21)

    November 23, 2025 
    Romans 5:12-21 (NKJV)
    2 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned--
    13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, must more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 
    18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover, the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

    Where would we be without grace? 

    This week, many of us will gather around a table with our loved ones; we will pause and think about what we have to be thankful for. We may be thankful to God that we have been able to pay bills, the little miracles that occur in our checkbook, or at least the rubber checks that haven’t bounced. We may be thankful for the roof over our heads, the food on our table, and the clothes on our backs. 

    As tragedy after tragedy affects our country and across the world, we should appreciate our lives, as we are reminded of those who have recently died in tragedy. At the time Dr. DARF wrote this sermon (in 2001), it was shortly after the tragedy of 9/11 and the bombing of the World Trade Center. Since then, we’ve continued to see tragedy. We see tragedy in our youth with some of the highest percentages in depression, anxiety, and stress. We see tragedy in the school systems, a place once safe for our youth, now a place of tragedy and fear. We see tragedy in our nation, our government, with its greed. Tragedy is everywhere and with so much tragedy, we must recognize that there will be many families overcome with grief and likely not in the mood to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. The holidays will bring difficulty. 

    But there is God! And we give thanks to God. This week, I’d like to share a song from the 1970s by Andre’ Crouch, To God Be The Glory. Many of us recognize this song…”To God be the glory / For the things he has done / With his blood he has saved me / With his power he has raised me / To God be the glory / For the things he has done…” 

    Check out Natalie Grant’s version of Andrae Crouch’s “To God be The Glory” (2020).

    This song reflects the message of this text. While none of us have ever done anything to deserve God’s goodness, through Christ, He has given us His grace. It has been said “that grace is unmerited favor,” therefore, grace cannot be earned. It is only because of God’s great and wonderful everlasting love that He offers grace to wretched sinners. Of course, at this point, we have to look at our own views. 

    • Do we see ourselves as a righteous person, and do we consider ourselves totally free of sin? 
    • Do we see ourselves as a wretched sinner, that can only be saved by God’s amazing grace? 

    Like many of you, I have met some of those who feel they have gone on to perfection. It doesn’t do much good to argue with those people, as most of them are convinced they are good people. As for myself, I am a wretched sinner. I may hold the appearance at times as looking somewhat holy but I know what’s inside of myself. And, in case I forget, God has given me family and friends who are always kind enough to remind me of my faults to keep me in line. And, in recognizing my wretched state, my thanksgiving expressed to God for his amazing grace can only be stated through gratitude. 

    Thanksgiving is showing Gratitude for Grace

    Unlike the impatient youngster whose parents force him to refrain from diving into that gloriously roasted, juicy, golden drumstick at Thanksgiving dinner, one realizes that although the din

    ner may taste good, there is nothing like the everlasting banquet God is preparing for those He has redeemed. Food is tasty, and while many of us will enjoy 80-90 Thanksgiving meals during our lifetime, there is still no comparison for the ultimate satisfaction that God brings. So, we turn to that youngster and say “Do you realize there is something here that is better than that turkey drumstick? We also have ham and stove-top stuffing!”

    But, there is something better than stuffing – how about being stuffed full of God’s grace? Is it possible that being stuffed full of God’s grace has something to do with our tradition of saying grace? This idiom is a common expression that we’ve used for many years to describe the act of giving thanks before a meal. It can be traced back to ancient times when people believed that food was a gift from the gods, and in our case, THE God. So, since saying grace is what we do…let’s say grace! 

    Let us say grace as more than a mere statement of thanksgiving offering at a traditional place and time. Let us say grace as a joyful expression celebrating God’s amazing love working in us. Our saying grace may be a worshipful demonstration, giving a marvelous testimony to the heartfelt profession of faith in God’s acts of salvation. Whatever it means to you to say grace, don’t do like some people and say grace without commitment, without emotion, and without feeling. God deserves for us to say grace, in recognition of His amazing grace, with hearts filled with praise, and grace on our lips. In short — say grace, and make sure you mean it. 

  • When Secrets Come to Light: Reuben, Bilah, and the Cost of Sin (Genesis 35)

    June 22, 2025

    Sometimes, the Bible tells a whole story in a single verse. In Genesis 35:22, we read:
    “While Israel was living in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it.”

    Just one sentence. No added commentary. No dramatic pause. No confrontation scene. Just—Reuben, the firstborn, committed a shameful act with his father’s concubine, and somehow, Israel (Jacob) found out.

    It’s sandwiched between the grief of Rachel’s death and a list of Jacob’s sons—as if the writer didn’t quite know what to do with it. But there it is, quietly disrupting the family legacy.

    How Did Jacob Hear?

    The verse says, “Israel heard about it.” We’re left to wonder: Who told him? Did someone witness it and come forward? Was it gossip? Small towns—ancient or modern—aren’t known for keeping secrets. The text doesn’t say, and maybe that’s the point.

    Some sins are meant to be hidden. Reuben and Bilhah surely didn’t plan on sending out announcements. This was meant to stay secret—but secrets have a way of surfacing, especially when they’re rotten.

    Why Include This?

    You might ask, “Why is this even in the Bible?” Especially when the next verse moves on to list the twelve sons of Jacob, without so much as a comment. But maybe the lesson is exactly that—sin doesn’t always erupt in the moment. Sometimes, it lingers in silence, buried under the surface… until the day of reckoning comes.

    The Reckoning

    It’s not until Jacob is on his deathbed in Genesis 49 that the impact becomes clear. To Reuben, he says:

    “Reuben, you are my firstborn…
    Unstable as water, you shall not excel,
    Because you went up to your father’s bed;
    Then you defiled it…”

    No further punishment is recorded in Genesis 35. But that final word from a dying father is devastating. “You shall not excel.” It’s the undoing of a legacy Reuben might have had.

    Was It Power? Was It Revenge?

    Some scholars suggest Reuben’s act wasn’t just lust, but a power play. An attempt to assert dominance or to block Bilhah from rising in status after Rachel’s death. Was this about humiliating Bilhah, or asserting himself as next in line? Maybe both.

    Whatever the motivation, the outcome was clear: disgrace, broken trust, and lost inheritance.

    A Word for Father’s Day

    It’s fitting—if painfully so—that this passage falls near Father’s Day. It reminds us how easily the sins of one generation bleed into the next, how fragile trust can be, and how silence isn’t always golden.

    Jacob’s silence in Genesis 35 is eerie. Did he say nothing at the time? Did he wait for the right moment? Or did he simply carry it in his heart until the day he could finally speak truth?

    As fathers, sons, and families, we’re reminded that the choices we make ripple through time. And yet, even in disgrace, Reuben’s name isn’t erased. He remains part of the Twelve Tribes. The consequences are real, but grace isn’t gone.

    A Final Thought: No Verse Is Too Small

    This story—just one sentence long—is a reminder that no part of Scripture is too small or too awkward to matter. The Bible tells the truth of human lives—messy, broken, sinful, sometimes shocking. And yet, God works through it all. Nothing is wasted. Not even a footnote like Genesis 35:22.

    Let’s not read the Bible just to finish it. Let’s read it to find ourselves in it. Sometimes even in the most uncomfortable places.

    Original Title: Reuben & Bilhah, June 16, 2024 (for Father’s Day) | Shubert Christian Church Shubert, Nebraska 

  • Where is God? Jacob’s Journey in Genesis 28

    June 1, 2025

    We continue with Jacob’s story after leaving off with the dispute over a birthright with his older brother, Esau (first born son of Issac). Having a birthright would mean obtaining the highest position in the family, and receiving a much larger portion of inheritance, including land. However, as we remember from the last chapter, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for the low price of a bowl of stew. 

    To claim the birthright, Jacob and his mother managed to deceive Isaac into offering this blessing to Jacob. When Esau came forward to receive his birthright, he became intensely angry. Isaac also grieved when discovering that he had been deceived and blessed the wrong son. 

    Upon researching this text and its interpretation from the Jewish point of view, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin notes at least two problems. 1) Rabbi Telushkin states “the Torah never explains why a blessing given under false pretenses cannot be reassigned to its proper recipient,” and 2) Jacob lied to his father. We have to wonder, how did Jacob get away with deceiving his father? And, if ever there is a point where one is expected to respect their dying parent, especially an honorable Patriarch like Jacob, at what point has his sin ever been made justifiable?

    From this point, we move back into the text, Genesis 28:10-11 (NRSV):

    10 Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. 

    All of this happened while Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau. His journey to Haron is believed to have been over 400 miles. As he gets started, about 50 miles from home, he has this dream, Genesis 28:12-15 (NRSV):

    12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 And the LORD stood beside him and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; 14 and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. 15 Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 
    Image: “Jacobs Ladder” (1655) Rembrandt van Rijn

    Jacob has an encounter with God. First, one might wonder from this text, why did God choose him? If this was a man who was clearly guilty of deceiving his father, why would God choose such a man to reveal himself to? However, if we look toward the New Testament, one is able to see that God doesn’t always reveal himself to those whom we should judge as the best of God’s creation. If we ask why God would choose Jacob, we should also ask why God chose Paul to be an Apostle. 

    When looking at this encounter between God and Jacob, we can see that Jacob is not being judged for his former sins. Instead, God offers future blessings to a man who has stolen blessings. God gives Jacob undeserved recognition in saying, “all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you.” But the best promise, God says, “know that I am with you…for I will not leave you.”

    Many of us have been like Jacob. Our life’s journey has taken us to some places where our behaviors have bordered on the unethical. Some might call this guilt-ridden, leaving us to wonder, where is God? And, if God is out there, why would he have anything to do with me? 

    To some point, it is easy to understand why some people are agnostic when it comes to faith. Some may even admit that they believe in God but just don’t think God would have anything to do with them; sort of like God is on vacation, taking a break after creating the world. It is difficult for people to acknowledge that God is working in their personal life at this very moment. For some, it’s easy to be content with our life and live with very little awareness of the existence of God. Yet, it isn’t until our lives encounter a tragedy, say the death of a loved one or a sudden terminal illness, that we drop down to our knees in prayer frantically searching, asking “God, where are you?!”

    This can be especially frustrating when we hear stories of Jacob and his direct encounter with God. We look at Jacob’s past and we wonder why he was allowed to become a famous biblical leader. We will never understand the kind of justice or injustice done by this story but what we do know is that God revealed Himself to Jacob, which assures us that God is capable of being present with the sinful. 

    Many people today assume God will have nothing to do with them because they are not perfect enough to have fellowship with Him. Yet, what we learn from this story of Jacob is that the idea couldn’t be further from the truth. From this one story and the many that follow, we see example after example of how God has chosen to have company with many men and women who’ve lived sinful lifestyles. 

    When we think about God’s willingness to be in company, and have communion with sinners, we ought to know that whatever spiritual state many of us may find ourselves in, God is always with us. There are reminders throughout the Old Testament where God says, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham,” or “the God of Israel,” or “the God of your fathers.” This is even continued by Jesus in the New Testament, that even Jesus’ name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” 

    In continuing with Jacob’s story, Genesis 28:16-19 (NRSV):

    16 Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place--and I did not know it!” 17 And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 
    18 So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel.

    After Jacob awoke from his dream, he set up a pillar, and named the place Bethel. The name Bethel may have two meanings, 1) the house of God, and 2) the gate of heaven. This helps support the idea that whenever God is, it is holy. Therefore, if God is present with us, then we can continue to acknowledge “surely the LORD is in this place. How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 

    To conclude, in times of trouble and heartache, many of us ask “Where is God?” Jesus said in the closing words of Matthew’s gospel, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28.20b, NIV). Where is God? God is with you. He is with you today. He will be with you tomorrow. God will never leave you.

    Sermon Title: Where is God?  Sermon Date: July 18, 1999, First Christian Church, Paradise, California

  • When Mothers Know Best: A Mother’s Day Reflection on John 2:1–12

    May 11, 2025

    Weddings are joyful occasions—filled with celebration, laughter, and love. They bring families and communities together to mark a new beginning. For many mothers, a wedding is also a moment of pride, reflection, and deep emotional investment. On this Mother’s Day, we turn to the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle. It’s a story not only about divine power but also about the quiet influence of a mother who knew her son better than anyone else. William Hull (1970) said: 

    “A wedding feast was one of the most important and joyous occasions in the life of a Jewish family.  Since marriages were usually arranged well in advance, the tiny village of Cana in Galilee may have eagerly anticipated this celebration for a long while” (The Broadman Bible Commentary, Volume 9, p. 23). 

    As we turn to John 2:1-12, we find Jesus, His disciples, and His mother attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee. 

    2 On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and 2 Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, “They don’t have any wine.” John 2:1–12 (HCSB)

    This wasn’t just a casual event—it was a major social celebration in a Jewish village. Traditionally, wedding feasts could last as long as seven days, with much food, dancing, and of course, wine. The text begins with a problem: the wine runs out. In our modern context, this might seem like a minor inconvenience. But during this time, it was common for wedding festivities to last seven days so running out of wine could be a sign of poor planning; a serious embarrassment for the host family that could tarnish their reputation.  It is here that Mary, the mother of Jesus, steps in.

    "The Marriage Feast at Cana" by Bartolomé Estebán Murillo, 1672
    Source: “The Marriage Feast at Cana” by Bartolomé Estebán Murillo, 1672

    Since there were seven days set aside to pull off this wedding, we can certainly wonder about the complexities of details. In my time as a pastor and having been involved in wedding services, I have noted how strict certain people are about wedding details. It seemed that back in the day, ministers could just pull out a service book from their library and proceed with a brief marriage ceremony. However, today, ministers are expected to offer much more: 

    “Do you want a formal wedding?
    a semi-formal wedding, 
    a contemporary service, 
    a traditional service, 
    a simple wedding, 
    or something else?”  

    “Will there be organ music, 
    live music, 
    recorded music, 
    special music done by a group or vocalist,
    will you see singing as you walk down the aisle,
     or something else?”  

    “Do you want this wedding inside the church, 
    outside the church, 
    inside a community hall, 
    inside a home, 
    outdoors
    or should we have it in the parking lot?”

    Wedding events have expanded so much that some churches even have a wedding coordinator available; if not, the family often hires their own. What I’ve discovered is there’s often a family member – usually someone’s aunt – who feels they are qualified for the job and take it upon themselves to be the wedding coordinator. They tell everyone where to stand, dictate the proper etiquette, insist on selecting the flower girls for the service, and manage the gift table. Maybe it’s not an aunt, maybe it’s a cousin, a sister, a mother? You get the picture. 

    With this in mind, we wonder about Mary. What was her role in this story? Since there isn’t a mention of Joseph, Jesus’ father, we could assume this event is after he passed away. This could also mean that Mary is related to the groom’s family, making the connection that Mary’s sister, Salome the mother of John (not John the Baptist) was a cousin of Jesus. However, this is just a theory and whether or not Mary and Jesus were attending the wedding of relatives or just happened to be at the event does not make a difference to the outcome of the story. Instead, this story and its dialogue are about the relationship between a mother and her son. 

    We know this wedding is an important event for Mary to attend. We imagine, as at any wedding, that many of the mothers are gathered around amazed at the festivities and eager to celebrate. Then, a sour note lands on the party when they realize, there is no more wine. And, the intriguing moment when Mary runs to Jesus with the problem at hand. Why would Mary run to Jesus? 

    To which Jesus replies, John 2: 4-8: 

    4 “What has this concern of yours to do with Me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.” 
    5 “Do whatever He tells you,” His mother told the servants. 
    6 Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained 20 or 30 gallons. 
    7 “Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then He said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the chief servant.” And they did. 

    At first, we might read Jesus’ response to be harsh. “Woman, what has this concern of yours to do with me?” But in the cultural and linguistic context of the time, this wasn’t disrespectful. “Woman” was a formal, polite address. And His question was a way of signaling that He was stepping into His divine mission – not simply acting as her son, but as the Son of God. 

    Mary does not argue. Instead, she turns to the servants and instructs them to do whatever he tells them to do. In this moment, she is demonstrating faith. She trusts Jesus completely and because of her great faith, Jesus elects to meet the need at hand. This story teaches us that whenever faith is acted upon, miracles do appear. Jesus responds—not out of obligation, but from compassion and divine purpose. He tells the servants to fill six large stone jars with water. These jars, used for Jewish purification rituals, hold 20 to 30 gallons each. Once filled, Jesus instructs them to draw some out and take it to the chief servant. In John 2: 9-12, 

    9 When the chief servant tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom 10 and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people have drunk freely, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.” 
    11 Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. 
    12 After this, He went down to Capernaum, together with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples, and they stayed there only a few days.

    The water has turned into wine. Not just any wine—the best wine. The chief servant, unaware of what has happened, is amazed. He says to the groom, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first… but you have kept the fine wine until now” (v. 10).

    Many people in our world today do not believe in miracles. This text is an example of Jesus’ first recorded miracle – a sign that revealed His glory and caused His disciples to believe in Him. It began not with a grand declaration or a supernatural sign, but with a quiet moment between a mother and her son. 

    Mary didn’t perform the miracle—but her faith created the space for it to happen. Her trust in Jesus set the stage for His glory to be revealed. She didn’t demand; she simply believed. On a simple occasion of attending a wedding, Mary saw an opportunity for Jesus to bring joy to people’s lives. The joy was not found merely in the drink that was provided, but instead was the joy of the discovery as people realized the Messiah had come. 

    Sometimes, mothers have a way of seeing what others don’t. They notice what’s missing. They know when to speak, and when to trust. And in Mary, we see a mother who understood the weight of who her son was—even when His full mission was not yet clear.

    Later in John’s Gospel, we see Mary again—at the foot of the cross. Even in His final moments, Jesus makes sure His mother will be cared for, saying to the beloved disciple, “Here is your mother” (John 19:27). His concern for her never faded.

    On this Mother’s Day, we honor the mothers who have brought us into the world, nurtured us in love, and pointed us—sometimes gently, sometimes firmly—toward Jesus. We remember the quiet strength of Mary, whose faith opened the door to Christ’s first miracle. We thank God for mothers who see what others miss, who believe even when others doubt, and who teach us to listen to the voice of Jesus.

    And at the very least, we say: God bless our mothers—for through them, many of us have come to know Jesus Christ.

    ~Rev. Dennis A. Fulbright

    Preached: “The Mothers of Cana” | 2014, Hiawatha First Christian Church (DOC) & 2003, Paradise First Christian Church (DOC) , Revised 5/6/2025 by BRO, BA, Div. 

  • “He is Greatly Exalted:” Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection this Easter in Psalm 47

    April 20, 2025

    Before we jump into the celebration this Easter Sunday, I want to rewind a moment back to when Jesus was on the cross, Luke 23:39-43 (NCV): 

    39 One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.”
    40 But the other criminal stopped him and said, “You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. 41 We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
    43 Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

    Luke tells us that “the other criminal” on the cross… 

    • Acknowledged his wrongdoings. 
    • He accepted his justified punishment.
    • He believed in Jesus and asked Jesus to remember him.
    • He had faith that Jesus was the Messiah of God.
    • He believed there was a “kingdom” of God.
    • He believed there was a life after death!  

    Those who stood under the cross and witnessed the thief’s ramblings must have thought these men were out of their minds. But this sinner had faith. He called upon the name of the Lord and was saved.

    With this in mind, let us look at Psalm 47.1-2: 

    1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
    Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
    2 For the Lord Most High is awesome; 
    He is great a King over all the earth

    On Resurrection Sunday, which we also refer to as Easter, we gather to celebrate the resurrection power of our risen Lord. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!  Isn’t that what it is all about?

    This is often a day we welcome the CEO Christians (Christian-Easter-Only Christians) into our church. Which leaves us asking, why this Sunday? Why today? Why did you come to church this morning?  For some people:

    • I wanted to see the pretty flowers.
    • I wanted to show off my new clothes.
    • I am here because that is what my family wanted to do today.
    • I am here because I always attend church on Christmas and Easter.
    • I am here because of Mama!
    • I am here because I want to get my religion out of the way for a while, sort of pay my yearly dues.
    • I am here out of obligation.  Where does this obligation come from, I do not know?

    To all, you are welcome here in church today. You are welcome every Sunday. To our CEO Christian friends, we hope after today you will return next week, and the week after. Because you belong here. However, all of these reasons, are WRONG reasons for coming to church on Easter Sunday. It is about God! Not you or I! Do any of these reasons apply to your life this morning?  If not, maybe you are here for all the right reasons.

    Art: Simon Dewey, “He Lives”

    There is an old joke we hear often – It was Easter Sunday in Sunday School.  Mrs. Ross was trying to teach her students about the meaning of Easter.  

    What does Easter mean? She asked.

    Little Suzie put up her hand and Mrs. Ross acknowledged, Okay, Suzie go ahead…

    It is when we get to hunt Easter Eggs! Suzie said.

    Mrs. Ross answered, Yes, that is partially true.

    Turning to little Bobby, she asked if he knew.

    Bobby said,  Is that when we get to go to Jesus’ funeral?

    Mrs. Ross said, Not quite.

    She turned to little Billy, Billy, do you know what the meaning of Easter is?

    Billy paused for a moment:  It is the day Jesus rose from the dead.

    Mrs. Ross was excited, “Yes, go on!”

    Bobby said, And Jesus comes out of the tomb…  

    Yes, go on! 

    And when he sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of Easter!

    This is one of the problems we have today is the problem of Biblical illiteracy.  We don’t know the Bible. Psalm 47:1-2, again, reads: 

    1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! 
     Shout to God with the voice of triumph! 
     2 For the Lord Most High is awesome; 
    He is a great a King over all the earth. 

    We celebrate today not only the event where Jesus Christ rose triumphantly from the dead.  But because “He is the great King over all the earth!”  He is the creator and ruler of the universe!  Jesus Christ is Lord!

    In the Psalmic tradition, we are to “clap our hands” and “Shout to God.”  This might look different from church to church. Some might literally be clapping their hands and shouting, while others might have a true and meaningful way of worship through songs of praise. Yet, some Christians get caught up in clapping and shouting that they forget (or do not know) the deep spiritual sense as to why.

    • Why am I clapping my hands?
    • Why am I shouting?
    • Why am I here?
    • And what is the meaning of life? Maybe I will go and ask Plato.

    Another great and wonderful dynamic act of worship is singing praise to God.  Singing praise to God from our hearts.  In Psalm 47.6-7:

    6 Sing praises to God, sing praises!
    Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
    7 For God is the King of all the earth;
    Sing praises with understanding.

    We sing praises to God and we know WHY we are praising Him. In Psalm 47.5:

    5 God has gone up with a shout,
    The Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

    This verse speaks of God going up, which we also refer to as ascension. The last words in Luke’s Gospel read (Luke 24:49-55 (NKJV)):

    49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city 4of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” 
    50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple 5praising and blessing God. 

    The first six sentences of the Apostles Creed are:

    1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: 
    2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: 
    3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: 
    4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: 
    5. The third day he rose again from the dead: 
    6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: 

    The Apostles Creed represents basic Christian doctrine.  

    1. We believe in God.
    2. We believe in the Son of God—Jesus Christ.
    3. We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus as conceived by the Holy Spirit.
    4. We believe that he stood condemned by Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried, and went to visit hell.
    5. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.
    6. He ascended/went up into heaven, and He sits on the throne at the right hand of God.

    If someone were to ask you what is so great about Christians going to church on Easter Sunday. Would you tell them it is about celebrating our risen Lord? Would you tell them because Jesus is worthy of our praise and He is greatly exalted? 

    Tell them it is because “HE IS GREATLY EXALTED” (Psalm 47:9)!

    Sermon Title: Clap Your Hands All You Peoples | First Christian Church (DOC) Winfield, Kansas April 8, 2012

  • The Meaning of Peter’s Denial on Good Friday – A Closer Look at Betrayal and Forgiveness

    April 18, 2025

    For this Good Friday, let’s turn our focus to Peter—his denial of Jesus, but also key moments from his life that shaped his faith and discipleship. His story is one of deep failure, but also deep grace. And it calls us to look inward at our own journey with Christ.

    We first meet Peter in Luke 5, where he is out fishing—unsuccessfully. After a long night of catching nothing, Jesus steps into Peter’s boat and tells him where to cast his nets. Peter responds, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing.”

    How often does God lead us to do something, and our first response is an excuse? If we are even remotely conscious of God’s presence, we must understand that God knows the truth of our hearts. We can’t lie to Him. So, who are we trying to fool with our excuses?

    But Peter obeyed. “Nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.” And what happened next was miraculous. The net was so full of fish it began to break. In that moment, Peter realized he was not standing in the presence of an ordinary man. He fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” He might as well have added, “I’m not worthy of even being near You.” Yet Jesus did not leave. He stayed. He called Peter to follow Him.

    Gerrit van Honthorst The Denial of St Peter c.1623

    Later, in Matthew 16, we see another pivotal moment. Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They offer various answers—“Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But those were just the rumors.

    Then Jesus asks the real question: “But who do you say I am?”

    That’s the question we all must answer. Who do you say Jesus is? Was He just a moral teacher? A historical figure? A religious symbol? Or is He truly the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lord of your life?

    Peter gives the right answer: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” But he didn’t arrive at that answer on his own. Jesus tells him, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in heaven.” This was spiritual revelation—truth planted in Peter’s heart by the Holy Spirit.

    Jesus then says:

    Matthew 16:18–19 (NKJV) 18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

    Fast forward to Luke 22—the Last Supper. Jesus gathers with His disciples and says:

    Luke 22:14–16 (NKJV) 14 “When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, ‘With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’”

    Did Peter have any clue this would be their final meal with Jesus? Probably not. It likely felt like any other gathering—good food, strong fellowship. Then things took a turn. Jesus begins speaking about betrayal. The disciples argue about who it could be, then shift into a dispute about who among them is the greatest.

    And in the midst of this, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.”

    Peter, with passion, declares, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death!” But Jesus knows better. He replies, “Peter, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you know Me.”

    Later that night, Jesus is arrested. A mob, led by Judas, comes to seize Him. Chaos. Fear. Confusion.

    Peter follows, but from a distance. At the high priest’s courtyard, as Jesus is put on trial, Peter tries to stay unnoticed. He only wants to warm himself by the fire. But then, a servant girl recognizes him: “This man was with Him.”

    Peter says, “Woman, I do not know Him.”

    Later, someone else insists, “You’re one of them.”

    “Man, I am not!”

    About an hour passes, and another person says, “Surely this man was with Jesus—his accent gives him away.” According to Matthew’s Gospel, Peter begins cursing and swearing. “Man, I do not know what you’re talking about!”

    And then the rooster crowed.

    Peter remembered what Jesus had said. Overwhelmed with shame, he went outside and wept bitterly.

    Was Peter there at the crucifixion? The Gospels don’t clearly say. Maybe he was. Maybe he watched from a distance. But we do know this: he was heartbroken. The one he loved was dying, and he had denied even knowing Him.

    Could Peter ever forget the look Jesus gave him in that courtyard? The eyes of the one he had denied? The memory must have haunted him. But don’t forget Jesus’ words: “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.” When the Son of God prays for you, your story doesn’t end in failure. Not because of your strength but because of His.

    Each person present that night had a part in the story. Some watched silently. Some mocked. Some betrayed. Some scattered. Some, like John, stayed by the cross. Jesus’ mother, Mary, was there too. Perhaps Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were among the crowd. Crucifixion was a public display of shame—a message to all: this is what happens to rebels. The more people watching, the better for Rome.

    And yet, even amid that shame and suffering, God’s purpose was unfolding.

    Judas, filled with remorse, took his own life. Peter, filled with grief, would later find forgiveness. Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried.

    This is what Good Friday is about—remembering the cross. This is the one day we pause, and we do not rush ahead to Easter Sunday. We leave Jesus on the cross, not because He’s still there, but to remember the cost.

    Many today wear crosses as jewelry but do not understand what it truly represents. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering—it is a call to discipleship. As William Penn wrote, “No Cross, No Crown.” Without enduring the cross, there is no hope for the crown.

    Luke 9:23–26 (NKJV) 23 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory…”

    There’s so much in that passage. But focus on this: “Take up your cross daily.” That means the cross is not distant, not abstract—it is personal. We each carry one. And in doing so, we walk the path Christ walked.

    Today, we remember His cross.

    Sermon: I Don’t’ Even Know the Man | March 29, 2024 Shubert Christian Church, Shubert, Nebraska / April 6, 2012 First Christian Church (DOC) Winfield, KS

  • Man on a mountain with his hands over his head while his hands make a heart shape.

    If You Have Love: Exploring Christ’s Love Through Maundy Thursday (John 13)

    April 17, 2025

    Today is Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday. The name is thought to be a Middle English derivation taken from a Latin anthem sung in Roman Catholic churches on that day: “Mandatum novum do vobis” (“a new commandment I give to you;” John 13:34). For today’s notes, we are reviewing John 13:20-36 (ESV):

    20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” 

    21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 

    31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

    I like the idea of having a meal, or as referenced in this scripture, I like the idea of a feast. Following the traditions of Jesus, when he fed the thousands, everyone left with a full stomach. [Mark 6:42; Mark 8:8] Much in the way that we often do when we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many other holidays. We leave stuffed! We leave full! Therefore, when Jesus sat down to eat his last meal with his disciples, I am sure for the most part they felt like it was a feast, or a feast full of celebration. Little did they know that afterward, the events that took place were much less to celebrate. 

    My wife, Pamela, gave me an idea the other day about Judas Iscariot and even Peter, who would later deny Jesus. Both of these men sat down and ate this meal. Peter, thinking that he would even die for Jesus would later discover his human weakness and deny Jesus. Judas, however, was different. His betrayal was premeditated. When he sat down to partake of this meal, he knew quite well what he was going to do. 

    Therefore, we know what Jesus said: “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 

    What we do not know is what Judas said. Did he say, “I am sorry, Jesus, but I am not feeling very well this evening, and so I will not be joining you for dinner?” One would think that if they were going to betray the son of God and Savior of the world, they would not be able to sit down and eat a meal that he provided. No. We know that Judas was there. And Judas ate, and likely he ate until he was full and satisfied.

    Of course, we cannot be too critical of these men because when it came time for Jesus to be arrested and put on trial, all of his followers fled. But this was a feast and a last meal, and Jesus left them with some final instructions (John 13:34-35, NKJV):

    34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

    During this Holy Week, we are given many opportunities to focus on these events. From Maundy Thursday to the Last Supper, the washing of feet, the prayers in the garden, and the arrest and trial of Jesus. Each one of these events could provide a whole worship service experience. But of all of these, the most important element from all these events is love. 

     If you have love for one another.

    That is what Christ wanted to emphasize. That is what is needed inside the church today. Inside the fellowship of believers must be love. As we reflect on this passage from John 13, we are reminded of both the deep love of Jesus and the painful reality of His coming betrayal. This moment at the table is intimate, emotional, and powerful. Jesus not only reveals His knowledge of the events to come but also demonstrates His heart of compassion and service, even toward those who would turn against Him. Maundy Thursday calls us to remember Christ’s commandment to love one another as He has loved us — sacrificially, humbly, and completely. It is a time to examine our own hearts, to receive His love, and to extend that love to others.

  • The Significance of “Hosanna” and The Triumphal Entry in Celebrating Palm Sunday

    April 13, 2025

    As the Season of Lent comes to a close, we turn to Mark 11:1-11 (NKJV): 

    1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; 2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. 3 “And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” 4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. 5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” 6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: 
    “Hosanna! 
    ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
    10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David 
    That comes in the name of the Lord! 
    Hosanna in the highest!”
    11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

    Holy Week officially begins. The quiet time that we have spent in spiritual reflection is now interrupted with noise coming from the crowds. We hear voices crying, “Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!  Hosanna in the highest!”

    Depending on what particular study Bible you have, this event is more popularly labeled as “The Triumphal Entry.” We celebrate it as Palm Sunday, even though according to Mark’s gospel, there is no mention of palm branches. The description says “leafy branches.” The type of branches seems irrelevant. The focus here is on the act of worship.

    So, why is this entry considered triumphal? 

    Some people might wonder why this is called The Triumphal Entry. Considering the crucifixion of Jesus that takes place later, it is more of a triumph turned tragedy. The people cry out “Hosanna,” which means, “Save us,” or “Save now.” The act of saving would most certainly be expected, that is, if Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ of God.  And we believe that He is.

    But still, one has to have some appreciation for the dramatization done by Mark’s gospel.  Mark is a short gospel and does not offer a lengthy dissertation. The story shifts in Mark 10, with Jesus healing Blind Bartimaeus as he is approaching Jerusalem. The people who believe in Jesus are there to greet Him, offering shouts of praise, and some probably expecting Him to claim His rule as the Messiah.

    We know the gospel’s story.  Jesus does not claim any throne.  He gets arrested.  Jesus does not gain any high recognition or respect.  He gets mocked and ridiculed.  As I just referred to the dramatization of Mark’s story, the Hosanna cries quickly turn to cries of mourning.  Faith most surely turns to doubt, as the One who appears to be the Savior is unable to save Himself.

    Mark’s gospel gives a good account of the mockery that is said.   Mark 15.27-32 reads:

     27 Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of his. 29 And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You can destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, can you? 30 Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
    31 The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the two criminals who were being crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.

    When one examines the whole story that occurs from triumphal entry to crucifixion, it may be difficult for some people to see the triumph of the occasion.  On the other hand, it seems more of a failure on the people’s part to understand the true person Jesus was and what His mission was—what He came to do. 

    They were not seeing Jesus through the window of Isaiah 53.3-12:

    3 He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. 
    4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! 5 But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! 6 All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. 
    7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins—that he was suffering their punishment? 9 He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.
    10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s plan will prosper in his hands. 11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. 12 I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners.

    We turn back to the question, why is this considered Triumphal? On the surface, it appears to be one of the great tragedies of all time.  If there had been the technology for newspapers, the headlines might have read: 

    RELIGIOUS RADICAL, PUBLIC MENACE, 

    EXECUTED BY THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT.

    Still, as one gains an understanding of what, or rather whom, Jesus came to save–then his entry was triumphal. We understand better that Jesus did not come into the world to become a political leader to liberate his people. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. [Luke 19.10] Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus came to save all of the human race, past, present, and future, from death and destruction. Furthermore, we understand being saved as being allowed to live life with Jesus after we die.

    What has occurred then through the triumphal entry is the announcement of the greatest form of salvation. Had Jesus been a political ruler like King David, the people might have been content for a time under his rule. But what happens when the king dies? Another king comes to rule. In the history of the Old Testament, there were good kings and even more wicked kings. The people during Jesus’ time were living under the rule of wicked kings. Why would the world need another earthly king?

    But now the problem is solved. It no longer matters who the king reigning on the earth is.  There is now an appointed king who will rule for all of eternity.   This King who comes—comes in triumph—triumphal entry. 

    What does this mean for us today? Today, we have a wonderful privilege, to offer worship to the One who has saved us.  Today, we have the option to cry out “Hosanna,” and from the very moment we utter our cry, the Savior hears us. Did you ever think how easy it is to be saved? I am not talking about how easy it is to live the Christian life because living the Christian life is not easy.  But being saved is easy. Being saved is as easy as saying to Jesus Christ, “Hosanna—save me, Lord!”   

    Of course, what is equally important is that your cry comes from the depths of your heart.   It is like falling into a rapidly moving stream and being carried down the river. You realize that unless something miraculously happens, you are sure to drown. And then, as you grab hold of your senses, you know there is only one thing to do. You cry out as loud as you can, “Help…someone, save me!” Usually, those people standing safely on the side of the bank are not arguing amongst themselves, “Well, what do you think? Is that an earnest cry for help?” Maybe I am expecting too much here with my illustration.  

    In some places in this country, the reaction might be: 

    “I just don’t want to get involved!”  

    “If I go rescue that person crying for help—my luck they would hit their head on a rock in the process and then sue me for all I am worth.” 

    Then there are those people who say,

    “What? I can’t hear you! Do you need help?”

    “Too late; I guess they did not need my help.”  

    Still believing there is some goodness left in humanity, most will attempt to rescue a person who is drowning. With the same kind of reaction, Jesus is quick to rescue us.

    Romans 10.13:

    13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

    Considering the invitation, is there anyone who is drowning? Is there anyone who needs saving? It is our purpose to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ, to seek and to save the lost. We give an invitation to those who are seeking salvation, as well as those who are seeking a family of faith.

    Sermon: “Hosanna” | April 16, 2000, at FCC Paradise, California and April 5, 2009, FCC Winfield, KS