The Surprising God

This sermon expounds on the Gospel reading for 5/24/26, which is Pentecost Sunday. Jesus breathes on his disciples. (Artwork: "The Great Commission" by Nalini Jayasuriy via Princeton Theological Seminary) Introduction We begin in chapter one of John's Gospel: (John 1:14, 16) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling [tabernacle] among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…. (16) From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. To help us celebrate the grace of God in Jesus Christ, the apostle John uses symbols from the Feast of Tabernacles. God dwelt with Israel in a tent (tabernacle). But now he dwells among his people in and through his Son, Jesus—God in the flesh, tabernacling with us. Let’s now fast-forward to the last months of Jesus’ earthly life: (John 7:2-5) When the Jewish Feast of ...

This post exegetes 1Peter 4:12-19; 5:5-14, providing context for the Epistles reading on 5/17/26, the 7th Sunday in the season of Easter, which is Ascension Sunday. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary"). "The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer" by Gerome (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In chapters four and five of 1 Peter, the apostle continutes offering encouragement to Christians who are facing persecution. In chapter four, Peter gives four specific instructions to follow when persecution arrives. These instructions are helpful for all of us: They help us pray for persecuted Christians in our day; and help us face the suffering that accompanies faithfully following Jesus in our world. 1. Expect suffering  1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. Followin...

This post exegetes 1Peter 3:8-22, providing context for the Epistles reading on 5/10/26, the 6th Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary"). "The Apostle Peter" by Rembrandt (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction 1 Peter is written to prepare Christians for “grief in all kinds of trials” (1Pet 1:6). Peter knew that official persecution of the church was coming, and now in Chapter three he is concerned that it not lead to division within the church and members becoming discouraged. Peter begins by addressing church unity—a unity preserved as members practice together four powerful behaviors that express the servant-heart of Jesus. 1. Draw together  1Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Here is Peter’s “bottom line”— in the face of persec...

This post exegetes 1Peter 1:22-2:10, providing context for the Epistles reading on 5/3/26, the 5th Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary). "Jesus, the Cornerstone" by Tissot (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction The Jesus-followers to whom Peter originally wrote this epistle were facing the likelihood of increased persecution from the Roman government. Knowing this, Peter urged them to “hang in there” together—hold to the true source of their unity, namely their sharing together in God’s own nature.  From all eternity, God—Father, Son and Spirit—is a triune communion (“common-union” or "community") of love. Through Jesus, who in himself is the union of God and humankind, all humanity has been included in God’s triune community. Now the Spirit calls and gifts Jesus-followers to both be and proclaim God’s community to t...